OVERINDULGENCE AND HANGOVERS

The only cure for pure overindulgence is preventative: everything should be taken in moderation, particularly rich food and alcohol. Alcohol causes the frequent urination that results in dehydration and the slight brain swelling that gives you the headache. More or less daily abuse of your body by this method can lead to obesity and cirrhosis. Your body needs two weeks to normalise after a bout of drinking. Other problems associated with daily heavy drinking range from malnutrition to male infertility, cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, breast, colon and liver.

TREATMENT

· If you're going to drink, eat something beforehand to help slow down the rate of alcohol absorption.
· Drink a glass of water for every drink of alcohol you have.

CONSULT A DOCTOR

· Ask your doctor if alcohol will affect any medications your taking.
· Consult your doctor if you feel you’ve lost control of your drinking and need help.

AN ALTERNATIVE CHOICE

HOMEOPATHY

· For a hangover that causes aggression, take Nux vomica.
· Take sulphur if you have a bout of morning diarrhoea.
· Bryonia is useful if you have a splitting headache that worsens if you move your head.

AROMATHERAPY

· If you feel slightly nauseous, inhale the oil of peppermint, lemon, lavender or bergamot.

Patient Information

Red wine, contrary to popular belief does not lower blood cholesterol, in fact, it may keep the levels high; and it reduces the blood’s ability to clot. It does, however, contain antioxidants, which helps in the prevention of cancer and prevents coronary heart disease. A glass every other day will give you the full benefit.

Rehydrate by drinking non-acidic drinks. Coffee and Hair of the Dog (more alcohol) do not work and may make the problem worse. Avoid eating anything that can irritate your stomach, drink a banana milkshake instead. Bananas have high potassium levels and helps balance your electrolytes and thereby the fluid levels in your body. The milk will replace lost minerals and vitamins and raise your blood sugar.