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Hangover is the mini withdrawal symptoms that the body experiences when alcohol intake is stopped. When a person drinks alcohol in large quantities, their body gets accustomed to this new fluid. However, as the person sleeps, the flow of alcohol into the body is stopped. Since the body has now become accustomed to the new fluid, its absence is now dealt with the body differently. When the person wakes up, he can feel nausea, headache and will feel more sensitive to lights and sound. These are the withdrawal symptoms experienced by the body.

There are many ways to ease hangover. However, any method mentioned below will not result in the immediate subsiding of hangover. Hangover treatment isn’t difficult, but it requires patience as the process itself takes time. A person can combat hangover by doing various things. Anti Hangover Pills work great when taken 40-45 minutes before drinking alcohol. Staying hydrated is another method. 

Here are 5 ways to ease hangover-

1. Hydrated- Staying hydrated is the key. As alcohol is a diuretic fluid, it makes the body get rid of water. As the body uses most of the water in the synthesis of alcohol, not much water is left. This absence of water causes hangover. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water reduces effect of hangover. People must also take note that if they are going to bed inebriated, they must drink at least 200 Ml of water before sleeping. This intake of water would make sure that the body has minimum amounts of water level in the body.
2. Medicines- There are many medicines available in the market. These medicines suppress the effects of hangover and provide relief. Anti hangover pills can be divided into two parts- 
   • Taken before the drinks- These types of medicines is the best way to combat hangover. Taking a pill at least 40-45 minutes prior to having drinks is advisable. These pills must be taken in an empty stomach to maximize their effect.
   • Taken during hangover- Hangover treatment isn’t well endorsed by such medicines. These medicines are pain relievers that relieve the person from headache and nausea. 
3. Sports Drinks- Our body synthesizes alcohol with the help of electrolytes. The balance of electrolytes in our body is essential for the normal functioning of our organs. As alcohol is synthesized by our body, electrolytes are used up. These electrolytes must be replenished. Sports drinks such as Gatorade have electrolytes. They help combat hangover by replenishing the body.
4. Smart Drinking- Drinking a diluted drink is always advisable. This increases the water content in the body and decreases the alcohol level. As the body receives more water and less alcohol, less body fluid is used in the synthesis of alcohol. Also, eating crispy and greasy food items while drinking is also advisable as it helps in breakdown of alcohol.
5. Not Drinking- Not drinking is probably the only way to not experience a hangover. However, it is always not possible to say no.  

                     These days no social event or party is complete without some amount of alcohol being present. While one has often heard of long-term ill effects of alcohol it is important to short-term ones.It is not easy to remain tea totaller due to various social pressures. As individuals, we need to manage harmful effects of alcohol, both short term and long term as well as social life and need for networking for career reasons.    Many of the youngsters are just social drinkers and may have to deal with short-term side effects rather than not having any measures for dealing with those and  as opposed to being counselled without understanding them.

What is a hangover?

Hangovers are caused due to overconsumption of alcohol because of several adverse effects such as dehydration, stomach irritation,drop in blood sugar, bad sleep quality,use of toxic byproducts.

Symptoms include a headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, and fatigue. 

The best method of prevention is to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether. 

The most efficient cures are rest, rehydration, and sleep.     

Overcoming Hangovers

Do not take a beer or other alcoholic drinks to get rid of a hangover. Instead of giving relief it will only  prolong hangover symptoms.

Rehydration -  Sip water or fruit juices throughthe day. Water is the best fluid.

Eat - go for bland foods, such as whole wheat crackers or bread, which may raise blood sugar and are easy on the stomach.

Painkillers - some people may take painkillers. However, painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) attack the liver in high concentrations, while aspirin might not be a good candidate for a very delicate stomach.   It’s better to ask a qualified pharmacist than to self-medicate.    

Rest - sleep may aid in speeding up recovery.

Ayurveda to prevent hangovers

One can ensure that before taking the first drink, one takes any Ayurvedic hangover medicine meant to prevent hangovers. These medications typically contain anti-inflammatory agents and liver toners. The mechanism by these Ayurvedic medicines act is by preventing the conversion of alcohol, i.e., ethanol to acetaldehyde.      

Typically when a person drinks alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, it reacts with liver lining and gets converted to acetaldehyde. When the same person drinks excess alcohol, this acetaldehyde gets converted to acetate and enters the bloodstream and causes toxic effects. It causes long-term liver lining corrosion causing liver cirrhosis.   

When one takes these Ayurvedic medicines, one can break the cycle at several steps as ethanol does not get converted to acetaldehyde.It also aids in preventing long-term effects apart from assisting in preventing hangovers.         

One such medicine in the market is Dr Vaidya’s. It is called LIVitup. One can either consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or take one-two pills before the first drink. It is also known to prevent harmful effects of gutka on the liver.

These days no social event or party is complete without some amount of alcohol being present. While one has often heard of long-term ill effects of alcohol it is important to short-term ones.It is not easy to remain tea totaller due to various social pressures. As individuals, we need to manage harmful effects of alcohol, both short term and long term as well as social life and need for networking for career reasons. [G1] [G2] [G3] Many of the youngsters are just social drinkers and may have to deal with short-term side effects rather than not having any measures for dealing with those and[G4]  as opposed to being counselled without understanding them.

What is a hangover?

Hangovers are caused due to overconsumption of alcohol because of several adverse effects such as dehydration, stomach irritation,drop in blood sugar, bad sleep quality,use of toxic byproducts.

Symptoms include a headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.[G5] 

The best method of prevention is to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.[G6] 

The most efficient cures are rest, rehydration, and sleep.[G7] [G8] [G9] [G10] [G11] 

Overcoming Hangovers

Do not take a beer or other alcoholic drinks to get rid of a hangover. Instead of giving relief it will only [G12] prolong hangover symptoms.

Rehydration -  Sip water or fruit juices throughthe day. Water is the best fluid.

Eat - go for bland foods, such as whole wheat crackers or bread, which may raise blood sugar and are easy on the stomach.

Painkillers - some people may take painkillers. However, painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) attack the liver in high concentrations, while aspirin might not be a good candidate for a very delicate stomach.[G13] [G14]  It’s better to ask a qualified pharmacist than to self-medicate.[G15] [G16] [G17] [G18] 

Rest - sleep may aid in speeding up recovery.

Ayurveda to prevent hangovers

One can ensure that before taking the first drink, one takes any Ayurvedic medicine meant to prevent hangovers. These medications typically contain anti-inflammatory agents and liver toners. The mechanism by these Ayurvedic medicines act is by preventing the conversion of alcohol, i.e., ethanol to acetaldehyde.[G19] [G20] [G21] [G22] [G23] [G24] 

Typically when a person drinks alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, it reacts with liver lining and gets converted to acetaldehyde. When the same person drinks excess alcohol, this acetaldehyde gets converted to acetate and enters the bloodstream and causes toxic effects. It causes long-term liver lining corrosion causing liver cirrhosis.[G25] [G26] [G27] 

When one takes these Ayurvedic medicines, one can break the cycle at several steps as ethanol does not get converted to acetaldehyde.It also aids in preventing long-term effects apart from assisting in preventing hangovers.[G28] [G29] [G30] [G31] [G32] [G33] [G34] [G35] [G36] 

One such medicine in the market is Dr Vaidya’s. It is called LIVitup. One can either consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or take one-two pills before the first drink. It is also known to prevent harmful effects of gutka on the liver.