While we have now survived the days of feasting with more or less extra pounds, the year’s resolution is now upon us. Christmas markets and mulled wine were rare in Germany and on New Year’s Eve it should not bang. There bangs it probably nevertheless here and there, if we refer times to the alcohol and the toast to New Year’s Eve. To the topic some references …
GERMANY (Berlin) – the goose roast is just digested, there stands so some head and stomach to New Year’s Eve a new load test before: The new year begins for many humans with a violent “hangover”. A grumbling head, a rebellious stomach and a leaden body – these are the typical symptoms after too much alcohol. This can be prevented with plenty of water and hearty snacks. Some tips:
HOW DOES THE “HANGOVER” HAPPEN?
The lack of water and minerals due to alcohol consumption is the main cause of headaches, dizziness and thirst the morning after. Carbonated drinks and warm, high-sugar drinks such as punch and liqueurs, where the alcohol circulates particularly quickly in the bloodstream, also have a particularly severe effect. Too little sleep can make a hangover even worse.
WHAT PROTECTS AGAINST A BUZZING HEAD IN THE MORNING?
Although no large parties are desired this year because of Corona, but drinking is certainly nevertheless. Under no circumstances should alcohol be consumed on an empty stomach. High-fat foods such as pasta dishes, tuna in oil, fried potatoes or fried sausages are a good base.
As a rule of thumb, every alcoholic drink should be followed by a glass of mineral water. This reduces alcohol intake, and the body does not dry out. In between, mineral-rich snacks such as nuts, cheese bites, liver sausage rolls or a hearty soup are recommended to replenish the mineral stores flushed out by the alcohol.
DOES IT HELP TO STICK TO ONE TYPE OF ALCOHOL?
According to health experts, this is a misconception. It is simply the amount of alcohol consumed that makes the difference. Admittedly, sweet drinks such as cocktails, liqueurs and wine spritzers, as well as concentrated alcoholic beverages such as brandy, are more likely to give you a buzz.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE BODY TO BREAK DOWN ALCOHOL?
Alcohol is absorbed quickly by the body, but is broken down slowly. An 80-kilogram man needs about two and a half hours to break down 20 grams of alcohol. This corresponds to about half a liter of beer, a quarter liter of wine or three glasses of schnapps. Women need about three hours to break down the same amount.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HEAD IS STILL BUZZING?
If, despite all precautions, you wake up on New Year’s morning with a headache, nausea and dizziness, the best way to combat the symptoms is with plenty of mineral water, fruit juice spritzers and a sour-salty “hangover breakfast. Far more recommendable than headache remedies are a hearty sauerkraut stew, fried herrings, olives, salty cookies and sour cucumbers.
The acid promotes alcohol breakdown, and the salt replaces lost minerals such as calcium. Fruits and whole grains also help the liver break down alcohol. Painkillers tend to put additional strain on the liver. However, a lot does not always help a lot. The stomach, which is irritated by alcohol, could have problems with a breakfast that is too rich, so smaller portions are more advisable.
WHAT CAN BE DONE AGAINST THE SO-CALLED “AFTER-THIRST”?
Still mineral water or fruit juice spritzers can help. Sparkling water is rather unsuitable because carbon dioxide irritates the stomach, which is already under strain. Coffee also tends to increase the headache in some hangover sufferers and puts a strain on the stomach. For others, however, an espresso with lemon juice helps. A walk in the fresh air at least gets the circulation going.
