NYE Alcohol Indulgence-Some Hangover Cures from Harvard Health

We all know that  people who go to Harvard are supposedly really smart, right?  Well, I've  heard that mostly about Harvard Law and MIT, but Harvard Health- they are no slouches either.  Since  it's New Year's Eve, you may be indulging a bit in some  adult beverages.  And it might be even more so if you are staying home. No one likes the after-affects otherwise known as a hangover.  It can seriously ruin an entire day or more depending on how bad the  hangover is.

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First, we need to realize what causes a hangover.  The obvious answer is that you drank too much.  But there is actually a lot more to that.  Have you noticed that sometimes your hangover is worse that other times?  Or sometimes you don't get one and you really think you should have?  There are reasons for that.

...how much you drank to get there is less important. In fact, several studies suggest that light and moderate drinkers are more vulnerable to getting a hangover than heavy drinkers. Yet there's also seemingly contradictory research showing that people with a family history of alcoholism have worse hangovers. Researchers say some people may end up with drinking problems because they drink in an effort to relieve hangover symptoms.

Whatever the reason is, here are some supposed cures according to Harvard Health. 

• Hair of the Dog.  I've never been able to do this one.  That's  when you drink the thing that you drank to get you to this "place". Like you are suffering from a form of withdrawal.  But all it really does is delay the reaction and recovery time.
• Drink Fluids. Drinking alcohol promotes more urination, it also messes with kidney function. So, drinking more fluids like water or something with electrolytes with help with that situation.
• Eat Some Carbs. Drinking alcohol can lower your blood sugar.  So, eating some food that is high in carbohydrates may help you feel better.  Hence why suddenly breakfast sandwiches sound good the morning after.
• Avoid Darker Colored Beverages.  Obviously this one would have to be done the night before a possible hangover.  Like you are trying to avoid one.  Alcohol contains levels of ethanol, but darker colored beverages like whiskey, red wine and the like contain levels of methanol.  There is a bit of toxicity to that and may cause a worse hangover.  Strange,  because they also say that red wines are good for your heart.  I guess moderation is key.
• Take a Pain Reliever. But avoid acetaminophen, like Tylenol.  Take something like an aspirin or ibuprofen. They are easier on the stomach, which might already be irritated.
• Drink Coffee or Tea w/Caffeine.  This isn't going to sober you up, but it might make you feel better and less groggy, so there's that.
• B Vitamins and/or Zinc.  This would be a pre-game activity as well.  Apparently if you ate foods high in B Vitamins and Zinc your hangover will be less severe.

The biggest thing is to not  drink and drive, whatever you are planning to do this New Year's  Eve.  Let's let go of 2020 and hope for a MUCH better 2021 with a lot more normal things happening. Not the "new normal" as many people were saying.

CHEERS!