Effects of Alcohol on body.
Waking up with a pounding headache, a queasy stomach, and an overall sense of misery is a familiar experience for many who have overindulged in alcohol. It's called a hangover, and while the only foolproof way to avoid it is to drink in moderation or abstain altogether, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate its debilitating symptoms and speed up your recovery.
People generally drink or get habituated to excessive drinking for many reasons, such as social pressure and peer influence, escapism and stress relief, low self-esteem and insecurity or genetic predisposition, lack of education, psychological dependence, tolerance development, societal and cultural norms, binge drinking culture and lastly lack of support.
In the dilemma of what to do and what to do to recover from a hangover, people often make inevitable mistakes thinking that this remedy or procedure might reduce or obliterate the hangover.
Here’s a list of things people generally do to recover from the hangover which they are not supposed to be doing:
- Coffee: Many people turn to coffee to combat the fatigue associated with a hangover. While caffeine may temporarily increase alertness, it can worsen dehydration and irritate the stomach.
- Greasy Food: Some opt for greasy or heavy foods like burgers, fries, or pizza, believing it will "soak up" the alcohol. These foods may provide temporary comfort but can be harsh on the digestive system and don't aid in a true recovery.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Aspirin or ibuprofen can provide relief from headaches and body aches, but they may exacerbate stomach irritation and liver strain.
- Hair of the Dog: Some people choose to drink more alcohol, known as "hair of the dog," as a quick fix to alleviate hangover symptoms temporarily. While it can temporarily numb symptoms, it delays the inevitable crash and prolongs the recovery process.
The list of things that people should actually do to recover from a hangover:
- Hydrate Properly: The primary cause of hangover symptoms is dehydration. To recover effectively, individuals should consume water, electrolyte-rich drinks, or natural sources of hydration (like coconut water) to restore fluid balance in the body.
- Eat Nutritious Foods: Opt for a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote recovery. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- Electrolyte Replacement: Besides water, replenishing lost electrolytes through sports drinks or electrolyte-rich foods like bananas can aid recovery.
- Rest and Sleep: Adequate rest and sleep are essential for the body to heal and recuperate. Lying down and getting some shut-eye allows the body to recover more quickly.
- Ginger and Herbal Teas: Ginger tea or other herbal teas can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce nausea.
- Avoid Alcohol: As tempting as it may be to have more alcohol to alleviate hangover symptoms, it's not a healthy or sustainable solution. It's best to allow your body to detoxify and heal naturally.
How to Detox Your Body Naturally with Ayurveda?
In an age marked by the pressures of demanding desk jobs and a burgeoning weekend culture that has made its way into urban India, alcoholism has become an appealing escape route. Individuals often indulge in excessive drinking during social gatherings, only to rue their decisions the next day. The merriment of the moment gives way to a throbbing headache, dehydration, and overwhelming fatigue.
This phenomenon even has its own label: the hangover.
Yet, hangovers pale in comparison to the more severe health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. When alcohol is consumed in abundance, it can wreak havoc on the liver, resulting in a buildup of harmful toxins in the body.
For those who engage in recreational and excessive drinking, the consequences extend beyond mere hangovers. They may experience alcohol-induced toxicity, which manifests as impaired liver function, gastrointestinal problems, slowed metabolism, and disruptions in sleep patterns.
This underscores the critical importance of detoxification for individuals grappling with alcohol-related issues.
Definition of Detoxification
Detoxification involves the removal of harmful free radicals, commonly referred to as toxins, from the body through adherence to a particular diet and exercise regimen.
Alcohol consumption can hinder the body's inherent ability to eliminate these toxins, necessitating various lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. The duration of these dietary changes can vary, contingent upon the body's individual response.
In addition to counteracting the detrimental impacts of alcohol, detoxification plays a role in weight control and enhances overall well-being.
What does Ayurveda have to say about alcoholism?
Ayurveda emphasizes moderation in alcohol consumption as a key principle for maintaining balance and health. It recognizes that excessive drinking can disrupt the body's natural equilibrium and lead to various health issues. Ayurvedic practitioners also consider an individual's dosha type when discussing alcohol, as some constitution types may be more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol. Overall, Ayurveda promotes mindful and responsible drinking to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Now as we know, due to excess alcohol consumption, the most affected organ is the liver and to not cause more damage to it here is something that can be tried and is very useful.
Livi Dr - Ayurvedic Liver Protection Product is one such product that is very helpful in protecting from liver damage which is mostly caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
This product contains various ayurvedic ingredients which are very good for the body and helps in maintaining it in good condition.
The ingredients used in this ayurvedic product i.e. Kalmegh, Kutki, Triphala, Guggal, Chitrakmool, Shilajit, and Neem will help in detoxification and reduce the damage caused by alcohol.
Kalmegh
Kalmegh contains phytochemicals that help modulate liver enzymes, promote detoxification, improve hangover symptoms, and relieve alcohol toxicity.
Prepare a decoction by letting Kalmegh herbs seep into the water for a couple of hours. Strain the water and drink it to cure the hangover. Remember that it has a bitter taste; adding honey might help.
Neem
Neem is renowned for its antioxidative and antibacterial attributes. However, its exceptional efficacy in detoxification makes it a valuable herb. With its hepatoprotective qualities, Neem serves as a potent remedy for both hangovers and alcohol-induced toxicity, safeguarding vital organs from the detrimental effects of alcohol.
To utilize Neem for this purpose:
- Immerse Neem leaves in hot water for approximately 30 minutes.
- Create a paste by grinding Neem leaves using a mortar and pestle.
- Store the paste in a cool, dry place and consume it with warm water as needed.
It's important to note that Neem has a bitter taste, so it's advisable to avoid consuming it immediately after alcohol intake, as it may induce vomiting. Wait until the stomach has settled before using it as a remedy.
Guggal
In addition to its roles in weight and cholesterol control, Guggulu, when taken in the morning, can provide relief from the unpleasant effects of a severe hangover resulting from excessive alcohol consumption the night before. This anti-inflammatory herb boasts hepatoprotective properties, supporting optimal liver function.
To benefit from Guggulu's properties:
- Consume it in powdered form, mixed with lukewarm water.
- This aids in the restoration of vital bodily fluids and helps alleviate belching caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Why Hate Liver? Take care of it and it will take care of you!
If you've ever been attentive during a biology lesson, you'd understand the profound significance of the liver among internal organs. Its primary role involves secreting bile juice to facilitate digestion, but its functions go beyond that.
The liver oversees a multitude of internal processes, including the production of blood-clotting factors, the conversion of sugar into glycogen, the storage of vital vitamins and minerals, and the prevention of toxins from entering the bloodstream.
It's no surprise that liver diseases can have a substantial impact on overall health and even be life-threatening. Consequently, showing affection for your liver and ensuring its well-being is of utmost importance.
Keypoints to follow:
- To maintain overall well-being, it's advisable to engage in regular detoxification routines.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, impacting vital organs like the liver. Hangovers result from dehydration and alcohol-induced toxicity.
- Ayurveda provides specific remedies and dietary strategies to counteract hangovers and mitigate alcohol's effects on the body.
- Traditional methods for addressing hangovers and alcohol-induced toxicity encompass panchakarma treatments, the consumption of simple foods, ample water intake, and the promotion of gastrointestinal health using natural laxatives.
- Ayurvedic medicine can also be employed to eliminate toxins from the body.
- Herbs like Neem, amla, Kuggulu, kalmegh, and gotu kola are effective in alleviating hangover symptoms.
- Strengthening and safeguarding your liver can be achieved through dietary choices, including apples, carrots, leafy greens, beetroot, citrus fruits, and walnuts.
- At-home Ayurvedic detoxification can be practiced by avoiding fried foods, alcohol, smoking, and similar habits. Additionally, dedicating at least one hour a day to exercise and daily meditation for mental centering are beneficial practices.
