I’ve gotten several requests to write a blog post on how to prevent hangovers and how to quickly recover the next day using healthy cures as opposed to the not-so-great options many people grab after a night of drinking.  Everyone has heard at one point, “moderation in everything”, and as much as I hate to say it- yes, even the things we love.  That, inevitably, includes alcohol.   Obviously, the less amount of cocktails, the less chance of experiencing that wonderful feeling we call a hangover.

Pacing yourself while drinking and choosing water between drinks can also help you avoid a hangover.  It’s also best to choose red wine because of the antioxidants or a cleaner cocktail.  Vodka is considered the “cleanest” alcoholic beverage.  Also, the more sugar the worse the hangover, so choose mixers with no added sugar such as sparkling water or lime.

Some damage control tips that will prevent a hangover include taking a B-complex vitamin supplement to counter B-vitamin depletion caused by alcohol, eat a clean and healthy meal before drinking, and take the herb Milk Thistle to help prepare your liver.

While drinking: water, water, aaaand water. Stay hydrated while drinking and before you go to bed, which can be a hard rule to follow, but the liver needs it to get rid of those toxins from the alcohol.  When water runs low, it’s taken from other organs, including the brain, which is the root cause of the hangover headache.

The morning after, drink water with lemon and take an Epsom salt bath to help further clear toxins out of your body.  Perhaps while you’re relaxing in the bath have a snack.  Have a banana to replenish the potassium your body has lost after drinking.  Eat raw honey on toasted Ezekiel bread.  The sugar in honey helps your body metabolize the alcohol, and the honey itself contains potassium.  Hey, put some honey ON your banana!

Out of the bath and you’re already feeling better.  How about some coconut water to hydrate even more and help with the hangover as it is high in electrolytes.  Green, leafy veggies contain vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that support liver detox, so even though they may not sound too tasty while being hung over, they will speed up your recovery.  The good news is you can add them to a smoothie made with a frozen banana, berries and coconut water.  Something quick and easy to make, dandelion root tea. This tea aids in your body’s natural detoxification process by breaking down fats during digestion and carrying waste away.  And a final concoction cure is to add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a full glass of water.

What I have for you today is a simple detox drink that tastes great and provides a relief and recovery that will get you over this hangover in no time.

Day-After Detox Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Juice of half a lemon
• Mint leaves

Directions:

1. Add chia seeds to your glass of coconut water, and mix well.
2. Squeeze half a lemon, and mix.
3. Garnish with mint leaves.

Do you have any other healthy hangover cures you swear by?  If so, please share in the comment section below!

Cheers!

xoxo,