Simple Hangover Detox

Eating a filling meal before drinking reduces the level of intoxication by slowing down the absorption of alcohol into the blood and results in faster metabolization of alcohol when food is present in the stomach for digestion. However, avoid greasy and fatty fried food because the stomach takes longer to digest these foods. Alcoholics generally report feeling uncomfortable after consuming oily food and the next day many report upset stomachs in addition to hangovers.

One ounce of alcohol is metabolized by the liver in around 90 minutes. The blood alcohol content of the body reduces by 0.01 every 40 minutes. So, as a thumb rule you can time your drinks every 45 minutes. Sip slowly and do not order one after another. Chill, relax, chat and order when 40 minutes is up.

Do NOT drink alcoholic energy drinks or alcoholic caffeinated drinks like Four Loko, alcohol 120, Redbull-vodka. While alcohol is a depressant, caffeine is a stimulant. So if the two are consumed together, the stimulating effects of the caffeine masks the depressing effects of alcohol. So one does not realize how intoxicated he is after consuming this and this can lead to excessive drinking. There have been many instances of harmful and sometime fatal effects of this combination in party-goers. Also, it is recommended to avoid drinking coffee as well the day after. The caffeine does not help, only the hot liquid is refreshing. So take hot water with a squeeze of lemon instead.

Alcohol is a diuretic and hence dehydrates the body. So make sure to drink lots and lots of water before, during and after drinking. Dehydration is the most primary cause of hangovers. So have a glass of water after every alcoholic drink and have at least 2 glasses of water before going to bed and after waking up. There is no better detox than good old H2O.

Do not drink shots of 30ml -- 45ml because they are consumed very quickly in one shot. During a long drinking session people tend to consume more shots. Highballs are generally 200ml -- 300ml and have more water content. So drinking a highball not only takes longer but helps in rehydration as well, countering the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Citrus fruits and juices are full of Vitamin C which is an excellent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants can neutralize the hangover inducing toxins that alcohol creates in the body. Even plain hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice is one of the best natural detox medicine that can be consumed.

Obviously, during any party moderation is recommended. Ideally, the limit for experienced drinkers should be 5 drinks for men and 4 for women. For less experienced drinkers 2 to 3 drinks should ideally be the maximum consumed. Of course this number varies greatly among different people.

Do NOT consume prescription pills or narcotic drugs after a heavy drinking session. These not only increases intoxication but can be fatal as well. Tobacco is a lifeline for drinkers but ideally it should be avoided or kept at minimum. It is more difficult to detox if there are drugs and complex compounds as well as alcohol in the blood.

A breath of fresh air and a short run or jogging is not only refreshing but fastens the rate of metabolization of excess alcohol in the body. So even if you don't feel like it, go for a run in the fresh morning air and your hangover will magically disappear.

Having a hot shower the day after is a refreshing detox solution to a hangover. The heat of the shower increases body temperature and helps to metabolize the toxins created by the alcohol consumed the night before.