National Post ePaper

OW, MY HEAD!

These foods may help zap your hangover

RITA DEMONTIS rdemontis@postmedia.com @ritademontis

Do you not get the impression the whole country is dealing with an election hangover?

That feeling you get when you’ve had way too much to eat and drink? You’re tired, thirsty, cranky, headachy and a tad sick to your stomach. Even the light hurts your head.

These are standard symptoms of indulging in too much alcohol. But one suspects the nation has had way too much election news these last few weeks. An election hangover probably feels the same as the real deal.

Well, we can’t all have that old hair-of-the-dog cure (using alcohol to rid yourself of a hangover or, in this case, another election!) But we can eat foods that’ll help ease us out of that gutwrenching, helpless feeling and start getting back to feeling normal — or as normal as one gets during these extraordinary times.

According to healthline. com, “while there is no known cure for hangovers, several foods and drinks may alleviate symptoms.” They list a variety of foods that are nutritious and delicious and that’ll have you feeling like your old self in no time — items that are most likely in your pantry, cupboard or fridge, too.

Healthline. com offers the following:

AVOCADO: “Eating avocados after a night of heavy drinking can help raise low potassium levels from alcohol consumption and dehydration. What’s more, research shows that avocados contain compounds that protect against liver injury. Since drinking in excess takes a toll on your liver, avocados may be especially beneficial for hangovers.” RECIPE IDEAS: In toast, dip, sliced into salads.

BANANAS: “Alcohol blocks the production of a hormone that helps your body hold onto water, leading to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Bananas are especially rich in potassium and can help replenish your body’s stores. One medium banana contains 12% of the daily value for this nutrient.” RECIPE IDEAS: Banana bread, banana pancakes, bananas in a smoothie.

BLUEBERRIES: “Are rich in nutrients that fight inflammation in your body, which comes in handy if you have a hangover.” RECIPE IDEAS: In smoothies, baked into power bars, added to plain yogurt, cooked into a compote topping.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP: But of course! “A popular remedy for the flu or common cold, (it) may also be helpful for hangovers. Research shows this soup can help you rehydrate — mostly due to its high sodium content.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Chicken stew, roast chicken sandwiches.

CRACKERS: “Contain fastacting carbs that can increase your blood sugar during a hangover and improve related symptoms. When the liver is processing alcohol, it no longer focuses on regulating blood sugar. This is why low blood sugar can result from excessive drinking, especially in people with diabetes. Eating carbs increases blood sugar. Five saltine crackers contain about 22 grams of carbs.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Serve with favourite cheese, crumbled in organic broth, used in baking.

EGGS: “Are rich in cysteine, an amino acid that your body uses to produce the antioxidant glutathione. Eating cysteine-rich eggs is a great way to increase glutathione in your body and possibly improve hangover symptoms.”

RECIPE IDEA: Poached, with dry toast, in an omelette or served up in custard pudding.

GINGER: “Extensive research supports the use of ginger as an effective remedy for nausea (and) stomach upset. It can be eaten on its own, in smoothies or as a tea.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Ginger is perfect in a glaze for salmon, chicken and incorporated into baked goods.

HONEY: “While research on this subject is limited, fructose may help rid your body of alcohol more quickly improve hangover symptoms.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Served on toast, swirled in tea, added to a shake, blended into baked goods.

OATMEAL: “Oatmeal contains complex carbohydrates that provide a slow and steady release of sugar into the bloodstream and may help with hangover symptoms. One study found that eating a breakfast full of complex carbs instead of refined sugars led to improved mood and fewer feelings of fatigue.” RECIPE IDEAS: Soaked overnight and served with favourite fresh fruit. Plus, oatmeal cookies are the best!

PICKLES: “Are high in sodium, an electrolyte that is depleted during excessive drinking. Eating pickles or drinking their brine may help boost your sodium levels and overcome your hangover.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Layered on a hamburger, fried corn dog style.

SALMON: “Is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent at decreasing inflammation in your body. Eating salmon or other fatty fish may be a good way to ease hangover symptoms.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Canned salmon blended with minced green onion, celery and mayo, in salmon rolls, brushed with teriyaki sauce and baked.

SPINACH: “Is rich in folate, a nutrient that may be diminished due to heavy drinking. Eating spinach can help you maintain adequate folate levels after drinking alcohol.” RECIPE IDEAS: Blanched, diced and sauteed with minced, sweet onion. Scramble together with eggs. In a pasta filling.

SWEET POTATOES: “Contain several nutrients that may help you get over a hangover faster, including vitamin A, magnesium and potassium. Vitamin A may help fight the inflammation associated with hangovers, while magnesium and potassium are needed to replace what’s lost during alcohol consumption.”

RECIPE IDEAS: Roasted in oven with drizzle of olive oil, punctured with fork and microwaved five minutes, peeled, mashed with brown sugar, butter and nutmeg.

OTHER FOOD IDEAS: A bowl of soothing, plain risotto with a dab of butter and a sprinkling of Parmigianoreggiano. Baby potatoes that have been blanched, sliced and served with some butter and a sprinkling of salt. Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.

LIFE

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2021-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://nationalpost.pressreader.com/article/282166474324508

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