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Miscellany

Hangover cures debunked

The folks at Remedy magazine sent an email this week busting some major hangover myths just in time for the biggest drinking night of the year (except for maybe Cinqo de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, your birthday and Carolina winning the national championship):

MYTH: Quaff some hair of the dog for breakfast.
FACT: It might dull your senses enough to ease the pain for a little while, but once the alcohol catches up with you, you’re more hungover. So skip it.
OPTION: Though far less tasty, chug some antacid containing bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto Bismol).

MYTH: Chow on some fatty foods the morning after.
FACT: Nice try, but no. Since you don’t get hungover till the alcohol is in your bloodstream, putting anything in your stomach isn’t going to do much except ease your hunger pangs. And it could set off your already uneasy tummy.
OPTION: Eat a full meal (fatty or otherwise) before your partying, and don’t forget to snack during, too. That’ll slow down the rate at which your tum-tum moves the alcohol down the line.

MYTH: Down burnt toast or an over-the-counter charcoal remedy.
FACT:
Charcoal only absorbs impurities in your stomach, so, again, once the alcohol’s floating around in your bloodstream, it’s too late. And the burnt toast could cause your upset tummy to erupt, and who wants that?
OPTION: Try crackers or properly cooked toast instead. The complex carbohydrates will get your system back on track.

MYTH: Brew some strong coffee.
FACT:
Despite what we’ve seen in numerous movies and TV shows, coffee won’t sober you up. At best, it’ll just make you more alert and aware of your pain.
OPTION: You’re much better off drinking water – and lots of it. Or fruit juice to restore your blodd sugard levels.

MYTH: Pop a pain reliever.
FACT: If aspirin doesn’t bother your stomach when you haven’t been drinking, it might help your headache. Ditto ibuprofen or naproxen. But with the state of your stomach in question, you may be more prone to side-effects like – you guessed it, stomach upset. And avoid anything with acetaminophen entirely. Why? Alcohol messes with your liver’s ability to process a toxic byproduct of the acetaminophen. Bleh!

Here’s to a happy and hangover-free New Year!