Five simple tips to beat hangover
Saher Motiwala sifts fact from fiction to help you sort the after-party effect.
COCONUT WATER IS A NATURAL HEALER
"Coconut water contains potassium which helps in fighting the hangover," says Loveneet Batra, clinical nutritionist, Fortis La Femme, New Delhi. "Coconut water is also an isotonic solution that replenishes the body and hydrates it," clarifies Dr Kanika Malhotra, Clinical nutritionist, Healthcare at Home, Delhi. It is not only high in magnesium but also low in fat and cholesterol.
LOAD UP ON CARBS
"Complex carbohydrates and low fat protein foods provide the body with energy and replenish it," says Batra. Alcohol also makes the blood glucose levels drop."Your liver is far too busy metabolising alcohol to produce more glucose to fix your low blood sugar, but the carbohydrates bring your levels back and make the body active," adds Malhotra.
SALT MAKES IT WORSE
"Adding a pinch of salt to lime water will help replenish the sodium levels in the body that are lost after the consumption of alcohol," says Batra. Alcohol is a diuretic and a lot of sodium in the body is lost after consuming too much of it. "Salt corrects the electrolyte imbalance in the system," she adds.
GET SOME SLEEP
This does not mean that you should sleep all day. "It is extremely important to sleep for at least eight hours after a night of bingeing," says Batra. "Anything more than that will make you feel more lazy and tired." So try not to sleep for more than eight hours.
DRINKING BEER HELPS
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not the cure for the morning aftermath. Says Malhotra: "The body is already trying to process all the toxins from the previous night and adding some more alcohol could aggravate the effect and slow down the process."
YOGA FOR A SIX-PACK
Not just gymming, yoga can also do wonders for those trying to get that elusive six-pack. Just give these moves a shot.
Naukasana, a fabulous core strengthener, is excellent at shedding excess belly weight.
You rely on your core strength to do the Shirshasana. No wonder, then, that it is great for your abs and body balance.
Dhanurasana tests your core strength and helps you bring out those abs faster than you can imagine.
(Courtesy: Men's Health)
