WITH fiesta season fast approaching – starting with the ‘Cruces de Mayo’ on 1 May and progressing into Corpus and San Juan in June – it will soon be party central here in Spain.
Unless you’re a party pooper, the annual fiesta to celebrate your village’s patron saint means joining your Spanish friends and neighbours in the street (there’s no excuse to hide beside the wood-burning stove now). Before long, you’ll be enjoying ‘unas cervezas’, ‘unos vinos’ or ‘unas copas’, while listening to dodgy bands playing ‘charanga’ music in the plaza. It’s rude not to participate!
Lightweight Brits
However, while Pedro and Pauli were raised to enjoy four-day fiestas – without feeling ill – we Brits tend to be lightweights in comparison. Many of us grew up in a country where time at the bar was traditionally called at 11pm. We wandered home, ate a takeaway, and fell asleep. by midnight. OK, so 90’s ravers are exempt – bedtime was the next afternoon, or even later.
For the ‘expat’ reveller, a wild night at ‘la fiesta’ can cause low energy levels, nausea, headaches, and ‘hangxiety’. This can last the next day, or even longer – depending on your metabolism and liver health.
So, other than not indulging – or “joining AA”, as one Brit suggested – what hangover cures are best for shaking those unwanted symptoms?
A greasy fry up?
Some people – Brits, in particular – swear by a traditional, hearty fried breakfast to end a hangover, but scientific evidence backing this approach is limited. While a platter of greasy bacon, beans, and eggs on toast might replenish nutrients and stabilise your blood sugar levels (protein and carbs), the bright yellow, runny yolk might prove challenging if you’re nauseous or vomiting! You could, instead, choose different foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals while being easier to stomach. How about a smoothie containing delicious fruits, grains, and green leaves?
Our verdict: 3/10 – only if you don’t already feel sick.
Isotonic drinks
Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine production and causes dehydration. In turn, this exacerbates your hangover. Drinking plenty of isotonic drinks (and ‘mucho agua’) is always advisable. The liquid intake will replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby easing headaches and fatigue. Stock up on isotonic drinks from your local store, such as Aquarius. Alternatively, buy powdered electrolyte drinks for sports people. These are sometimes recommended by doctors when patients are dehydrated from stomach bugs.
Our verdict: 9/10 – these always seem to help.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning that a cup of coffee (or three) can help with the fatigue and brain fog caused by a hangover. However, don’t drink too much, as it could further dehydrate you, and make other symptoms worse.
Our verdict: 7/10 – tends to perk you up.
Adaptogenic coffee
Fairly new on the market, adaptogenic ‘Nootropic’ coffees are special drinks designed to balance the mind and body. They have the potential to alleviate anxiety and raise your mood. One prominent ingredient, Lion’s Mane mushroom, is known to stimulate the regeneration of brain cells – improving cognitive health, memory, and brain function. It can also help your digestive system, So, a cup of adaptogenic coffee could be handy for replacing “the brain cells we lost at the fiesta last night”, so to speak, as well as quelling indigestion.
Our verdict: 9/10 – definitely has a positive impact.
Vitamin B12
Alcohol interferes with the absorption of B vitamins, including B12, which are essential for energy metabolism and neurological function. Some hangover remedies include B12, or you can buy it as a standalone supplement. Although scientific evidence is limited, many people believe that B12 does the trick.
Our verdict: 7/10 – we’re with the anecdotal reports on this one!
“Rescue” remedies
Containing vitamins and other ingredients reputed to alleviate hangovers, rescue remedies (with names such as ‘stop resaca’) are worth keeping on your beside cabinet, along with a glass of water. However, don’t exceed the stated dose or you might end up with a gippy stomach that wasn’t even caused by last night’s booze. Also, taking too many supplements at once can be dangerous.
Our verdict: 6/10 – they can make you feel slightly odd if combined with other ‘cures’.
N acetyl cystiene (NAC)
NAC is a supplement that can help replenish glutathione – a potent antioxidant in our bodies that helps to detoxify the by-products of alcohol. Some research suggests that NAC may reduce hangovers if taken before downing the booze. However, more studies are required to prove the efficacy.
Our verdict: 8/10 – this almost certainly mitigated the ill-effects of too much vino.
CBD
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is involved in regulating mood and stress response. Some research suggests that CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, as well as potentially helping with pain (such as headaches), and nausea. Taking CBD can reportedly reduce feelings of ‘hangxiety’. In fact, CBD has the potential for treating people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), as the relaxation it promotes can reduce the urge to drink more booze.
Our verdict: 9/10 – definitely reduced ‘hangxiety’ feelings and, yes, it does also diminish further thoughts of “wine time”.
Valium & other benzos
Benzodiazepines are prescription-only medications that are primarily used to treat anxiety and muscle spasms. They are potentially addictive and have some contra-indications with alcohol. However, they are sometimes prescribed for the anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal, for those doing a medical detox. Anecdotally, they banish ‘hangiexty’ if taken in small doses. Treat with caution!
Our verdict: 2/10 – best not to mix these with booze at all.
Hair of the dog
This approach might not be good for your liver, but we all know it works. A small ‘cervecita’, back at the local fiesta, will kick the lingering hangover down the line… well, until tomorrow morning!
Our verdict: 4/10 – it can easily lead to another session.
Other suggestions
We asked some members of a local forum what they recommend for a hangover. The answers were varied.
“Chocolate milk and leftover spicy pizza,” said Deborah Baine of Lecrin.
“A swim in the sea”, said artist, Lunita Loca (a cold shower would have the same effect).
“Coca Cola,” suggested riding centre proprietor, Becky Fuego.
“Sex!” said a hopeful participant.
“Drink more!” said Freya Rogers, clothes shop owner, “don’t give up!”
Be kind to yourself
There’s no miracle cure to rid yourself instantly of a bad hangover. While isotonic drinks, adaptogenic coffees and NAC can offer some relief, the best idea is to avoid over-imbibing at the party – perhaps learn to say “no”. Also, remember to drink a glass of water before you go to sleep – even at 6am!
Whatever you do, take plenty of rest so that your body can recover. Even if you feel sad and embarrassed, always look forwards, not back! Today is a new day with no mistakes, and possibly ”sin alcohol’.
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