Hangover Remedies: Exercise

Although it may be the last thing you feel like doing when you have a hangover, experts say that light exercise can act as a good hangover remedy. While exercise won’t cure a hangover, they may be able to alleviate some of your worst symptoms. Exercise can also release endorphins, which are the body’s “feel good” chemicals, and can make you feel better after a long night of drinking. Finally, exercise promotes restful sleep, something that is very important when recovering from a hangover.

While exercising, it’s important that you hydrate your body properly. Alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on your body, which means you could suffer from exercise-induced dehydration more quickly than normal. Keep a water bottle nearby and drink at least 7 to 10 oz. of water every 10 to 20 minutes that you exercise. You’ll also want to continue drinking water throughout the day to help reduce your hangover symptoms

Hangover Remedies: Exercise: Stretching/Yoga

For some people, the worst part of a hangover are the aching, stiff muscles. There are two main reasons why legs pain after too much of alcohol consumption. One, alcohol intake increases the content of lactic acid in your body. Excessive buildup of lactic acid in your body can lead to cramps or pain in your muscles. Two, alcohol leads to dehydration. Your body ends up falling short on electrolytes, and you tend to experience muscle pain or cramps. Stretching and/or yoga can make you feel better. Experts recommend light yoga poses or stretching. “Hot” yoga can dehydrate your body, making hangover symptoms worse.  The use of props like eye pillows, bolsters and blocks can be particularly helpful to anyone with a hangover, along with drinking plenty of water before and after the session. Twisting stretches or poses can increase blood flow and improve digestion, which can shorten the length of a hangover.

Hangover Remedies: Exercise: Walking/Light Jogging

Going for a brisk walk or light jog can help ease hangover symptoms by getting your blood pumping and speeding your metabolism. Alcohol is broken down in the liver first to acetaldehyde, then to harmless acetic acid. Your body requires another chemical, glutathione, to break down acetaldehyde into acetic acid and clear it from your body.  The problem is that when you drink a LOT of alcohol, you run out of glutathione and are stuck with the toxic acetaldehyde in your system while your liver makes more glutathione Acetaldehyde is the main chemical that is responsible for the symptoms of a hangover. It is more toxic to the body than the alcohol itself. The increase in metabolism will help your body get rid of the toxins that have caused the hangover and recover more quickly.

Hangover Remedies: Exercise: Swimming

Swimming has the same metabolic benefits as walking or jogging, but in a swimming pool, you are less likely to become overheated. In addition, the sudden splash of cool water can give you a rush of adrenaline, which raises your tolerance for the hangover’s effect. Immersing yourself in a body of water can make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Sometimes, just getting out in the sun can take your mind off the hangover for a while.

Source:

http://lifehackery.com/2008/12/11/nine-ways-to-deal-with-a-hangover/

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/too-much-to-drink-try-yoga/

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