Melissa Crispell CNS, CNHP
If you have ever experienced a hangover, lack of hydration, and/or the need for a detox, you know it can feel like a cruel joke. As we enter the holiday season, we can expect to be eating on the go while shopping and to be tempted by sugary foods and adult beverages at parties. But indulging doesn’t have to end in headaches, stomach issues, and junk food cravings if you understand what is happening and what to do about it.
Alcohol causes dehydration for a couple of reasons. First, alcohol is a diuretic, which means It causes increased urination. Second, when people are drinking, they’re not always drinking enough water to balance what they are losing.
While dehydration is a factor in some of the hangover symptoms (dizziness, lightheadedness, and extreme thirst) it isn’t the only culprit in the awful aftermath of a great party. One theory is that there can also be a buildup of acetaldehyde. As the body starts to process alcohol, acetaldehyde is the first by-product created. It has been estimated that acetaldehyde is up to 30 times more toxic than alcohol and can be responsible for the nausea, vomiting, and sweating associated with hangovers.
Believe it or not, hangovers can mess with your immune system too. In a 2003 study of “The effects of alcohol hangovers on cytokine production in healthy subjects,” a strong correlation was found between high levels of cytokines and hangover symptoms. In a non-alcohol related state, cytokines would normally trigger a fever (inflammatory response) to fight an infection.
It appears that excessive alcohol consumption can also provoke cytokine release, which leads to symptoms like fatigue, headache, and nausea.
No matter what the actual reason is for the hangover, when you experience the symptoms you just want to know how to make them go away!
Here are some suggestions to help you through the holidays:
On the day of an event, eat nutrient dense, enzyme rich, organic, non-GMO foods. (This really is every day, right?) Don’t buy in to the “I’m saving my calories for later” idea; this will only cause you more problems the next day. Fruits and vegetables are your friends but be sure to also include lean protein with healthy fats. Remember to drink plenty of water! (Half your weight in ounces is the gold standard.) If you want to level up your water game, go with Pellegrino or Gerolsteiner to receive the amazing benefits of their trace minerals as well. 🙂
The night of an event, the best thing to keep in mind is to sip slowly, reducing the total amount of alcohol you ingest. And alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water can help to keep you hydrated.
If you wake up with the dreaded hangover monster, be sure to hydrate. Infused water, herbal water, mineral water― they’re all must haves. Fight the “hair of the dog” urge and refrain from the Bloody Mary or Mimosa the day after – those will only delay the inevitable. Instead, start your day with a healthy protein and good fats. (Think warm herbal tea and an omelet or scramble with dark leafy greens, mushrooms, onions, garlic and sliced avocado.)
Once you’ve had your breakfast, reach for your PERQUE foundation bundle to help alkalinize and energize your body. Each foundation bundle features:
- PERQUE Life Guard™ (or PERQUE Life Guard Mini™) – 40 essential nutrients provide 5 products in 1 to protect the heart, body, and brain.
- PERQUE Potent C Guard™ powder – powerful personalized antioxidant protection to help reduce tissue damage with fully buffered and reduced 100% L-ascorbate.
- PERQUE Mg Plus Guard™ and PERQUE Choline Citrate™ – formulated with 4 of the most bioavailable magnesium forms to enhance functional benefits. Paired with Choline citrate to enhance the uptake and not leave your Mg in your gut.
This month with each foundation bundle purchase, you’ll receive a complimentary pH kit to chart your alkaline progress.
When the season is over and you’re ready to get back on track, or if you’re looking to reset and get to your goal weight, reach for your PERQUE Detox bundle. Each Detox bundle includes:
- PERQUE DetoxIn Guard™ – Unique nutrient synergy that reduces hormone disrupters and makes toxins easier and safer to remove while helping to restore immune function (which is essential for health).
- PERQUE Potent C Guard™ powder – Powerful personalized antioxidant protection to help reduce tissue damage with fully buffered and reduced 100% L-ascorbate.
- PERQUE EPA/DHA Guard™ – Synergistic combo of essential fatty acids that help remove plaque buildup in the heart and improve brain cell communication. Also improves brain and body health to counter Omega 6 inflammatory fats.
- PERQUE Liva Guard™ – Gives the liver a needed boost for better detoxification, improved energy, and healthier immune function. Protects the liver from cell and tissue damage associated with environmental toxicity and urban living.
Receive a complimentary Digestive Transit Time Kit with each detox bundle this month. Use the activated charcoal capsules (in the DTT kit) to help you determine if you’re in the optimal 12-18-hour range.
To know which foods your body can easily digest, assimilate, and eliminate best, take the LRA by ELISA/ACT food and chemical sensitivity test. Peek inside the immune system and identify the hidden immune triggers to help reduce inflammation and start the body on a restorative plan.
Guard your health, guard your life with PERQUE. For questions on any of the products mentioned please feel free to call your Clinical Account Specialist or Client Services (800-525-7372).
About Melissa Crispell
Melissa Crispell is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Natural Health Provider, Certified Lifestyle Educator, Certified Wellness Coach, and Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist. Melissa has been published in Living Well, DC Practice Insights and Acupuncture Today. In addition, she has spoken at the Easter Seals Annual Caregiver conference, Functional Medicine Success Summit, American Association for Naturopathic Physicians, and is a member of the Health Studies Collegium speaker’s bureau and National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.
Melissa has served over 9 years as a Clinical Training Specialist for PERQUE Integrative Health, teaching physicians and providers all over the world how to grow their functional medicine practice using medical grade supplements and functional immunology. Melissa’s mission is to empower people of all health statuses to take control of their wellness journey. This includes debunking myths and sharing basic health concepts that are frequently overlooked. Melissa believes that when we have better information, we make better choices.
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