Nutritionist rates four natural hangover “cures” and “about the perfect remedy.”

CHRISTMAS is a time to be merry, but some holidays can give you a headache.

The morning after a night out can be a debilitating time if you’re suffering from a bad hangover.

The unpleasant consequences of drinking too much alcohol are caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, lack of sleep, inflammation and gut irritation.

These can lead to excruciating headaches, feeling sick, sweating, anxiety and irritability.

However, experts say that certain foods and supplements can help reduce symptoms and help you recover faster.

Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at Dr Vegan, told The Sun: ‘Festive celebrations often lead to many of us overindulging in alcohol, leaving us with an all-too-familiar feeling: the dreaded hangover.

“Hangovers are pretty much guaranteed when you drink too much alcohol, as excessive consumption leaves the body dehydrated, full of toxins and with low blood sugar.

“The more regularly you drink, the more your liver loses its ability to regenerate and the worse you feel.

“Instead of ordering a takeaway to help ease your hangover symptoms this Christmas, try incorporating some of these slightly more unusual ingredients into your diet.”

1. milk thistle

One of the main causes of hangovers is the accumulation of acetaldehyde.

The toxic byproduct of alcohol breakdown causes inflammation in the liver and other organs, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

However, research shows that certain naturally occurring chemicals can help reduce this inflammation, combating at least one hangover symptom.

Silymarin, found in the milk thistle plant, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce the effects of toxins.

Mrs Wilkinson said: “The milk thistle plant contains cynarin and silymarin which help the liver to produce bile, which is essential to help the body move toxins out of the liver and into the intestines.

“Milk thistle helps reduce symptoms of nausea and indigestion because it can help stimulate the production of stomach acid and digestive fluids within the bile, supporting normal gastrointestinal motility, preventing stomach bloating and reducing unwanted stomach inflammation.

“You can take milk thistle as a tea or add it to your diet with a supplement.”

However, neither chemical will combat all the effects of a hangover, so milk thistle is not a hangover “cure” on its own.

2. Pickle juice

The culprit behind the nagging headaches you may experience after a night in the sauce is dehydration.

Drinking alcohol causes the body to remove water from the blood through the kidneys, causing you to quickly become dehydrated.

Therefore, you may need to go to the bathroom more often when you drink alcohol.

The next day, it can cause migraines, slurred speech and a sore throat.

However, some natural remedies can speed up your rehydration process because of the nutrients they contain, according to Ms. Wilkinson.

He said: “Vinegar juice is full of electrolytes and essential minerals such as sodium, calcium and potassium, all of which support various vital processes in the body.

“Importantly, electrolytes promote hydration, making pickle juice the perfect remedy if you’re looking to quench that hangover thirst.”

The most important way to make sure you rehydrate remains to drink plenty of water.

3. Lemon peel

Another potential toxin-fighting remedy can be found in lemons.

Lemon peel is naturally rich in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C.

A study, published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, found that lemon peel has more antioxidants than grapefruit or tangerine peel.

Separate studies show that D-limonene can increase the body’s production of an enzyme that reduces the effects of oxidative stress.

Ms Wilkinson said: “Lemon peel contains a substance called ‘D-limonene’ which helps the body detoxify carcinogens and break down other harmful toxins.

“Try adding a whole lemon to a glass of water or grating it into your food to give your body some love after the night before and boost your hydration levels.”

4. Ginger or peppermint tea

Nausea can be one of the worst effects of a hangover, and it’s caused by a number of factors.

However, a range of herbal teas have been shown to have a beneficial effect on feeling sick, including ginger and peppermint.

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology showed that just one gram of ginger reduced the feeling of nausea.

Ms Wilkinson said: “A hangover can also make you feel nauseous.

“Studies show that ginger has a calming effect on the digestive system and can relieve feelings of indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

“Mint can also be used to ease digestive discomfort and bloating after a night of drinking.

“Why not swap your morning coffee for lemon and ginger or peppermint tea?”