Little healthful tidbits that go a long way.
We’re all guilty of social indulging especially during the holidays or while vacationing.
THE GOOD NEWS: A month or so is unlikely to cause any lasting damage, according to internist David Katz, director of Yale University’s Research Prevention Center. As long as you’re not drinking to the point of absolute obliteration (anyone?) or you’re unable to stop topping up when the festivities end.
THE BAD NEWS: some minor issues to overcome from the night before – puffy eyes, sallow skin, a pounding headache, a more snug waistband. Ugh!
Little TIPSy that won’t make you feel the worse for wear:
PACE yourself before hitting a party. If you know you’ll be going out more than usual then it makes sense to try to be as healthy as possible the rest of the time. Get enough sleep, eat well and take care of your skin. Do not drink on an empty stomach because you will get very drunk, very fast. Eating protein like eggs, nuts & cheese are good choices beforehand because they’re digested slowly so the alcohol won’t be absorbed quite as quickly into the bloodstream. Oh, and if you go for a peel or microdermabrasion make sure to do it well before your event. Alcohol can increase bruising.
EAT (again) while Drinking. If you didn’t eat enough or at all – match every drink with something containing fat and protein. Since half the pain of a hangover is dehydration then water it down with a glass of water or seltzer to tame the alcohol. Studies show that clear beverages like gin, vodka or rum are less likely than darker booze to leave a drinker in discomfort. And the tannins in red wine increase blood vessel dilation which leads to ruddy, inflamed skin. Also calories to consider – you cannot drink a lot and eat a lot and stay thin. Something has to give and hopefully it won’t be your waist. That means that mixed drinks like margaritas can count as both a drink and a dessert.
POST PARTY – consider heading off a headache by taking an aspirin (non acetaminophen) and drinking a cup of coffee. In a 2010 study, rats were given both a dose of caffeine and an anti-inflammatory and were spared the production of acetate – the compound associated with hangover headaches. Another study found that a vitamin B6 supplement can reduce symptoms by 50 percent. The endorphins from a brisk walk can also go a long way toward making you feel good immediately. And ultimately, the bottom line with savvy drinking is similar to that of savvy dieting, it’s not about willpower, it’s about strategy.
Info. taken from an article by Liz Krieger about simple holiday drinking strategies that will help you enjoy the party season. And let’s face it shouldn’t life be party most of the time?
Also: Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.
Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health
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