It is reported that alcohol is what is called a "group 1 carcinogenic".
This means it sits right alongside radiation and tobacco as one of the primary potential causes of cancer in humans.
So it is little wonder we suffer after a "major session", particularly if that is not the norm for us.
Much of feeling peaky, anxious and depressed after drinking is apparently down to an alcohol induced reaction involving a bodily chemical called glutamate.
Without going into the biological detail, Forbes describes the effects of this reaction brilliantly by saying it results in a "slowdown along your brain’s highways", which may contribute to alcohol related panic episodes.
The alcohol temporarily stops our short term memory storage capability, meaning we question what happened when we were drunk (and ourselves generally) until it gradually comes back to us.
Long term alcohol reliance can damage those important neural pathways irreparably, even when we think our bodies have adapted to ongoing levels of consumption.
At the same time, the liver has to work so hard overnight to break down alcohol that we rarely have a good sleep even if we think we have.
On top of this, our blood sugar drops to accommodate for the excessive level of sugar in most alcoholic drinks.
And finally there is the inevitable dehydration that results from the consumption of too much alcohol for us to contend with.
So it's little wonder alcohol can make us feel bleary and anxious!
Moderation is of course the key, but if this core strategy fails for any reason, the below recognised, simple self help tips may reduce what some people call "hangsiety" and others call "Beer Fear" the next day:-
On the day:-
1. Have a light meal before drinking or drink with snacks
2. Leave the car on the drive and keep your smartphone in your pocket to avoid sending messages under the influence that you later regret!
3. Alternate between alcoholic drinks and glasses of water; don't mix too many alcoholic drinks if possible
4. Treat the event as a marathon as opposed to a sprint, and stick to drinks you know you can tolerate and are not allergic to
5. Walk between pubs to give yourself a break from drinking!
Next day:-
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Have regular small but healthy snacks including eggs, bananas and good carbs throughout the day
3. Relax and give yourself time to recover; don't be tempted by further excessive drinking!
4. Take the recommended dosage of over the counter anti inflammatory tablet such as ibuprofen to the extent you are able (though take regulated medical advice if in any doubt)
5. Enjoy a walk in the fresh air if possible and try to be sociable even if you don't feel like it, as this can reduce the "jitters".
It is essential not to drive until you are fully recovered and it would also be prudent not to commit to any major decisions or sign any contractual documents until you have fully recovered either.
And bear in mind that aside from the risk of drink driving, being under the influence does not count as a defence to many other serious unlawful acts in most countries, so don't put up yourself at risk then expect to be able to blame the vodka and red bull if it all goes pear shaped!
We hope these little tips helps and wish you an enjoyable, safe New Year 🥰😍💜💙💛🧡❤