Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (225 page)

Alcohol contains toxins, upsets blood-sugar levels, depletes the body of nutrients, and causes dehydration. It is the toxic load on the liver, low blood sugar, and dehydration that lead to symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, grouchiness, depression, and poor brain function.

Greasy foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, salt, and empty calories are typically craved after excessive alcohol consumption because alcohol causes abrupt blood-sugar highs followed by troublesome blood-sugar lows, leaving you starved for energy and nutrients and looking for a quick fix. Excessive alcohol consumption also contributes to lowered levels of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin and a kebab binge is the equivalent of self-medicating to get a fatty, carbohydrate high that temporarily boosts serotonin. Don’t go there. If you do go the greasy route, you will end up feeling worse at the end of the day instead of better.

Action plan

To overcome a hangover, you absolutely must support the liver in its work of detoxification, to stabilize blood sugar levels and to replenish lost body fluids and nutrients.

ANTIHANGOVER STEPS

Before drinking, eat some whole-wheat bread, whole grain crackers, or vegetable crudités. A bowl of brown rice or quinoa will fill up your stomach and complex carbohydrates will delay alcohol absorption.

Take evening primrose oil, olive oil, or flax oil to coat your stomach.

Take milk thistle seed extract before you go out and again when you come home.

EAT/DRINK

Fluids in the form of water, herbal teas, dandelion coffee, and vegetable juices. Aim for at least half a gallon a day.

Fruits and vegetables, which are some of the best sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs in order to repair the damage.

Berries for their high antioxidant content and good effect on the liver. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all ideal.

Oats, which are a great source of slow-releasing carbohydrates with good amounts of soluble fiber needed for bowel and cardiovascular health. A bowl of oatmeal or sugar-free muesli with rice or oat milk would be great. Sprinkle some ground seeds onto the oatmeal, as these will provide essential fatty acids needed by the brain, which often functions poorly during a hangover.

Beets, which are particularly good for the liver; celery, which is cleansing; carrots, which are a great source of the antioxidant beta-carotene; and apples, which add sweetness.

Sprouted seeds and sprouted nuts, which are cleansing and will not tax the digestive system. Make a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice to sprinkle on your salad. Both are good for the liver.

Green vegetables containing magnesium and chlorophyll, both of which can help with energy and cleansing. Add some spirulina or blue-green algae for extra benefits.