Does Hair Of The Dog Work?
So you’re hungover and of course no-one likes to feel that way. I bet you’re looking for a quick fix to get over your hang over and quite possibly, someone has mentioned the ‘hair of the dog’. But does the hair of the dog work?
What Does “Hair Of The Dog” mean?
“Hair of the dog” is a colloquial term used to describe the practice of drinking alcohol as a means of alleviating the symptoms of a hangover. The phrase is thought to have originated from the old belief that placing a hair from the dog that bit you on the wound would help to heal it. In the case of a hangover, the “wound” is the physical and mental discomfort caused by drinking too much alcohol the night before.
The idea behind “hair of the dog” is that by drinking alcohol the morning after a heavy drinking session, the individual can raise their blood alcohol level back to its previous state, thus reducing the severity of the hangover symptoms. This may include reducing the severity of headaches, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety.
However, it is important to note that while “hair of the dog” may provide temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution for getting over a hangover. In fact, it can lead to a never-ending cycle of drinking and hangover, which can be detrimental to one’s health and well-being.
Additionally, drinking alcohol in the morning can also have negative effects on an individual’s mental health, as it can lead to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It can also lead to increased tolerance to alcohol, which can lead to more severe hangovers in the long-term.
Tips to Get Rid of a Hangover
So, if you’re looking for a more effective way to get over a hangover, here are some practical tips:
Drink Water
- Dehydration is one of the main causes of hangover symptoms, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
- It’s also helpful to hydrate using pure coconut water.
Eat a balanced meal
- Eating a healthy meal before you start drinking can help to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, and also replenish some of the nutrients that your body has lost due to alcohol consumption.
Rest Up
- Sleep is essential for recovery and getting a good night’s sleep can help to reduce the severity of your hangover symptoms.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
- If you’re experiencing a headache or muscle aches, taking over-the-counter pain medication can help to alleviate these symptoms. Use this only as a temporary measure.
Take a Multivitamin
- Alcohol depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals, so taking a multivitamin can help to replenish these lost nutrients.
Exercise
- Light exercise can help to boost your circulation and increase the flow of oxygen to your brain, which can help to reduce the severity of your hangover symptoms.
