Many people enjoy the odd glass of wine now and again, but as the festive season approaches we inevitably consume more alcohol. As a result we put extra strain on our livers and often suffer the misery of a hangover. The effects of a night’s heavy drinking can often make sufferers feel both mentally and physically exhausted throughout the next day. For those looking for a natural solution, milk thistle could help.
Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to help protect the liver from damage. Milk thistle contains the chemical compound, silymarin which helps to stabilise liver cells by reducing inflammation and helps neutralises toxic substances entering the body, such as alcohol. It also stimulates the regeneration of cells damaged by alcohol by increasing cell division, so has long been used as a great hangover remedy.
Expert herbalist Dr. Serene Foster says: “Many people choose the natural route when looking for extra support throughout the party season. Milk thistle is a popular choice as a short-term solution due to its long history of having a beneficial impact on liver health and reducing liver damage caused by alcohol 1,2, 3.
Dr Serene Foster continues: “Although enjoyable, lots of late nights and too much alcohol can easily take its toll but there are a number of steps you can take to help you survive the party season.
Eat before you drink
If you’ve got a party to go to, make sure you eat something before you start drinking. If you drink on an empty stomach, the alcohol will be absorbed by the body much faster so you will feel its effects faster too! You are also likely to drink much more quickly on an empty stomach, therefore increasing your alcohol consumption for the evening.
Slow down
If you alternate between alcoholic and soft drinks you will not only be cutting calories but by halving the amount of alcohol that you drink, you will be halving your chances of a hangover! Try not to mix your drinks as this may also increase your chances of a hangover. Pace yourself by taking small sips and don’t give in to people trying to force drinks on you. Always accept ice in a drink as this will keep it cool, and enable you to enjoy it for longer, thereby reducing your alcohol intake.
Drink more….water
One of the main causes of that hungover feeling is dehydration, so before you go to bed try to drink at least a pint of water. Vitamin C helps the liver metabolise alcohol so a glass of orange juice in the morning may help. For ongoing liver support try a milk thistle supplement.
Cynara Milk Thistle costs £7.99 for 30 tablets and is available from Boots, Waitrose, Lloyds and all good independent health food stores and pharmacies.
For more information, visit www.better-naturally.co.uk/cynara_milk_thistle