Intuitive Eating – myth busting
Myth Busting Intuitive Eating One of the biggest misconceptions is about intuitive eating. People fear that if they are not following a strict diet then they can’t lose weight, which is thankfully far from the truth… Intuitive eating = eating perfectly all the time This is not the case. So if this is you, don’t fear, read on and I explain this in more detail. There are so many different factors involved in intuitive eating it is not about eating perfectly 100% of the time, this is just not required. What is intuitive eating? In a nutshell -Intuitive eating is making food choices at each meal and snack that are not from a controlling plan but are focused on natural unprocessed sources that suit: your body composition your background your cooking skills your time limits your wallet your health and much more How is intuitive eating different from a diet? Intuitive eating is thankfully very different from traditional dieting. In traditional dieting, rules and numbers are created based on crude figures like your weight and height which are frequently inaccurate. These numbers are to be met each day strictly. The type, quality of food and lifestyle are not factored in and these are important. For example, you can eat a ton of sugar-free and fat-free foods and drinks to meet low kcals or eat a packet of processed nitrate-full meats to meet your protein. These pro-inflammatory options impact negatively on gut bacteria, hormones, insulin release and appetite signalling and keep you stuck in a vicious circle. Intuitive eating is, fortunately, the opposite where you learn to enjoy food and understand what your body needs micronutrients included. No number crunching is involved. Fortunately, there are no foods off-limits but it requires a different mindset and an understanding of how your diet fuels you long-term and keeps you happy. SO -NO QUICK NASTY FIXES! YAH! Can you eat intuitively and lose weight? Yes, Yes, Yes and most importantly intuitive eating is adaptable for life and all the variety that comes with it. Intuitive eating allows you to go on holiday, go out with friends, enjoy parties and BBQs, with no guilt attached selecting the right foods and moving on. How do people lose weight through intuitive eating? Instead of weighing your food, counting calories, stressing you are not meeting macros, and feeling miserable in the process, you eat according to your day and what makes you feel fueled and happy. That doesn’t mean junk, takeaways, cookies and buns. It is finding the foods that will assist your health both physically and mentally that you will enjoy. Feeding and fueling the correct gut bacteria reduces inflammation and most importantly fixes the stress and guilt around food. What does intuitive eating look like? A popular question and one again that needs to be suited to you as an individual taking into account: Your age, your health status, your sex, your weight, your height, your ethnicity, your cooking skills, your time, your activity, your stress, your sleep, your fluids and possibly more. The bottom line all needs to be factored into this. Simple options include regular meals made from suitable: natural good quality proteins varied and colourful vegetables regular fruits in suitable amounts – not made into smoothies healthy natural fats high fibre carbohydrates Get these in at each meal and you are on the right path. Is intuitive eating healthy? Studies have found that intuitive eating has positive nutritional outcomes compared to restrictive dieting plans. With letting go of strict control there is instantly less stress, better sleep, and an understanding of real hunger and appetite. Since intuitive eating does not come with specific diet plans, intuitive eaters learn to consume a wide variety of foods, are more likely to get the benefits of well-balanced nutrition and most importantly stick with it long term no yo-yo dieting. Is Intuitive eating dangerous? NO intuitive eating is not dangerous but you must trust your ability to eat the best choices when you feel hungry and stop when you have had sufficient. Undereating or overeating in any diet will be dangerous. Intuitive eating benefits There are many benefits: insulin sensitivity, happy mood, weight loss, not feeling you are on a diet, and consuming not only macros but micronutrients too! My intuitive programmes keeps it real as here at 121 Dietitian we prefer the 80-20 rule where you have a little bit of what you like at a time in the day that works for you. This allows you to feel less isolated and keeps you on track for life. A WIN-WIN! Hunger is Affected by What You Eat Definitely, if you get the balance wrong and eat what you like from the wrong choices then hunger will not be addressed. Refined carbs and processed foods with lots of sugar messes up hunger cues so you will remain tempted by the foods that derail you and keeps you feeling miserable. I can’t count the number of times that I have patients call to tell me they no longer crave the rubbish they were addicted to. Honestly it’s the best feeling ever. How do I know if I’m hungry with intuitive eating? Headaches, tiredness, feeling short-tempered, thinking about food, lightheadedness, or feeling sick could all be signs of hunger – these should not be your ques to eat, it is far too late and a concern if these are your triggers to eat. You are more likely to reach for the wrong stuff. Keeping good blood sugar control from slow and low energy-releasing foods is the only way to assist this. Can you count calories and eat intuitively? Yes, you can and many people do. I am not against this option at the beginning if you need this to get it right and you are coming from strict counting. It can be daunting to chuck this all in so best to ease out while intuitive eating takes control! Kcal counting does take time and dedication and is
Sports Nutrition looking forward
Sports Nutrition The field of sports nutrition is vast. Personalised performance nutrition can be super confusing with so many options to choose from. This blog dives into the following: The basics for you to be optimal What is the ultimate approach Research and the future in sports nutrition It can be all too easy to get it wrong or spend a fortune on a quick fix, or several! I see this every day in my clinic and also when I provide nutritional advice to followers on my fitness friend Caroline Girvan’s Facebook page in my Sunday live 1-hour session. As I have been involved in the world of Nutrition and health for over 25 yrs, including successfully working with athletes for the commonwealth games and Olympics, I love looking forward to what new ideas are ahead. Sports Nutrition – First things first Some background advice on getting you optimized! No point in not having the basics nailed….So. Know that you have to adopt a balanced real food approach that is nutrient-rich, otherwise, you will be disappointed with the amount of training, supplements or protein powder you pack in. These alone will not fix your physique or do anything for your health. 80% of success IS nutrition but the biggest part of this is consistency – whether it is counting macros, intermittent fasting, keto, the cabbage soup or Atkins these are all names of various dietary restrictions either by changing timings, altering nutrient intake e.g. fats or increasing fluids to reduce hunger etc but all in all they point to a kcal deficit to be successful. Are they successful – Sadly not all, and if they are they are often short-lived. I see many many hundreds of desperately miserable people doing everything they can to follow these restrictions. They may start well and see some changes but when something is too difficult, things slip and the feeling of failure can occur. I am firmly against this as Yo-Yo -dieting decreases energy expenditure, increases energy intake, and impairs brain-periphery communication. The Ultimate sports nutrition approach What many people HATE me telling them AND what works for the majority for the longterm is. Clever intuitive eating It is important to get the right mindset for this. You need to know that your body is not determined by numbers but by genetics, emotions, your food and life choices and all these interact with your overall diet and health. Bizarrely the belief that “no pain no gain” and a strict impossible plan is the answer, pushing the responsibility to someone else -and how many times do I hear the list of people that one person has taken a plan from and when it doesn’t work – it all stops and food becomes the comforter again. It’s true if you are totally confused by the past 30 yrs of inaccurate nutritional info, being able to choose your own nutrient-rich meals, snacks, fluids, party foods etc that are not on a strict plan can be overwhelming. If this is you then it may be worth working with someone (a nutrition expert) for a while, just to make sure you know what is necessary for you and you are able to enjoy it for the long term. That’s what we love and are experts in! Training to see ripped muscles takes far longer for many than they anticipate. As a beginner hypertrophy (building muscle) can be more difficult to achieve as the body is making neural adaptations. Progress and increasing strength allows for muscular growth but it does take time and patience. And finally – sufficient fluid intake and the types consumed are definitely overlooked. Fluid and enough fluid is critical to prevent dehydration, overheating causing confusion, low energy, and mood change, and also if ongoing can link to constipation and kidney stones. The Future of Sports Nutrition Research So what’s out there? It’s always a buzz to know brand-new areas are emerging with exciting products. Companies are more and more using science to optimize performance and especially important post-COVID with the resurgence in exercise, the gym and the importance of getting and staying healthy. Muscle Mass Everyone wants to build muscle right? Well, when I was starting out 25yrs ago that was not the case and it used to be for a few men in the gym and for really beefing up it was just a select few bodybuilders in competitions! Now we know that building muscle at all stages of life is mega important. Research into the physiology of improving muscle mass and strength is massive! While protein is the most important in terms of dietary supplementation, other researched ingredients include nitrogen oxides, nitrates, and creatine and these are used by millions daily. Carnosine and beta-alanine are also on the radar in muscle physiology research and may certainly be in some of your cupboards already! Carnosine is a naturally forming dipeptide (two linking amino acids beta-alanine and histidine) specifically found in the tissues of the body when they are active. Carnosine is also located in the heart, brain, and other parts of the body and is known to improve muscle strength and performance during exercise. Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that supports the synthesis of muscle carnosine in the body. It is known to delay the onset of muscle fatigue and failure and is found in foods such as certain meat turkey, chicken, beef, pork and fish. It combines with the amino acid histidine to form the dipeptide called carnosine. This helps delay the onset of lactic acid and muscle fatigue and failure while building endurance and improving recovery. Hydration We know water is the best fluid to drink before exercise. Drinking 2-3 litres per day depending on your requirements is perfect especially if your activity is less than one hour. However, if you exercise for longer an isotonic sports drink with carbohydrates and sodium, and possibly potassium, calcium, and magnesium before and during exercise can be beneficial. There are gazillions out there
Essential kitchen utensils for stress-free cooking
Whether your aim is to get healthy by ditching the processed meals in favour of home cooked goodness. Or you simply want to get more adventurous in the kitchen. The best place to start is with the right essential kitchen utensils. It has been said that ‘a poor workman blames his tools’. So the easiest way to ensure your cooking process is as a stress-free and fast as possible is to ensure you are armed with the correct utensils. Here, we share our essential kitchen utensils that Gillian Killiner has personally used for several years and can promise will help ensure your cooking experience is a breeze. The aim to help get you healthier in the process! Measure it out Most recipes will include measurements for ingredients either in grams and ounces or millilitres and pints, not to mention tablespoons, teaspoon and dessertspoons, So a good place to start is with all the right measuring tools. I find the following set mega helpful with measuring oils, coffee, stock powder. Owning a set of weighing scales is a great start but for easy reading and accurate reading of wet and dry ingredients. Our favourite choice would be hassle-free electronic scales. You can add ingredients to the bowl, zero the scale and add again – super handy. You’ll also need a measuring jug or jugs. Choose with both the metric and imperial markings. measuring spoons are highly practical especially when using recipes from around the world. Essential kitchen utensils to chop With fresh cooking comes prep. This involves chopping so you’ll need good surfaces to chop food on, while keeping your kitchen surfaces scratch free. Chopping boards are necessary for this. Ideally, you should have separate boards to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Thankfully, chopping boards range in price many are relatively cheap but if you invest in a good set they will last years. Graters & drainers A cheese grater isn’t just for grating cheese! It comes in so handy in the kitchen and can be used for grating things like garlic, ginger, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and even chocolate! You’ll also need a really good, sturdy colander, which can be used for draining foods such as wholemeal rice and pasta. as well as rinsing vegetables. The essential kitchen utensils -smaller tools It can be rather daunting when starting off as cooking requires many skills such as chopping, slicing, stirring, whisking and peeling. While none of these are difficult to do, having the correct tools like sharp knives are essential for speed and achieving the end result you desire. Again, each of these are readily available in the shops or online. They range from low cost to very expensive. Start off with a few and build your collection as your experience grows. This furi knife block was a personal purchase which I have been using for the past few years. They really do assist in all preping tasks. If you want to go BIG with an essential kitchen utensil! Not everyone likes being in the kitchen for hours. Time saving gadgets are a great way to cut down some of the work. I absolutely love my magimix and it was a personal purchase for me after many years of really, really wanting one. I have had it now for 10 years and it works like a dream when making soups, sauces, cakes etc. Storage saviours Finally you’ll need somewhere to store all your home cooked goods. This will keep them fresh as long as possible. Alternatively freeze so you can enjoy your hard work again at speed. Healthy eating requires a little planning so these boxes are a great way of storing any ingredients you’ve prepared in advance. Storage boxes are available in a range of sizes and styles so again, start with a few and add to your collection if you need to, a handy option is to clean out tubs that you buy food in and use these again – no cost and very effective. I do again have a set of storage containers and personally bought many years ago after I realised the risks of plastics, especially when heated or storing fats. They have been used over and over each day by all my family and far more durable than I imagined they would be. Definitely a little investment and making time to cook is the cornerstone to healthy eating. As experts in Diet and Nutrition for decades we know that pouring your money into quick fixes are not the answer – you need enjoyable nutrient rich meals and snacks lifelong. Our nutritional programmes are designed to help you. On-the-go While it isn’t an essential kitchen utensil, this is definitely one thing we’d recommend… A glass drinking bottle. These are great for helping you drink more water on-the-go. They are also useful for things like shakes, smoothies and even tea. We’d be lost without ours! The reason for using glass? Glass eliminates the leaching of chemicals you get from plastic bottles. Thus reducing health concerns and also ensures the water tastes great. Reusable glass bottles assists the environment and saves you a ton of money too. We would love to hear your top utensil choices and why. Visit our facebook page to share your thoughts and ideas. If you need help with putting together healthy ingredients then why not book an appointment here today. Need a recipe to get started? Check out our naughty but nice for special occasions, gluten free dairy free chocolate cake recipe here. If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits. Or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small. In the meantime do please check out more health and well-being choices specially selected for you on our 121Dietitian Shop If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and
Vitamin D Benefits – 9 awesome reasons
Vitamin D Benefits everyone’s health young and old. Vitamin D has multiple benefits and I have been a massive advocate of Vitamin D for many years due to my autoimmune family. Further strengthened when asked to write for the New Scientist on the tragic case of a murder trial.… So lets dive in to why you and your family need Vitamin D today….. It has been known for many years that Vitamin D is important for the following reasons: Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium and phosphate, lowering the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease as well as ensuring our bones are flexible and strong. Vitamin D support the immune system which allows our body to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D helps to strengthen muscles. Excitingly there is more to vitamin D than it was originally believed…..but before we get into that lets cover the basics…. Low levels of Vitamin D It is important to be aware that nearly half of the population have low blood levels of Vitamin D during winter months. This is especially low from January through to April/May when any summer sunshine stores you may have gained the previous summer are truly depleted. Those living in latitudes above ∼35° are significantly affected. In addition to depleted stores, many more people than ever have low levels of vitamin D due to changes in our lifestyles, less time outdoors, and the use of sunscreens. The elderly or those who are housebound are at very high risk all year round. Dark skinned people are also at risk. Further risk has been found in people who are obese, pregnant or a child due to either a lack of availability as Vitamin D is locked away in high fat stores or due to an increased need for development and growth in childhood and pregnancy. What are the Symptoms of a low vitamin D? The following symptoms can be common in those with Vitamin D deficiency: Fatigue Not sleeping well Bone pain or achiness Depression or feelings of sadness Hair loss Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Getting sick more easily What does vitamin D do for you? Tonnes!!! Interestingly Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone but also known as a fat-soluble vitamin. This helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; essential for building bone. How does Vitamin D work as a hormone? The body synthesizes Vitamin D after you have been exposed to the sun. It is then activated by the liver and kidneys. This activated form acts like a hormone to regulate calcium metabolism around the body. Vitamin D Benefits Cancer Exciting studies are now showing that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of T-cells. These T cells help our bodies respond correctly to fight infections, including viruses, bacteria and fungus. These infections are responsible for various types of illnesses, including the common cold, and flu, Strep A and similar community-wide diseases. Vitamin D also aids in the repair and regeneration of cells, stimulate the death of cells that have been damaged by cancer, and lower the formation of blood vessels in tumours. Mood Vitamin D boosts your mood. Studies suggest that the decreased levels of Vitamin D3 may impact the levels of serotonin in the brain, this is a hormone that regulates the mood. By enjoining some safe sun each summer and, if in the Northern hemispheres taking a Vitamin D3 supplement in the winter, you could see a significant boost in your mood. Weight Loss Vitamin D can aid in weight loss. The chemical influence of Vitamin D is on serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. This is known to assist appetite, sleep, mood, and stress levels. The connection to weight loss is believed that with sufficient levels of Vitamin D you are more likely to be motivated and have the energy to make the changes both mentally and physically to stay fit and healthy at a safe weight. Rheumatoid Arhtritis Vitamin D can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. One of Vitamin D benefits is to help maintain the immune system and ensure that it is working correctly. A deficiency in Vitamin D could therefore increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as your immune system is more susceptible to attack. Type 2 Diabetes Vitamin D lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. Not getting enough sunlight can reduce the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which can create resistance to insulin and affect how the body responds to glucose. Sufficient vitamin D can help lower levels of cortisol. This is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Cortisol assists in the body’s response to stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to increased abdominal fat. This is linked to several health conditions including diabetes type 2. Blood Pressure Vitamin D can help lower blood pressure. a large genetic study that involved more than 150,000 people revealed that low levels of Vitamin D can cause hypertension. In this study, those who had the highest levels of Vitamin D had lower blood pressure. It was found that a 10% increase in Vitamin D led to a 10 % reduction in high blood pressure. Heart Disease Vitamin D might reduce the risk of heart disease. Several studies have indicated that a deficiency in Vitamin D is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, strokes, and heart attack. What causes vitamin D to drop other than sunshine? Vitamin D deficiency as mention is most commonly caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. However some medical disorders can also cause Vitamin D deficiency. The most common causes after sunlight is a poor diet, medications and certain disorders. Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and Coeliac disease are conditions that can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through diet and even supplements, especially if
Dark Chocolate – 9 reasons to swap
Who doesn’t like dark chocolate! Did you know that dark chocolate is made from the cocoa bean. It has been around since the year 2000 B.C. originating from south America. It has a fascinating history; used as currency, consumed at royal feasts and after battles served to surviving warriors! (1) What happens to the cocoa bean to make dark chocolate? Well, it is roasted dried and roasted again and then from that you get the cocoa butters and the cocoa solids, and this is where we get our chocolate from. The variety of chocolates on the shelves in our supermarkets are endless. The main ones that we are familiar with are milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, plain, filled, coated…. Picking the right chocolate can be so confusing. So in this blog I wish to dive into the detail (while dreaming of Augustus Gloop). Dispel some inaccurate information, giving you many important facts along the way. You can then make the informed choices and enjoy this very tasty snack, especially useful for those with “sweet tooth” cravings! So, the first question I frequently get asked as a Dietitian…. Is there more sugar in milk chocolate than dark chocolate? Yes, there is significantly more sugar in milk chocolate than dark chocolate. This can vary considerably so you need to check the content of cocoa solids for each bar you select. The varying amounts really impacts on the fat, sugar, kcals you will consume and more. If you get this wrong this is so disappointing, so I will explain more below. What is the healthiest type of chocolate to eat? To check the numbers and understand this further for the best choices we need to look at the nutritional profile of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate. This is all based on how much cocoa solids they both have. To be classified as dark, the chocolate must contain at least 35% cocoa solids (not that much). Milk chocolate much less at only 10% cocoa solids. As you can see these figures can allow for other unhealthy ingredients to be added and take over. Looking at milk chocolate first, its nutritional profile in 25% cocoa solids per 100-gram bar (average content in a UK bar) is as follows: 540 calories, 31 grams of fat, 58 grams of carbohydrates with 55 grams coming from sugar, 6 grams of protein, 0.6 grams of fibre and 0.2 grams of salt (check the table below). How does that compare to dark chocolate: 85% dark chocolate (a good % choice) provides a little more energy about 580 calories so another 40 calories per 100 grams due to the 40g of fat in the bar. This should not put you off. The reason for a little extra kcals is the higher cocoa butter. The focus that is more important for you is the carbohydrate, sugar, fibre, protein, polyphenols content so read on… The 85% dark chocolate bar contains less than half the carbohydrates than that of milk chocolate, at 22 grams compared to 58g of carbohydrate along with significantly less sugar at 12 grams compared to 55g. This is a massive benefit for those watching their blood sugars, inflammation, and health in general. In addition, the higher profile of fibre at six grams per 100g and the 11 grams of protein with only 0.13 grams of salt. This allows you to enjoy the full satisfying flavour with benefits. Not spiking your blood sugars or enticing you to overindulge. Per 100g Milk Chocolate Dark Chocolate Kcals 540 580 Fat (g) 31 40 Protein (g) 6 11 Carbs (g) 58 22 Sugars (g) 55 12 Fibre (g) 0.6 6 Salt (g) 0.2 0.13 There are also further chemical benefits that you get from dark chocolate which have been researched over and over. Polyphenols, a plant food chemical is present in dark chocolate. Known as flavanols and one of them called catechin is known to have a beneficial effect on your blood pressure, which I highlight further on. Can you eat milk chocolate on a diet? Yes, you can eat milk chocolate, but do consider how much and how often and what you are eating the rest of the time. All of this together may affect any health or weight issues you may have. On our various dietary programmes, we teach you the best way to look after and optimise your body. The key to success is learning to enjoy eating a variety of foods, the correct amounts, and the frequency – milk chocolate included! Is dark chocolate good for you? Dark chocolate when consumed as part of a varied nutrient rich diet can be beneficial in small amounts for assisting mood, providing flavonoids for blood pressure, nitric oxide for athletes, therefore contributing positively to our health. Dark Chocolate is not only high in antioxidants but also nutrients like magnesium, calcium & potassium. All essential elements needed for good general health. These nutrients are also known to assist in immune protection important against disease causing bacteria/viruses… Knowing these nutrients are present make this a better choice over others when looking for a tasty snack. How much dark chocolate can I eat each day? 20g-40g is a sufficient amount. Which is healthier dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Dark chocolate wins with over 85% cocoa solids provides beneficial flavonoids, fibre, essential minerals, and protein, in addition less sugar and saturated fat compared to milk chocolate. Is dark or milk chocolate better for weight loss? Weight loss requires food choices to be varied providing as many good nutrients as possible. Dark chocolate provides polyphenols, less saturated fats, and sugar than milk chocolate. Therefore in small amounts can be included as part of a weight loss programme. Chocolate and mental health? Dark chocolate contains 4 times more antioxidants than regular milk chocolate does. This can assist in lowering levels of inflammation and may play a role in reducing symptoms associated with depression such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Studies suggest that
Hangover cures put to the test
Hangover Cures Put To The Test In a culture where celebrations are often fuelled by alcohol, many of us will be searching for a hangover cure to erase the negative effects of the previous night. Here, at 121 Dietitian, we firmly believe prevention is better than the cure. So we have done some research on hangover cures. With so many so-called hangover cures circulating the web. We’ve looked at the studies on each one in order to determine which one is actually the best. Here are our findings… Coffee and paracetamol for hangover Caffeine is thought to raise energy levels while paracetamol relieves aches and pains. However, researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia have revealed that black coffee can worsen a hangover. While scientists at the University of Washington believe that taking paracetamol as well can be deadly, as caffeine triples the amount of a toxic by-product created when paracetamol is broken down. This toxicity is the same substance responsible for liver damage when alcohol and paracetamol react together. You may be up against your genes on these too! As a nutrigenomics practitioner I see many patients with genetic issues. The CYP1A2 gene codes for the CYP1A2 enzyme, which is responsible for caffeine metabolism in the liver. Paracetamol is degraded via a minor pathway by CYP2E1 to the liver-toxic metabolite NAPQI. This is toxic even at therapeutic doses, causing hepatotoxicity. Milk thistle for hangovers Available as a tablet or in liquid form. This is an abstract from the milk thistle plant. It is believed its properties aid the body in metabolising alcohol more quickly. Some studies have shown that silybin and silymarin, found in the plant, protect the liver from toxins. They also boast the benefits of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, most of the studies surrounding this were carried out on alcoholics so there is really no proof of its effect in preventing or curing a hangover. Water for hangover One our favourites by far, and one of the most widely recognised hangover prevent/cure techniques, drinking water with alcohol. One pint before bed is believed to reduce the effects of a hangover by diluting some of the nasty by-products of alcohol. Bacon sandwich for a hangover The hangover choice for many. This tradition dictates that bread soaks up alcohol from the night before, alleviating the effects of a hangover. In fact, a study at Newcastle University’s Centre for Life has indeed confirmed that a bacon sandwich can offer relief. Rather than bread ‘soaking up’ the alcohol, it’s the carbohydrate laden effects which boost blood sugar levels, speeding up the body’s metabolism and the process at which the body gets rid of alcohol. Furthermore, rich in protein and amino acids, bacon reverses the effects of alcohol in depleting brain neurotransmitters. But be careful, and stay hydrated as the saltiness may get you later. Isotonic sports drink for a hangover The theory here is that the products contain tiny, easily digestible particles of carbohydrates which help the body to rehydrate faster than by drinking water. Leeds Metropolitan University have revealed that sports drinks are one of the best remedies for restoring blood sugar levels, and their calories can rehydrate the body up to 40% more effectively than water. But remember to monitor both your alcohol and isotonic sports drink intake as anything in excess is damaging. Exercise for a hangover Probably the last thing a lot of people would turn to in a hungover laden state, sweating off a hangover is thought to be a myth. Findings from a government survey revealed that exercise will simply compound your body’s fluid debt and increase your symptoms further. Hair of the dog Many believe that having a drink the next day will ease the recovery process by diminishing the effects of alcohol withdrawal. However, rather than alleviating symptoms, another drink is just elongating the recovery process, lengthening the point at which you feel better. This is a dangerous option and can damage your liver and organs if habitual. Eggs for a hangover While often eaten as part of a hangover fry, eggs are also consumed raw as they contain a substance called cysteine, which is believed the fight free radical damage to the body. However, if feeling queasy, eggs can be hard to stomach and watch for any bacterial contamination. You may find it easier and more helpful to consume a supplement L-Cysteine. This was a small study so not convinced its a miricle cure! Prickly pear cactus for a hangover Taken before a night out in either tablet or pill form. Prickly pear cactus is believed the reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Research at Tulane University, New Orleans tested 64 healthy medical students and indicated that the extracts reduced three out of nine hangover symptoms – nausea, dry mouth and loss of appetite. Halving the risk of a severe hangover. Again a small study and not one to be jumping up and down about for a true cure. This does however highlight the importance of a rich polyphenol diet. Many fruits are a fantastic sources of antioxidants and fluids. Ensuring you consume these daily will support your body if needing to eliminate excess alcohol. Alka-Seltzer for a hangover One of our least favourites, containing a concoction of aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine. It is believed that Alka-Seltzer before heading to bed will leave you feeling revived and hangover-free in the morning. Research at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that while they can help a headache and neutralise excess stomach acid, the main benefits are probably from the effect of drinking the water that they are dissolved in. They aren’t recommended for sensitive stomachs. Artichoke extract for a hangover Believed to help the liver process alcohol, there is conflicting findings on the effect of Artichoke extract. The journal Phytomedicine showed that a supplement of 400mg extract of artichoke leaf extract helped stomach problems, and there is anecdotal evidence that it reduces indigestion, an upset stomach and nausea. Experts however at King’s College London
