We all love a New Year’s Eve party, but what’s decidedly less welcome is the New Year hangover! Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it can cause dehydration, and many of the symptoms of a hangover, such as sickness, headaches and dizziness, are actually symptoms of dehydration.

Really, the only infallible way of dealing with a hangover is not to get one in the first place. Don’t drink too much, alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of non-fizzy water, have something to eat with your drink and don’t drink too late into the evening. Drinking a pint of water before going to bed will help too, as will avoiding dark-coloured drinks such as beer and red wine as they contain more congeners (chemicals that contribute to hangovers). At this time of year, though, it’s easy to get a bit carried away with the festive spirit, so we take a look at the top five hangover cures for the morning after the night before.

The healthy approach

Vitamin C helps your body metabolise alcohol more quickly, and the sugar in fruit boosts flagging energy levels and can help your body get rid of toxins, so a fresh fruit smoothie may help. Don’t go for anything too acidic, though, as this may upset an already-delicate stomach.

Try blending two carrots, one eating apple, one banana and a bit of fresh ginger for a quick pick-me-up. If you can’t face the noise of the blender, drink some packaged fruit juice or even take a couple of vitamin C tablets.

The classic approach

Here’s everyone’s favourite hangover cure – a big fried breakfast. If you’re feeling really queasy, this might not be the best thing to load your digestive system up with. If you can face it, though, a fry up may help, as fat can protect your stomach against the irritating effects of alcohol. The protein in eggs and bacon will also give you some much-needed energy.

The natural approach

If you’re feeling up to it, try taking a long shower. Alternate between cold water to wake you up and hydrate you, and warm water to soothe and relax aching muscles – don’t have the water too hot, though, as it might make you feel dizzy. Next, pick up your iPod, load your favourite uplifting tunes and set off for a long walk in the fresh air. The exercise will clear your head and kick start your metabolism.

The desperate approach

If you’ve had a particularly good night, you might not be feeling like doing much the next morning. Target that thumping headache by taking one ibuprofen tablet, one paracetamol tablet and drinking a cup of coffee, as caffeine has been shown to make painkillers work more efficiently. Then get yourself out for that walk!

The organised approach

Well, we can’t promise that a colonic hydrotherapy treatment will cure a hangover – but it can certainly help rehydrate you and wash out any toxins, leaving you feeling healthier and more energetic. Plus, you get to lie down and relax for a while! Just remember to book your treatment in plenty of time to follow that big night out.

For more information about colonic hydrotherapy or just a chat, please do give me a call on 0161 2074034 or 079000 82080.

What is your favourite hang over cure?