Hangovers Can Be Serious Business
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
By: Alicia Mandigo

While most people have New Year's Day off, there's a good chance that instead of relaxing, a large portion of people will be nursing a hangover.

Hangovers can be serious business. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, absenteeism and poor job performance due to hangovers cost the United States 148-billion dollars annually. And the majority of those hangovers are suffered by light-to-moderate drinkers. Two remedies suggested by the Annals- rehydration and vitamin B6.

But there are other remedies that may also work. Cassandra Branson is the editor and co-founder of the national website Crave Local, which also hosts a website specific to Orlando. She attends numerous wine and cocktail tastings as part of her job.  She says the first and best strategy is to watch your intake.  But if it’s too late for that- consider taking a supplement with prickly pear, milk thistle, and white willow bark. Branson says those natural remedies can help with symptoms and may protect the liver. She also suggests replacing electrolytes by drinking a bottle of coconut water- she says single pasteurized is best.

And for that headache? Stay away from the Tylenol. Studies have linked alcohol and acetaminophen to a risk for liver and kidney damage.