Sunday, January 18, 2015

Hangover: Alcohol or FOOD?

In the midst of the marriage season, it is not uncommon to encounter upset tummies the day after the big fat wedding. All fingers are pointed towards the catering staff and their lack of proper hygiene. But are they the ones to blame?

It is a well known fact that when we point a finger at others, four fingers point back towards us. So, let's introspect and unearth some revelations.



That gets us to this concept of Food HangoverWe have always heard of an alcohol hangover and logically the former too would indicate an overindulgence in food or simply put - overeating.

"Eat to your heart's content".  But more often than not, that would surpass your gut's content.


A fatty, spicy, salty, or sugary meal or a meal too big for the body to handle, especially a dinner would very likely cause a hangover the next morning.

Abdominal bloating, heartburn, indigestion and nausea are commonly experienced the next day. The body feels lethargic and may lead to inactivity.

The best way to prevent a food hangover is to plan the meals properly and avoid starving, which almost always leads to overeating. Avoid a heavy meal at night to allow the body to digest the food before bedtime. Avoid alcohol, aerated drinks and caffeine since these can cause dehydration and aggravate the issue.

However, the symptoms can be ameliorated by drinking lots of water, chewing gum which aids digestion by increasing the saliva formation, or by taking a walk in the park.

One should eat to live, not live to eat. 

6 comments:

  1. Very informative. Now I know food hangover is another name for indigestion.

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  2. Lots of food hangovers have definitely taken place....now I know the reason n how to avoid them....thanks to you sir.

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  3. Very very informative. ....

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  4. I am a foodie n truely said doc that if we over eat we do tend to blame xyz for it but its us who should have control on our taste buds and limit ourselves from over eating ....as it does create problems later like indigestion ....stomach ache ....high pressure n at times out of control if diabetic ......so its us who would help our own bodies from food hangovers if we control our hearts and mind to stop over eating

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  5. Very informative...
    I have very irregular eating habit due to work schedule, always on road traveling from one site to another because of this routines i always skip lunch which leads to overeating at dinner and made me obese...
    I have started with herbelife meal replacement for lunch which is helpful right now but Dr. I need your suggestions, will it be helpful in long term and in my obesity...?

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