It's Not All Beer & Skittles

ALCOHOL

This weeks topic is our good mate alcohol and why we get that ‘hot under the collar’ feeling after we drink. Often it occurs when we have finished our boozing for the night, and have decided to turn in and get some well-needed (some might even think deserved) rest.

So why are we left feeling uneasy, sweaty and hot?

The answer: our liver.

The liver is responsible for metabolising all the alcohol we consume. It does this at a rate of about 1 standard drink per hour. Therefore, the more we drink, the longer it takes to fully break down and clear the alcohol from the body.

Once drinking has ceased, our liver really starts getting to work - at this point, probably deserving an employee of the month award. All this work that the liver is doing actually starts to warm our blood as it’s passing through. This is exacerbated due to the fact that the alcohol acts as a vasodilator within our bodies (meaning it widens and relaxes our blood vessels). With this relaxing and widening of our blood vessels our blood pressure and blood flow also start to increase – increasing our body temperature.

So, what can we do to help our livers after a night out?

Studies have shown that herbs such as St Marys Thistle can help improve liver phase 1 and phase 2 detox (our two detoxification pathways), as well as acting as a hepato-protective (protecting our liver cells and even beginning to regenerate them). Another herb that can help with improving liver function, and even help with those alcohol induced hot flashes is Schisandra. Schisandra has been shown to also help protect our liver cells as well as increase our capacity to detox certain toxins, such as alcohol.

Whilst these herbs may not be able to stop the dreaded hangover the next morning, they help to keep our livers in tip top shape and help assist in recovery when we do have those boozy nights out – after all, life is about enjoying everything in moderation.

As with any natural therapy or medication, you should discuss with your healthcare professional, such as a naturopath before taking.