December is upon us, which means, for many, the social drinking has ramped up a notch or two, and there may well be more than one occasion over the coming weeks when ‘just a few drinks’ suddenly turns into a lot more than you intended, and you’re left with a pounding headache, an upset stomach, and your mouth resembling an unknown region of the Sahara desert. Is December set to be the month of the perpetual hangover? Maybe not…
First, let’s look at the science behind all the fun! Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it purges your body of water before it can be absorbed. Paradoxically then, one of the biggest factors in a hangover is dehydration – despite how much you drank the night before. As well as being the main ingredient in any number of cocktails, alcohol is also an irritant to the stomach, which is why most people suffer from an upset tummy and even nausea after a night on the tiles. It strips your body of vitamins and minerals, and disrupts the quality of the sleep you get. Additionally, women have fewer of the enzymes that help to break down alcohol in the system so generally speaking, they cannot tolerate as much alcohol as men.
The good news is that a growing number of people are finding relief from their alcohol overindulgence in the form of milk thistle – a traditional botanical formula that has been long used to treat liver disorders. Native to Europe and Asia, milk thistle is now grown around the world for its medicinal benefits. The leaves hold a milky sap that gives the plant its name, and the seeds contain a compound called silymarin, which is thought to be responsible for many of the plant’s health benefits, particularly those relating to the liver, kidneys and gall bladder. Silymarin is an anti-oxidant, it’s anti-inflammatory and it’s an anti-viral.
While milk thistle is not a miracle cure from hangovers, many people find that it helps to significantly reduce symptoms, making them more bearable. It is thought that silymarin works by helping the body to process and eliminate alcoholic toxins from the liver faster. Milk Thistle is effective in cleansing the liver, healing and repairing liver cells, not just damaged by alcohol but by food too. Clinical trials have shown that silymarin blocks the damage caused by harmful toxins and removes these toxins from the liver cells. It may also help the liver to repair itself by promoting the growth of new liver cells while its anti-inflammatory properties can benefit those with liver inflammation or hepatitis.
No matter what, if you are going to be drinking, make sure you have some Milk Thistle on stand-by. Take one tablet before you start drinking and then another before you go to bed and one with breakfast the following morning.
It is also recommended to take Milk Thistle throughout January, after the December food and alcohol excesses, for ongoing liver and kidney health, as it blocks the actions of many toxins. Milk Thistle inhibits inflammation in the liver and kidneys. Combine it with our 30-day Perfect Balance Kit throughout January to help gently cleanse, heal and repair the organs of digestion and gut.
Here’s what Gill, one very happy Just For Tummies customer had to say about Milk Thistle:
I’m now on my second pot of Just For Tummies Milk Thistle and I cannot sing its praises enough! Upon Linda’s recommendation I use these prior to overindulgence and for sure the morning after. The difference in how I feel compared to not taking this is considerable! No more upset tummy or feeling groggy. This has to be a staple in everyone’s bathroom cabinet as the festivities get nearer and party season takes hold! Thank you as ever, Linda, for your expert advice!
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