How to beat a hangover with sport

Wondering how to get rid of a hangover? The end-of-year party season is in full swing. You've probably attended, or are about to attend, a few sessions (prolonged into the wee hours of the morning) of fun and bah-humbug abundance. But the next day headaches and feeling sick can prevent you from functioning within normal parameters, including your regular physical activity program. How can you get back on your feet as quickly as possible and stick to your healthy lifestyle?

A little gentle exercise is the best way to invigorate yourself and get your body's energy-producing and detoxifying systems moving again. But don't overdo it, as you're already tired and dehydrated. Here are the steps you need to take to recover as quickly as possible:

1. Eat carbohydrate-rich foods

An hour before your exercise session, have a meal rich in complex carbohydrates, such as a serving of oatmeal and fruit. These will help restore your energy levels. A cup of coffee will help you wake up and boost your metabolism. And perhaps most importantly, drink plenty of water before and after your sports session, because when you're hungover you're definitely dehydrated and your body needs water.

2. Water... and something besides

Fortify your drinking water with an alkalizing tablet (alkaline water rebalances the body's pH and combats the effects of alcohol in the body) or turn to sports drinks (like Gatorade), which contain, in addition to water, electrolytes and vitamins, which you need. Another delicious and natural option is coconut water, favored by celebrities for its energizing and detoxifying properties.

3. How to get rid of a hangover? Turn to easy exercises

Fortunately, a few sets of easy exercises can help you sweat and eliminate the toxins accumulated with excess alcohol. But don't overdo it! So it's best to stay away from CrossFit, boxing or even the treadmill, which can be dangerous while you're still dizzy and not fully focused, but also yoga is not a preferable solution as it can make you feel sleepy. Choose relatively easy, energetic and fun activities such as dancing, swimming or interval training. In fact, any combination of cardio, flexibility and light strength training is effective. You'll be surprised how good you'll feel, energized and almost as good as new!

Anca Grecu

DOCTOR IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT

GENERAL MANAGER

anca@babyspa.ro / 0720 707 575

Private Pripu Gheorghe 22a, 014376 Bucharest

031 437 99 06, 031 437 99 61

www.aviatieicenter.ro