My Health Routine When Drinking Alcohol
Source: @kayla_seah
On the quest to heal my body, I’ve reduced many things that didn’t make me feel good–soda was admittedly easy to eliminate, I no longer munch on processed snacks, and I only eat gluten very rarely (only when it’s worth it, like a special meal on vacation ). The one vice that’s difficult for me to give up? Alcohol. While I have felt called to drink less since the beginning of pandemic two-glasses-of-wine-every-night days (I never drink at home anymore and now only drink in social settings because it didn’t make me feel good, but to each their own!), I live for a wine night with friends every once in a while, and nothing feels like summer quite like an Aperol Spritz on a rooftop or patio. And obviously, that’s OK. Luckily, joy is a more important nutrient than anything we can get from a diet, and my clients and followers know that deprivation can only lead to an unhappy life, not a healthy body. Being “healthy” doesn’t mean restricting yourself from the foods and beverages you love. Instead, it means making decisions what will make your mind and body feel best, including what will bring you joy, and then supporting your body as best you can. So on the nights where I know I’ll be having a few spicy margaritas or before a bottomless mimosa brunch, this is my process to not only limit and reduce hangovers, but to help support my body as best as I can so my detoxification system does not have to go into overdrive.
Before Drinking:
A few hours before, take a B-Complex vitamin (it will help you recover more quickly), a dose of Vitamin C (helps decrease the stress alcohol causes on the body), and inositol (helps detoxify your liver, and good to start taking in advance)
Nourish your body as much as possible throughout the day–opt for nutrient dense meals (like a smoothie or superfood oatmeal to pack in nutrients), and load up on whole food carbohydrates (rice, quinoa, oats, etc.).
Do a meditation before going into any drinking setting to center yourself. Drinking alcohol is always tied to emotions, whether it's stress (like social anxiety) or celebration (like a holiday). Get yourself in a clear mindset so you can make choices that will actually make you feel good.
While Drinking:
Opt for as “clean” alcohol as possible, meaning less syrups, sugars, and mixers. Try a high quality liquor with sparkling water and lime juice, or a natural wine or local beer. I love Dry Farm Wines or Good Clean Wine for non-toxic organic wine that doesn’t contain added sugar like others–I swear I don’t get hangovers (even if I drink the whole bottle…it’s happened before!).
Add ice to your drink (I like ice with white wine or champagne, which the French call la piscine)–you'll be drinking more water without even trying.
Eat some healthy fats–try guacamole and veggies or snacking on plain nuts. Healthy fats will be important for reducing the inflammation alcohol may be causing in the body.
Stay present and mindful. When getting another drink, ask yourself why–are you enjoying the taste and ready for another? Are you feeling awkward in a social situation? Are you reaching for another out of habit? Without shaming yourself, just get curious.
After Drinking:
When you get home or finish drinking, try replenishing electrolytes (I like the Sakara Water Drops for some very clean, essential nutrients–a lot of electrolyte packets have added sugars and chemicals. For packets of electrolytes to add to water, this one still has a few grams of added cane sugar, but overall seems pretty clean).
Take another B-Complex to restore the nutrients that got depleted, and dandelion root or inositol to assist the liver in detoxification.
The next day, get in some greens to assist in detoxification. If you can find or make one, a green juice is ideal, but 8Greens is amazing in a pinch or when traveling to get in extra nutrients and greens in an easy way.
Especially if you had a few too many drinks, you will probably be tempted to have the strongest coffee you can get your hands on, but consider opting for matcha instead. The antioxidants in matcha are so good for combatting the effects of alcohol, that Dr. Christian Gonzalez says you should not drink alcohol unless you are going to be drinking matcha or at least a green tea. If a matcha drink is not for you, try a green tea supplement.
Get sweating–my favorite thing to do after a night of drinking is a hot yoga class, so my system can sweat out some of the toxins, and the twists help detoxify internal organs and prevent a backup of estrogen. You can do some gentle yoga at home (focus on spinal twists), and go for a run or sit in a steam to get the body sweating.
Prioritizing mental health. When I'm hungover, I’m tempted to stay in bed watching TV and eat a greasy breakfast burrito. But one of the main symptoms of a hangover is anxiety, and alcohol can have both short-term and longterm effects on your mental health. If you also feel anxiety like I do, do something that makes you feel good, whether it's a meditation or making a healthy meal.
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