The best cure for a hangover? Prevention. But with so much champagne flowing on New Year’s Eve, it can be easy to overdo it. Just in case that bubbly leaves you with a queasy stomach and mega-headache, you would be wise to head into the new year with smart choices and gut-healthy actions.
Things to Remember When Overcoming a Hangover
While there’s no tried and true hangover remedy that works for everyone, most health professionals can agree that getting a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables, as well as water is a good place to start. Adding in gut-healthy probiotic foods is another top thing to remember. It will help clear out the alcohol and get your system back in check much quicker. We kept that in mind when we developed our Berry Revival Protein Smoothie, just in time for the biggest celebration of the year. This detoxing, nutrient-dense blend is made with the following:
1. Lifeway Mixed Berry Organic Whole Milk Kefir – Our Mixed Berry Kefir is more than just delicious; it’s full of live probiotics, complete protein, and natural vitamins and minerals to help restore your body’s microbiome and energy levels.
2. Fresh spinach – Spinach contains essential vitamins and minerals, including sulfur, vitamin C, and folate– which help accelerate liver function and support the immune system. It’s also naturally low in calories, easy to digest, and contains fiber so your body isn’t taxed with the digestion process.
3. Beets – Beets support your liver by stimulating the detoxification process. They also contain fiber, which is essential for helping your body remove waste. Additionally, beets are one of the few vegetables that support nitric oxide activity within the body, helping to increase energy more quickly.
4. Raspberry – One of nature’s best sources of fiber, raspberries help detox the body and remove waste, and they’re a great source of vitamin C. They’re also easy on the tummy!
5. Bananas – Bananas are gentle on your stomach, rich in potassium, high in magnesium and B vitamins, and contain natural electrolytes lost through dehydration. They’re also a great prebiotic food!
6. Asparagus – Asparagus is considered a superfood due to its rich nutrient profile, providing an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and well-being. Asparagus is also beneficial for hangovers as it contains amino acids and minerals that support liver function, helping to alleviate hangover symptoms and promote a quicker recovery.
As an optional choice, you can also use a scoop of vanilla protein powder that we suggest in the recipe. Choose one without a bunch of fillers and one made with more natural ingredients, which can be easier than those that are more highly processed. There are limitless choices out there these days. Or, you can leave it out and sip with ease knowing Lifeway Kefir provides enough complete protein for the recipe, all by itself.
Another good thing to do is to get in some movement, which will aid the body’s natural detoxification process quicker. After you recuperate, try heading outside for a simple walk or doing some gentle yoga. If you’re more of a gym person, go for a late afternoon workout and do something light. Be sure to follow up with a nutrient-dense meal or a light protein shake or smoothie like our Berry Revival Protein Smoothie!