Surviving Impacts of St. Paddy's Day: Expert Offers Tips to Feel Better
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UNION CITY, Tenn. - If yesterday's luck of the Irish is leaving you feeling green today, the best medicine can be found from your kitchen faucet.
Water and hydration is everything, said Dr. John Hale, a family practitioner and incoming president of the Tennessee Medical Association.
"The key is to consume a lot of liquid," he said. "The alcohol causes a dehydration-type picture. Tylenol does help. Aspirin helps as well."
While it may be too late for the advice today, Hale said the best way to prevent a hangover is preparation before a night out, which entails eating a healthy meal that includes protein to help slow the digestion of alcohol into your system.
Hale also wants to dispel some of the common myths around getting over too much imbibing.
"No real medical validation for the greasy food," he said. "But, you know, there's an old adage, 'the hair of the dog that bit you.' Is it good to go ahead and consume more alcohol tomorrow to get you down off that? That has no validity whatsoever."
According to the National Retail Federation, 30 percent of Americans went to a bar or restaurant to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and more than 76 liters of beer per capita are consumed in the United States on the holiday.
