Hangxiety Cure: Natural Methods That May Help You

Here are some natural methods that may help you find a cure for hangxiety, the debilitating affliction many experience after over-indulging with alcohol.

Understanding Hangover Anxiety

Dizziness, headache, and nausea: these symptoms have long been understood as the ramifications of a wild night out and the ensuing hangover. However, the psychological consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are becoming more talked about; 22.6% of people in a 2017 study reported anxiety as a hangover symptom. In the same survey, regret was reported at 71.1%, and depression at 34.2%, which could all fall under the category of indicative of what is now commonly referred to as hangxiety. 

What Causes Hangxiety?

As the concept of hangxiety is relatively new, there are several theories about the origins of the phenomenon. 

• A predisposition to anxiety will only be exacerbated by alcohol excess.
• Alcohol detoxification can give symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can cause jitters, anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness.
• Emotional withdrawal occurs as a comedown from the increase of endorphins that present themselves when under the influence.
• Dehydration and sleep deprivation are major factors and lessen the mind’s ability to regulate emotion.
• The inflammation that happens with excessive alcohol consumption also occurs in the brain, which can lead to irritability and anxiety.

How to Deal With Hangxiety in the Moment

First, take a deep breath, drink some water, and consider getting some more sleep if you can. Since hangxiety is a hangover symptom, taking steps to recover from the hangover as a whole will help you get you back to a state of calm.

Addressing the causes of hangxiety specifically will also be paramount. In order to do this, the steps will encompass targeting dehydration, facilitating detoxification, mitigating inflammation, and providing overall calm. 

Next, do gentle movement exercises if possible. For example, Hatha yoga will calm adrenals and twisting movements help to detoxify inner organs.

Then, make a good breakfast with plenty of complex carbs, and focus on nourishing yourself with the following foods and herbs for the rest of the day. The next steps will delve further into natural remedies and focal points for lessening hangxiety.

Nutrition Focus for Hangxiety

There are a lot of plant-based sources for essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that will help mitigate hangxiety. 

• B vitamins to metabolize the alcohol, reduce fatigue, and regulate stress-related hormones. Found in: leafy greens, legumes, nutritional yeast, sunflower seeds, beets
• Vitamin C reduces the severity of a hangover, prevents loss of the antioxidant glutathione, and helps metabolize the alcohol. Found in: Citrus, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, kiwi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, melon, pineapple, potatoes
• Magnesium to support detoxification and relax muscles. Found in: Cacao (ensure fair trade), avocado, nuts & seeds, legumes, whole grains, bananas, leafy greens.
• Sulforaphane to support liver detoxification. Found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, arugula, and many more! If cooking, let chopped vegetables sit for 40 minutes before exposing to heat in order to preserve this compound. Or cook with mustard powder (ground mustard greens.)
• Sesamin (an antioxidant found in sesame seeds) to support detoxification. 
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) a compound to support detoxification, rebalance blood sugar, and reduce oxidative damage. Found in: Spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, oranges, strawberries, soybeans, lentils, peanuts, sesame seeds, pistachios
• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) an amino acid to support detoxification and replenish glutathione. Found in: Sunflower seeds, legumes, spinach, bananas. 

Sources: The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life by Dr. Jeffery Bland and How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger, both available on Amazon**

Herbal Spotlight for Hangxiety

Calming teas and tinctures from the following herbs will put you on the fast track to feeling back to a state of serenity. 

• Milk thistle for liver detoxification
• Chamomile and lavender for calming mental state
• Turmeric for liver detoxification and healing inflammation (always use with black pepper to ensure bioavailability.) A golden milk latte would be perfect for this.
• Dandelion for elimination
• Ginger, fennel, and peppermint for detoxification and stomach-soothing
• Nettle for detoxification
• Green tea (via antioxidants called catechins) for liver detoxification and protection from free radical damage. Matcha will have more since you consume the whole leaf rather than the steeped water.

Source: Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care by Maria Noel Groves, available on Amazon**

Practicing Mindfulness for Hangxiety

You do not even have to get out of bed to incorporate mindfulness meditation into your day. Resist the urge to pass judgment on or avoid your thoughts, and instead notice them as they come into your state of awareness. Breathing exercises, journaling, or a walk in nature, if you are up for it, can all be incorporated into a mindfulness practice. 

Next, put the night into perspective. Do not fixate, and remember that you are likely not the only one who feels out of balance and regretful. Focus on healing today, and be kind to yourself. 

How to Prevent Hangxiety

Of course, the only certain way to prevent hangxiety symptoms is to not drink at all. If you are continually experiencing hangxiety, it could be a symptom of alcohol abuse disorder, and there is no shame in seeking help. However, if you do choose to drink again, here are some tips to prevent the hangover symptoms that can culminate to hangxiety: 

• Eat before you drink. Drinking on an empty stomach compounds alcohol’s effects on the body and mind. 
• Drink water. Match glasses of water to each alcoholic beverage you consume, as dehydration is a main culprit of hangxiety. 
• Pace yourself. Drinking too quickly could lead to excessive consumption before you even realize it. 
• Drink with people you trust. Altering your state of mind around people you do not know or trust can exacerbate feelings of nervousness and regret after a night out. 

Read on: 

• Is Alcohol Vegan? A Guide to Vegan Booze
• Best Natural Ways to Get Over a Hangover – Quickly
• Calming Tea: Varieties to Help with Stress and Anxiety

Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.

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