By Kac Young PhD, N.D., DCH
The party was fun, the people were festive, you danced the night away and you wake up the next morning feeling like you’ve been run over by a herd of peptic camels. Other than wanting your mother to soothe your brow and coo, “There, there honey,” you can do something to restore your body’s healthy status quo.
To get back on track you’ll want to:
1) Drink Orange Juice. Go for the Vitamin C: Orange and grapefruit juices have the highest level of one of the most powerful antioxidants, vitamin C. The vitamin works to neutralize free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases. Potassium: citrus juices have the highest level of potassium which plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Folate: Orange juice contains the highest amount of folate. Citrus fruit juices are higher in vitamin A, thiamin, and phosphorous than other juices in the analysis.
2) Eat Some Fruit. Blackberries, kiwi, grapes and oranges have the highest levels of antioxidants These antioxidants and other free radical scavengers such as flavonoids, carotenoids, organic acids (cinnamic and gallic) and vitamin E . These compounds neutralize free radicals in the body and bring oxygen into the blood stream.
3) 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar can help restore the acid balance in your body caused by excess drink and food. Apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver. It can also help in breaking up mucous throughout the body and cleansing the lymph nodes.
Believe it or not, a glass of red wine can rebalance your body and put your blood sugar back into balance after a night of partying.
5) Spice It Up. Eat something very spicy.. Look for foods heavily seasoned with rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic or paprika. Spices will get your circulation going and wake up your sludgy systems. Try this version of Drunken Noodles as your antidote for your revelry:
1/2 pound Asian wheat or egg noodles
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
4 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons canola oil or rice bran oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, the spicier the better for you!
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 small green pepper, seeded and sliced
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 ounces snow peas, ends snapped, strung, and large ones cut in half on the diagonal
2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 cup Thai basil or sweet basil whole leaves, packed
Cook the noodles according to package directions- usually under 4 minutes. Drain. Sauté chicken in 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside. In a small bowl combine fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic. In a small cup combine the cornstarch and rice wine. Stir and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to wok or large skillet. Add carrots, onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, snow peas and green pepper and cook for another minute. Add final tablespoon of oil then combine noodles, chicken, water chestnuts and sauces in wok or large skillet. Lift noodles gently to combine all ingredients. Serve and eat immediately.
– Kac Young, a former television director and producer, has earned a PhD in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author of 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. In the Heart Easy cook book sound nutritional advice is followed by family favorites that have been turned into heart healthy meals anyone can make and everyone will love. Learn more: http://www.HeartEasy.com