The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer EATING bread at bedtime, or fatty foods in large amounts, are remedies some people turn to after heavy drinking. Hangovers, which can also be considered "morning sickness", occur as a result of heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. A hangover is "the body's reaction to being poisoned with too much alcohol. Heavy drinking rocks the central nervous system. It tinkers with brain chemicals -- leading to headache, dizziness, and nausea -- and sends a person running to the bathroom often that then causes dehydration," according to Medicine.net. Characteristic symptoms include: fatigue, thirst, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, poor or decreased sleep, increased sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness or , rapid heartbeat, red bloodshot eyes, shakiness, decreased ability to concentrate and mood disturbances, stated the website. Not all symptoms are experienced by all people; some find the symptoms to be more severe than others. "When I drink I get a serious headache, and my stomach becomes very irritated. The next day I feel very dizzy and I have serious trouble concentrating. I went to church one morning and the night before that I drank heavy. In church I felt like a zombie and all I wanted to do was crawl in a hole and die," Tatiana told Tribune Health. For some people, coping with the unpleasant feelings of a hangover means eating a lot of food to absorb or soak up the alcohol. However, in some cases this tactic is of little help. "Eating at bedtime (after you are already drunk) is no help. Food has to be in your stomach before Happy Hour to have any impact. Second, while any food can slow the body's absorption of alcohol, fat does it best. So go for steak or pizza before your first martini, and you might escape a hangover. One bedtime tip that does help - drink water to fight dehydration," stated Medicine.net. Food and Water According to Pedro, a heavy drink, people are different, so what works for one does not necessarily work for all. "When I have a hangover I eat a lot. Have about five meals a day and all. Eating a lot of greasy foods help me, like burgers, fries, chicken. Basically any fried food works for me. Greasy food tends to soak up the alcohol for me," said Pedro. Although water is also considered a cure by many, Pedro said it does nothing for him. "I do not drink any water at all if I have a hangover. Water does not work for me and I still feel the same way after drinking it. Drinking energy drinks like Gatorade, Lucozade also keeps me hydrated. Alcohol makes me have to go to the bathroom frequently, replenishing my body with energy drinks is necessary," he said. Anya on the other hand said a hot bowl of souse or soup helps ease discomfort in her stomach due to a hangover. "Every time I wake up with a hangover I always say I will never ever drink again. Then I find myself trying hard to get some souse. I feel so much better after I eat souse," she said. Physical Activity Sandra said she engages in physical activities to rid herself from feelings of nausea as a result of a hangover. "At times I wish I could throw up. Throwing up makes me feel a hundred times better. Other times when I cannot throw up I try to do some physical activity. To some people this is a bit weird because it takes so much energy to get up and be active. Sex also helps too. Any activity once it has me sweating works well," she said. Drugs Headaches are a common symptom for those experiencing hangovers. Taking pain killers is another remedy to cure this symptom. "I eat some bread and take (pain killers). Some people take other pills. It is all about what agrees with your body," said Brenda, a social drinker. What is your ultimate hangover remedy? Tell Tribune Health at Tribune242.com.