Let me begin my saying that as a San Diego chiropractor I truly believe that there are few physical conditions that a good chiropractic adjustment can’t help. But, a hangover is one of them. Since the over-imbibing of liquor creates a systemic toxic condition, it would appear that “time” is the best remedy. But, that said, I read just the other day that the intensity and duration of a hangover actually depends on the color of the liquor.  So, it would appear that we can pick our poison, if we choose to drink it at all.

A new study by Damaris Rohsenow of Brown University and colleagues reported in an upcoming issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research indicated that bourbon gave drinkers a more severe hangover than vodka, bourbon drinkers rating higher on scales that measured the severity of hangover malaise, including headache, nausea, loss of appetite and thirst. However, both bourbon and vodka drinkers’ sleep suffered equally, as did their performance on tasks requiring attention and quick responses. Rohsenow advised that understanding the lingering effects of alcohol after a night of heavy drinking is important for people who engage in safety-sensitive tasks, such as driving, while hung over.

Overall, bourbon drinkers reported feeling worse than vodka drinkers.  Let’s face it, drinking too much alcohol, no matter what the color, is just not good for anyone’s health. Moderation in all things is a good philosophy when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.  But, if there is a moral here, the may be it: Next time, sip a martini!

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