Day Five and I’m coming alive. The low energy levels I wrote about yesterday seem to be receding. Today I managed to do a bit of wood chopping in the morning sunshine. It was just gentle chopping to provide some kindling. I did have to swing the big axe a couple of times to get things going. Swinging the big axe does tend to get things going.
One of the things I do not miss about drinking is the hangovers. They were probably my saviour in bygone days because they often acted as a deterrent against over indulging – certainly not foolproof, but a kind of brake on excess. The hangover is of course a widely known phenomenon and every country has its own way of describing it. In Germany it is known as Katzenjammer (wailing cats), and in France as la guele de bois (wooden gob). Whatever the language, there is widespread agreement about the characterisitics of a hangover – they vary from person to person in terms of the constellation of symptoms and their severity, but typically include headaches, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, thirst, dry mouth, and acute sensitivity to light and noise. Sufferers usually have no difficulty in making the diagnosis and identifying the cause. I guess another symptom would be regret.
One of the main causes of hangovers is dehydration – the body uses a lot of water to metabolize and excrete the alcohol. The risk can be reduced by drinking water between alcoholic drinks and having a glass of water before bed. Other contributory factors include irritation of the stomach lining by alcohol (reduce the risk by not drinking on an empty stomach) and reduction of blood sugar levels.
A final word on hangovers. Drinking is supposed to be a congenial activity, but beware of congeners! These are the substances added to alcohol to give drinks their characteristic tastes, colours and aromas. As a general rule, darker drinks (such as port and brandy) tend to contribute more to hangovers than clearer drinks such as vodka. But if you drink too much alcohol of whatever colour, your morning companion is likely to be a hangover. Of course, hangovers only became popular in the early part of the 20th century – before then, after an evening of over indulgence in food and/or drink, you would wake feeling crapulous. How fabulous is that?
Alcohol Trivia Quiz
Yesterday’s answers:
- Additives are
- Orange for Cointreau
- Heather honey and herbs for Drambuie
- Anise for Ouzo
- Reinheitsgebot is legislation in Germany governing what can ingredients can be used in the production of beer. Currently only malted grain (barley, wheat, rye), hops, water and yeast can be used.
- The Scaffold had a hit with “Lily the Pink” (…”she turned to drink”).
Today’s questions:
- Who had a hit with “Red, Red Wine”?
- What was the Volstead Act?
- What is a Corpse Reviver No 2?
I hope you have found this little read informative and entertaining. There will be more tomorrow! Meanwhile, keep safe and well.
Understand Yourself Better 