I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden.
And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot.
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Experts have revealed the common garden essentials that could be poisoning your dog
Credit: Getty
Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom.
But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist
But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches.
Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed.
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Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors.
And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint.
Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool.
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Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.'
Vet
How to keep pets safe during a heatwave
Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told
"They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time."
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It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself.
Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs."
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet.
"These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
"I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces."
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign.
They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them.
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Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling.
If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tasted 9 protein bars – all were delicious but most were packed with nasty ingredients or sugar
THE words 'high protein' are stamped on pretty much every food these days. There's Advertisement 13 Lucy Gornall tried a number of protein bars - were they delicious as well as nutritious? Credit: Darren Fletcher But one of the easiest protein products to reach for is the In the 1970s, bodybuilders and athletes used them to aid muscle growth and recovery. But they became mainstream by the 1990s, and in 2025, more than a fifth of us eat them every single week. The global protein bar market is now thought to be worth a staggering $14.2billion and is only set to rise. Advertisement Read more on fitness food But are protein bars actually healthy, and are some better than others? Experts say they can be, but some contain nasty ingredients, with links to gut issues. Here's the lowdown. WHAT IS PROTEIN? PROTEIN is an essential macronutrient. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive It's Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, tofu, beans and dairy, to name just a few. High-protein snack ideas that are quick and easy But when we don't have time to whip up a meal or we need an alternative to sugar-laden biscuits and fatty crisps, many of us turn to protein bars. 13 Protein bars have become so popular that even brands known for their chocolate make them - but the nutrition on the label reveals the ones worth trying Credit: Getty Advertisement Protein bars offer a convenient, on-the-go option to easily increase your intake. But are they as healthy as we think? As a personal trainer, health writer and general wellness and fitness fanatic, I decided to pay several to the test, and ask experts for their verdict too. BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar: 5/5 Price: £32 for 12 ( Protein: 16.4g per 60g bar (27.3g per 100g) Sugar: 15.7g per 60g bar (26.2g per 100g) Fat: 10.8g per 60g bar (18g per 100g) Fibre: 2.5g per 60g bar (4.2g per 100g) Calories: 155 per 60g bar (258 per 100g) 13 BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar Credit: BodyMe Advertisement 13 Lucy called the BodyMe protein bar a "definite winner" Credit: Darren Fletcher A VEGAN-friendly bar with 16g of plant protein from a mix of peas, brown rice and hemp, registered nutritionist 'Hemp has a higher 'This bar doesn't contain artificial sweeteners or other additives and the ingredients are all organic too, which can help to reduce your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.' Advertisement Taste test: This flavour makes a change from the usual peanut butter and chocolate protein bars that I'm used to. The strong lemon flavour makes it taste a little like lemon meringue pie, however it's not overly sweet. I like how fudgy it is, without tearing my teeth out with every bite. A definite winner! Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls: 5/5 Price: £18.99 for 10 bags ( Advertisement Protein: 10g per 45g bag (22.1g per 100g) Sugar: 16.1g per 45g bag (35.7g per 100g) Fat: 8.2g per 45g bag (18.3g per 100g) Fibre: 2.7g per 45g bag (6g per 100g) Calories: 188 per 45 bag (417 per 100g) 13 Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls Credit: Protein Ball Co 'MADE largely with dates and nuts, this is a whole food-based product that provides better nutritional value than most other 'protein' bars and snacks,' says Claire. 'The 10g of protein per pack comes from the nuts, as well as whey protein isolate, which is considered to be a high-quality protein that's absorbed well and can help with muscle gain and cardiometabolic health.' It has the benefit of added vitamin D3, which supports bone health, mood regulation and immune function, and it's free from artificial sweeteners. Advertisement Taste test: Like sweet, nutty, chewy balls of goodness, I love the nut lumps in these balls. They're super squidgy and delicious, and pretty healthy! Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar: 4.5/5 Price: £2.50 ( Protein: 8.7g per 50g bar (17g per 100g) Sugar: 11g per 50g bar (23g per 100g) Fat: 14g per 50g bar (28g per 100g) Fibre: 6.7g per 50g bar (13g per 100g) Calories: 250 per 50g bar (500 per 100g) 13 Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar Credit: Holland & Barrett Advertisement PRIMARILY made from peanuts, pistachios, dried cranberries and oats, this bar contains 8.7g of protein, which is slightly less than many others out there. However, it does also contain 6.7g of fibre, which Claire says is a 'plus' for this type of product. 'This has added B vitamins and Taste test: This is very tough on the jaw but tastes delicious. You wouldn't think it was a protein bar. Advertisement The pistachio lumps are great and I felt considerably full after eating a whole bar. 4. The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar: 4/5 Price: £26.99 for 12 ( Protein: 14g per 45g bar (30g per 100g) Sugar: 1g per 45g bar (2.3g per 100g) Fat: 10g per 45g bar (22g per 100g) Fibre: 9g per 45g bar (20g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar Credit: The Fast 800 EACH bar contains 14g of protein, coming from vegan sources like pea and rice. Advertisement 'This product also contains 9g of fibre (nearly a third of your recommended daily fibre intake), seemingly from the added chicory root fibre - a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria,' says Claire. 'Be careful though, as this could trigger bloating and gas in some people, particularly in excess. 'This bar also uses artificial sweeteners (a polyol called xylitol), which can trigger gut issues and have laxative effects, particularly if you're eating them regularly.' Taste test: Dark chocolate raspberry seems to be a popular protein bar choice but I'm here for it. Advertisement This tastes like a chocolate bar but knowing it's not filled with cr** makes me feel much less guilty. 5. Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie: 3.5/5 Price: £2.08 ( Protein: 20g per 64g bar (31g per 100g) Sugar: 2.1g per 64g bar (3.3g per 100g) Fat: 11g per 64g bar (17g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 64g bar (0g per 100g) Calories: 239 per 64g bar (374 per 100g) 13 Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie Credit: Warrior Cheap high protein foods Lucy Gornall reveals some of the best protein sources that won't break the bank: Tinned fish Mackerel 15g per 100g Tuna 25g per 100g Sardines and salmon 17g per 100g Cottage cheese 10g per 100g Plain/Greek yoghurt 4 to 10.5g per 100g; Greek yoghurt has more protein than plain or natural yoghurt, but the former is more expensive Stewing cuts of meat Beef shin - 20 to 22g per 100g Lamb shoulder - 17 to 20g per 100g Oxtail - 19.6g per 100g Non-Gmo tofu Firm tofu 12 to 16g per 100g Silken tofu 6.5g per 100g WITH an impressive 20g of protein per bar, which Warrior says is 'almost as much as a chicken breast', this is a handy way to top up your protein. Advertisement But Claire warns: 'It's not just about the protein. In a chicken breast, you'd get the protein alongside lots of other important nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, iron, selenium and more.' She says that despite this bar being 'low sugar', the 'They're approved for safe use as food additives, however more research is being done and the European Food Standards Association is currently re-evaluating the safety of maltitol, which is used in this bar." Healthline says: 'After eating maltitol, some people experience stomach pains and gas. It can also act similarly to a laxative and cause Advertisement 'The severity of these side effects depends on how much of it you eat and how your body reacts to it.' Taste test: This tastes rich, exactly like a naughty brownie. The colourful little edible balls add an extra crunch and the bar generally is just the right amount of chewy. 6. Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan protein bar Price: £16 for 12 (from Advertisement Protein: 16.5g per 50g bar (33g per 100g) Sugar: 0.5g per 50g bar (0.9g per 100g) Fat: 6g per 50g bar (12.1g per 100g) Fibre: 3.6g per 50g bar (7.1g per 100g) Calories: 159 per 50g bar (319 per 100g) 13 Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan Protein Bar Credit: Free Soul THESE are described as 'incredibly delicious, triple-layered, plant-based protein bars coated in real dark chocolate with a gooey core'. Each one contains a decent 16.5g of protein and 3.6g of fibre. 'The sugar and calorie content are very low at 0.5g and around 159 respectively, however these bars do contain sugar alcohols like maltitol and xylitol,' says registered nutritionist Advertisement 'They also contain more processed ingredients than I would typically like to see in a protein bar.' This includes the emulsifier lecithin, the humectant vegetable glycerine, polydextrose as a bulking agent and gum acacia as a thickener. Taste test: The chocolate is super milky. I popped this in the microwave for 45 seconds and let it melt a little for a bit more of a gooey bar. Advertisement 7. Fuel 10k Peanut Butter oat bar: 3/5 Price: £2.24 for 3 ( Protein: 9.7g per 45g bar (21.6g per 100g) Sugar: 8.4g per 45g bar (18.8g per 100g) Fat: 9.4g per 45g bar (20.9g per 100g) Fibre: 5.1g per 45g bar (11.3g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 Fuel 10k Peanut Butter Oat Bar Credit: Fuel 13 Lucy says this is a good option for those who like oats for breakfast Credit: Darren Fletcher CLARISSA says: 'This offers a convenient, vegan snack with 9.7g of protein and 5.1g of fibre. Advertisement 'However, it contains 8.4g of sugar per serving, which is relatively high for a snack.' With added sugars like rice syrup and refined sugar, stabilisers and natural flavourings, this one is best as an emergency snack option. 'I wouldn't lean on it daily if you're aiming for minimally processed choices and less sugar,' Clarissa adds. . Taste test: If you like oats for breakfast, this is your bar. Advertisement It's crunchy and chewy in one with plenty of pumpkin seeds and sweet bits of dried fruit. 8. Real Meal Blueberry & Almond: 2.5/5 Price: £4.99 for one ( Protein: 26g per 150g bar (17.3g per 100g) Sugar: 39.5g per 150g bar (26.3g per 100g) Fat: 22.1g per 150g bar (14.7g per 100g) Fibre: 13.5g per 150g bar (9g per 100g) Calories: 603 per 150g (402 per 100g) 13 Real Meal Blueberry & Almond Credit: Real. Meal MADE from mostly whole food ingredients with 26g of protein and 14g of fibre per bar, Clarissa says this is great for feeling full and for muscle maintenance. Advertisement 'The sugar content is quite high at nearly 40g per bar – more than a can of Coke!' she adds. 'That's likely down to the fact that this is designed to provide energy and fuel for performance. 'I wouldn't say this is a great everyday option for those who aren't fueling for intense exercise like a marathon.' Taste test: Yum! The Blueberry & Almond flavour tastes like a berry, marzipan-style pie. Advertisement It's chewy and tasty and filled with chia seeds. It's actually surprisingly filling too. 9. MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut: 2.5/5 Price: £15.99 for 12 ( Protein: 4.5g per 24g bar (20g per 100g) Sugar: 7g per 24g bar (29g per 100g) Fat: 8.7g per 24g bar (36g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 24g bar (1g per 100g) Calories: 133 per 24g bar (553 per 100g) 13 MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut Credit: MyProtein AS a protein-enriched bar rather than a protein bar, this only provides 4.8g of protein. Advertisement Claire says this should only be seen as a sweet snack, just like you would see a chocolate bar. 'As well as the whey protein isolate, this product is made from sugar, different types of fat (shea fat, palm and milk fat), with chocolate, emulsifiers and flavourings,' she adds. Taste test: I expected this to taste like a Kinder Bueno bar and to be honest, it's not far off, just a little less creamy. But it still tastes naughty and thanks to being a wafer, it's super light. Advertisement Protein isn't just for bulking in the gym. It is the building block of a number of systems in the body. What is protein needed for? Protein isn't just for bulking in the gym. It is the building block of a number of systems in the body. These are just some... Muscle repair: Protein helps build and repair muscle tissues, making it vital for athletes, bodybuilders, and those recovering from injuries. Supports immune system: Proteins are involved in the production of antibodies, which help fight infections and diseases. Hormone production: Protein is necessary for the creation of enzymes and hormones that regulate bodily processes, such as digestion and metabolism. Skin, hair, and nails: Protein contributes to the maintenance of skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail growth. Energy: While carbohydrates and fats are the primary energy sources, protein can act as an energy reserve when needed. Weight control: Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and supporting healthy weight loss or maintenance.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The TRUTH about Ozemd**k – the bizarre weight loss jab side-effect that's ‘adding inches' to manhood size
OZEMPIC-PENIS sounds like a sexually transmitted disease you really wouldn't want to catch. But it's actually a term that has cropped up online, largely amongst men on Advertisement 4 Men who have been taking Ozempic say they've noticed a change to their penis size, here we reveal all you need to know Credit: Getty One anonymous user wrote: 'I recently measured myself down there and noticed I gained about one inch.' Another asked: 'Increased size, anyone else notice?' Weight loss drugs were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and Ozempic is still prescribed for just that. Wegovy and Advertisement They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones, like GLP-1, that make you feel full, slow digestion and regulate appetite, leading to sometimes drastic fat loss. The health benefits can be huge considering obesity can cause cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. But is it too good to be true that the drugs can add inches to your penis as well? We asked GP and men's health and erectile dysfunction expert Dr Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Can taking weight loss drugs really make your penis bigger? 4 Weight loss jabs can make your penis LOOK bigger Credit: Getty Advertisement THE short answer is no, but the drugs can certainly make your penis LOOK bigger. 'It's true,' says Dr Foster. 'You naturally have a small fat pad just above the base of the top of your penis. What is Erectile Dysfunction? 'As you develop 'It appears, therefore, that everything has shrunk. 'It's as if your penis has gone inside, but all that's really happening is the surrounding tissue to your penis has become more protruded - the true penis size hasn't changed. Advertisement 'And in fact, about 70 per cent of your penis is external, there's another 30 per cent inside that you just never see.' Pre-Ozempic, some men found this illusion so upsetting that they'd be referred for liposuction to have the fat pad reduced. 'The removal of this fat pad just above the penis does make it look bigger, but the problem is, it's not actually any bigger, it's just the appearance of the outward area,' says Dr Foster. Losing some of that fat pad as a side-effect of weight loss drugs can have the same effect though - and doesn't involve a surgical procedure. 'It's a win, isn't it?' says Dr Foster. 'You're going to be healthier, and you might end up looking like you've got a bigger penis. Advertisement 'I mean, no men are ever going to go, 'Ah, I'm really worried my penis is too big'.' Do fat jabs help improve erections too? 4 Fat jabs can help improve erections and your sex drive will go up Credit: Getty 'DEFINITELY,' says Dr Foster 'Fat increases oestrogen levels in men, and it also reduces testosterone and increases insulin resistance. 'All of those three together will have a really negative impact on your testosterone production. Advertisement 'And if you haven't got testosterone, or not as much of it, you don't get a libido, you don't get erections. 'So it's really simple: by reducing your body fat, your erections get better, your sex drive goes up and you feel more manly.' Does that mean weight loss meds could eventually be prescribed for ED? 'IT could be one of your tools as part of an overall arsenal of treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but you wouldn't use it as a primary treatment,' says Dr Foster, who says that crucially you need to find the root cause of the problem. 'The biggest cause of erectile dysfunction in men is still heart disease. 'If you've got narrowing of the arteries you can't get a decent erection. Advertisement 'Your penile artery is almost identical in calibre and design to your coronary artery. 'That's how they discovered Viagra - it was designed for blood pressure in your heart originally, and they found it worked really well down below.' He adds: 'This is why we say to men, if you have got erectile dysfunction, find out why. 'The worst thing you can do is just buy some over the counter tablet without finding out why [it's happening]. 'We say that on average, if you have an arterial cause for erectile dysfunction, you have about a three-year window before something bad happens to your heart, like a heart attack - so really understand the cause.' Advertisement This is when weight loss drugs could make a difference, by supporting overall heart health, and therefore, erection health. 'If we think there's a cardiovascular cause, then using something like Ozempic or Mounjaro could be amazing, because not only do you fix your erection, but you actually fix the underlying process that's causing the whole thing,' says Dr Foster. 'It improves your heart and your penis.' Are there any potential penile risks? 4 The weight loss jabs may however reduce muscle mass, a problem that needs to be managed, whether you're worried about how your penis looks or not Credit: Getty 'I'VE heard the rumour that allegedly GLP-1 drugs may reduce penis size or have adverse effects on male health in general,' says Dr Foster. Advertisement 'The theory behind it is whether testosterone or male wellbeing is affected by GLP-1s.' He explains: 'GLP-1s work by improving satiety, so you eat less. 'By doing that, you reduce body fat, but the other part of that, which we're now seeing evidence of, is that if you're not careful, you also start to reduce muscle mass. 'That's the big worry, because on one hand, yes, you want to get rid of excess fat, but you don't want to reduce your muscle because that's not healthy for anyone.' Loss of muscle can lead to falls, lack of mobility, increased fractures, and in older age, even premature death. Advertisement '[People] think that sarcopenia-effect (muscle loss) is because of lowered testosterone, but it's probably not a direct effect of [GLP-1s],' he explains. Muscle loss is a problem that should be managed though, whether you're worried about how your penis looks or not. 'If you are going to be taking a weight-loss drug and want to maintain your masculinity, then you have to make sure you eat enough protein and do weight bearing exercise,' says Dr Foster firmly. 'You must do both, and that will help your erections, because we are starting to see the effects of weight loss drugs causing loss of muscle and that's having massively negative impacts on male health. 'To maintain your testosterone, to maintain your erection, make sure you do some decent exercise, and make sure you eat enough protein, even if you don't feel like it, because otherwise you're going to lose more important things [than fat alone], like sexual function and muscle.' Advertisement What is erectile dysfunction? ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40. Erectile dysfunction is when you are either: Unable to get an erection Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up. Sometimes you might also have low sex drive. It's not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it's causing you distress. Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines. But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by: High blood pressure or high cholesterol Diabetes Depression or anxiety Hormone problems
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. Advertisement 7 Waking up feeling rough after just a couple? You're certainly not alone! Credit: Getty Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the ' But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. Advertisement Read more life hacks So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. Advertisement Most read in Health 'As a result, you can become Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. Doctor shares the 5 remedies that actually stop your Christmas party hangover - and they work wonders for the over 25s When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. Advertisement 7 Make sure to drink water throughout the evening AND once you get home Credit: Alamy 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. Advertisement 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 7 Go for white wine over red- which has more chemicals that induce a hangover Credit: Alamy Advertisement 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. Advertisement 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your Advertisement Women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol Dr Mohammed Najjar Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Advertisement 'These 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 If your diet is heavy in ultraprocessed foods, you're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol Credit: Getty 7 However, some cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can help with fatigue and low energy Credit: Getty Advertisement 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. Advertisement So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 7 Hangover supplement are all the rage. But there isn't a huge amount of research to say they work, so don't rely on them Credit: Getty 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a Advertisement Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. Advertisement 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. Advertisement 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' 7 Women metabolise alcohol differently which means they may feel the impact of a hangover more Credit: Getty Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
