A professional nutritionist is urging people not to rely on a common hangover treatment as it may cause irreversible liver damage.
After overindulging in alcohol, an unpleasant headache experienced by many after a hard night that often leaves us reaching for the painkillers to relieve discomfort.
According to Benjamin Bowers, founder of Satia.com, many well-known pain relievers like paracetamol, Panadol and Hedex should never be taken while alcohol is in your system, as doing so can be a recipe for disaster.
"Acetaminophen is the main compound of a popular hangover cure - paracetamol and Tylenol," he said.
"Even though alcohol is generally heavy for your liver, adding these pills to the mix will make the job for your liver much more difficult. So, avoid mixing alcohol with acetaminophen as it can increase the risk of liver toxicity. "
Liver toxicity is often seen in those who drink too much alcohol. While it can heal once the toxin is reduced, it can manifest into a condition known as toxic hepatitis.
If left untreated it can lead to cirrhosis - irreversible scarring of liver tissue and even liver failure - which can be life threatening.
It's not just painkillers that can be affected, as mixing certain foods and drinks with prescription drugs can affect the way the medicines are absorbed in your body. While many believe that taking medication is a simple solution to achieve better health, the truth is a bit more complicated.
Benjamin also revealed that one common drink should be avoided. He revealed that if you're taking antibiotics, you should avoid taking antibiotics with milk and generally try to steer clear of dairy.
He said: "If you’re on certain antibiotics such as Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, used to treat a wide variety of infections, you should avoid dairy products. Mixing dairy with these antibiotics can ruin their healing power.
"Dairy products can interfere with antibiotics’ absorption in your bloodstream, leaving you vulnerable to infections and putting your health at risk."
Mr Bowers also said that antipsychotics should never be taken on an empty stomach and should be taken with a meal of at least 500 calories, so it won't be enough to take them with a snack.
However, requirements for medications vary so it's always recommended to follow any medicines instructions before taking them. Those who need further assistance should contact their GP for advice.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
