Avoid A Hangover: Top 10 Tips
We’ve all been there: waking up with a pounding headache, nausea, and regret after a night of drinking. A hangover is a dreaded consequence of a fun night out, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Taking simple steps before and during your drinking session can minimise your chances of a hangover and help you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Hangovers are caused by various factors, including dehydration, impurities in alcoholic drinks, and the breakdown of alcohol in the body. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can adopt to combat these factors and prevent a hangover. From hydrating throughout the night to choosing the right drinks, there are many ways to enjoy a night without suffering the consequences the next day. With some knowledge and preparation, you can avoid the headache, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms of a hangover and enjoy your night out to the fullest.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
One of the primary causes of a raging hangover is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes your body to lose fluids more quickly. To counteract this effect, drink plenty of water throughout the night. You can also alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to keep your body hydrated.
2. Eat Before You Drink
Drinking on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Not only can it lead to overindulging, but it can also make a hangover more likely. So before you start drinking, make sure you have a meal or some snacks to help slow the absorption of alcohol. Foods high in carbohydrates, like bread or pasta, can be particularly effective.
3. Consider Drinking Milk
Drinking a glass of milk before drinking can help prevent a hangover. Milk contains a protein called casein, which forms a lining in the stomach that can help slow down the absorption of alcohol. This can reduce the severity of a hangover and make it more manageable.
4. Stick to Clear Liquors
Darker drinks like red wine, whiskey, and brandy contain more congeners and impurities produced during fermentation. These impurities can contribute to a more severe hangover. To minimise your chances of a hangover, stick to clear liquors like vodka or gin, or opt for lighter-coloured wines like white or rosé.
5. Skip the Salt
Adding salt to your drinks can make a hangover more likely. This is because salt can accelerate the dehydration process, which can exacerbate hangover symptoms. If you’re tempted to order a Margarita, skip the salt rim and choose a different cocktail.
6. Avoid Mixing Drinks
Mixing different types of alcohol can increase your chances of a hangover. This is because different types of alcohol have different levels of impurities and sugar, making it harder for your body to process them. Stick to one kind of alcohol throughout the night to minimise your chances of a hangover.
7. Take a Break
Taking a break from drinking can help prevent a hangover. Give your body time to process the alcohol by taking a break between drinks or stopping altogether after a certain point. You can also try alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones to give your body a chance to recover.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for preventing a hangover. Lack of sleep can exacerbate hangover symptoms and make you feel even worse the next day. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before you plan to drink, and rest up after a night of drinking to help your body recover.
9. Take Supplements
Certain supplements, such as vitamin B6, can help prevent a hangover by aiding in alcohol metabolism. In addition, taking supplements like B-complex vitamins, magnesium, and zinc can also help replenish nutrients lost during drinking and reduce inflammation.
10. Pace Yourself
Drinking too much too quickly is a surefire way to increase your chances of a hangover. Instead, pace yourself by sipping your drinks slowly and taking breaks. It’s also a good idea to set a limit for yourself before you start drinking and stick to it.
These simple tips can minimise your chances of experiencing a hangover after drinking. Remember to stay hydrated, eat before you drink, and be mindful of the types of drinks you consume. With some planning and preparation, you can enjoy a night out without the unpleasant consequences the following day.
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