The best way to avoid a hangover is to not drink in the first place! But with holiday parties galore, here are some tips just in case.
The Dog that Bit You
Hangovers are the result of a combination of dehydration, a loss of sugars and salts, and a reaction to the impurities in alcohol.
The Night Of
- Eat while you’re drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Go slow. The body can process an ounce of alcohol an hour. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have.
- Remember that sugary drinks mask the taste of alcohol, giving you an unrealistic view of how much you’re drinking.
- Stick to one type of alcohol: "Never mix, never worry." Dark liquors contain more impurities that make for headaches.
- Know when to stop!
- Have a small snack before you go to bed.
The Day After
- Re-hydrate. Drink water, juice, a fruit smoothie or a sports drink like Gatorade. More alcohol gives temporary relief but will just prolong the agony.
- Medicate. Take multivitamins, vitamin C and an aspirin.
- Eat up. Eggs or bananas are good choices. Eggs are good sources of cysteine, a substance that breaks down toxins in the liver. Bananas are high in magnesium, which relaxes your pounding blood vessels, and natural antacids, which soothe an upset tummy.
- Sleep it off. Close the blinds, unplug the phone, apply a cold washcloth to the forehead and get more sleep.
- Work it out. Go for a walk. The exercise and fresh air will do your body good. Oxygen will help continue the process of breaking down toxins.