Last weekend after a night of heavy binge drinking, you woke up feeling awful. Your head was heavy. You felt sick. Actually, you felt like death. You vowed you would never drink again. But deep down you know that isn’t going to happen. So why don’t you learn from past mistakes instead? Avoid getting a killer hangover by:
1. Drinking responsibly
Prevention is better than cure, especially since hangovers have no proven cure. The best way to avoid getting a hangover is to drink moderately or abstain from drinking. If you can’t do the latter, assess your tolerance for alcohol so that you know how much is too much for you.
2. Drinking plenty of water
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes dehydration. Dehydration results in symptoms like headache, exhaustion and thirst. To avoid that killer headache when you wake up, drink plenty of water. As a rule of thumb drink water between drinks and before going to bed.
3. Eating a proper meal
Never ever drink on an empty stomach. Doing so is a recipe for disaster. Ensure you eat a balanced meal before you go out. Food slows down the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
4. Not guzzling
Drink alcohol slowly. Drinking hurriedly will make your body absorb alcohol fast and is certain to cause a hangover.
5. Drinking clear alcohol
Avoid drinking dark coloured drinks like whiskey and brandy. These drinks have high levels of toxins and impurities that are sure to cause a hangover. Instead opt for clear drinks like vodka and gin that contain fewer impurities.
6. Getting adequate rest
Get plenty of sleep after a night of heavy drinking. Sleep will help your body recover and getting enough of it will ensure you wake up feeling fairly revitalized.
7. Taking medication
Medication like ibuprofen may provide some relief from the symptoms of a hangover. Some chemists stock a party pill called TGIF Party Smarts. It is a natural dietary supplement that effectively digests alcohol in the body, and saves you from death by hangover.
However avoid drugs like aspirin that can irritate the stomach and acetaminophen that can cause severe liver damage.
Follow these tips and you’ll be certain to avert a hangover. Also, don’t put your life in peril by drinking and driving. Get a designated driver or take a cab. Now go on and enjoy your weekend, will you?
