Alcohol plays a role in celebrations and drinking is an integral part of socializing. But drinking alcohol has its pros and cons. One of the negative consequence of excessive alcohol consumption is getting a hangover (characterized by symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, thirst, nausea and loss of appetite.) the morning after. You’re quite grown up, you know to drink responsibly. But just in case you forgot…here I am sharing a few tips on how to cure a hangover.
So before heading out for a party tonight, keep these things in mind to ensure that your fun night out does not turn into a miserable morning after.
Cure a hangover – BEFORE YOU DRINK
TAKE PROPER REST
Get a sound sleep and take rest. It might not save you from a hangover but it will improve your body’s immune system and make you ready to handle a night of heavy drinking — which in any case, is far better than not being ready.
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HYDRATE YOURSELF PRIORLY
It is important to make sure you are not dehydrated before you start drinking. When you drink, you expel up to four times as much water as usual because alcohol is diuretic and cause dehydration (the main cause of hangovers headaches and dry mouths). So before you start drinking, make it your aim to drink up to eight glasses a day beforehand.
EAT GREASY FOOD
Always have a meal containing carbs, protein, and fat before you take your first sip of alcohol. Greasy food slows the absorption of alcohol as the fat in it line the walls of your stomach and slow down the rate at which the alcohol reaches the bloodstream.
So there is no harm in ordering a burger instead of salad because in that case, it takes longer for you to become intoxicated. Try to have more nuts and cheese.
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Cure a hangover – WHILE YOU DRINK
DRINK SLOWLY
It is important to pace yourself while drinking. Drinking too fast won’t give time to your body to break down the alcohol and this is when you can start seeing dreadful side effects. So leave a gap between drinks and allow your body to process the alcohol. This in turn will lessen your chances of getting a hangover.
DON’T MIX DIFFERENT DRINKS
Don’t make a cocktail of different types of alcohol. Because if you drink different alcohols at the same time, they can end up mixing badly. Stick to one type of drink, this will minimize your chances of getting hangover headache the next day.
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SKIP CHAMPAGNE
Champagne especially leads to bad hangovers. Researches have shown that bubbles in champagne may accelerate the absorption of alcohol, so you get drunker faster. Try to avoid it.
PREFER JUICES
Try to choose juice over soda mixers. Fruit and vegetable juices contain extra vitamins, they’re always better for you than soda. This might save some of your calories too.
GET GATORADE
To ward off the resulting headache caused by alcohol, chug water. That’s true but coconut water or sports drinks like Gatorade work even better. They replace your fluids and electrolytes, the nutrients you lose when you drink. So whenever you drink more than two drinks at a time, it’s always smart to alternate between booze and a sports drink.
SAY NO TO SMOKE
According to a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs – “smoking is known to increase the risk and severity of a hangover.” So, better say no to it while drinking.
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Cure a hangover – MORNING AFTER DRINKING
HAVE A SOUND SLEEP
It would be great if you have plenty of time to sleep in after a night of celebration. Getting some sleep will help your body recover. Staying in bed for an extra hour or two will help your body get the rest it needs. It’s the body’s way of healing itself.
INCREASE FLUID INTAKE
Water lessens the severity of headaches, fatigue, nausea and confusion. Keep yourself hydrated and replenish your body with water, fruit or vegetable juices. Lemon juice in warm water is one of the best restorative drink.
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HAVE PAINKILLERS
Have an over-the-counter painkiller like aspirin or ibuprofen to help ease the headache. Take the pills in the morning, not before going to bed when the alcohol is still prominent in your system.
AVOID HERBAL TEAS, HAVE COFFEE
Herbal teas make your body process alcohol more slowly, so your hangover lasts extra long. Rather have coffee but be sure to drink water, too, since studies suggest caffeine causes dehydration.
TAKE SHOWER
Taking a cold shower will help to freshen you up and liven your senses.
EAT EGG AND TOAST
Eating a good breakfast is a renowned hangover remedy. Cysteine in the egg helps break down a headache-causing toxin that’s produced when your body digests alcohol. Go for a plain poached egg or dry omelette. Strictly stay away from greasy breakfast, it will only upset your stomach.
Carbs are known to boost your blood sugar levels. And toasts are a great food to eat if you have been vomiting the night before.
EXERCISE
I know, it may take some willpower to get moving but it will surely help. Exercise speeds up the process of metabolizing the alcohol, helping it leave your system faster. Not only this, it releases endorphins that enhance your mood and help make your body and mind feel better.
Be sure to properly hydrate both before and after exercising to prevent further fluid loss.
Go ahead and party, but party smart!
Remember these suggestions on how to cure a hangover when you hit the bar next time.