Avoidance Of Hangovers

While many people enjoy going out for an evening of drinking and hanging around with friends, there are few that enjoy the subsequent hangover that comes with it. Here are some of the best things to do to avoid hangovers.

The best way to avoid a hangover is to limit the amount of drinks that you consume. What you do drink, drink slowly so that your body has time to process the alcohol. Always drink with food on your stomach, as this also slows down the alcohol absorption. Continuing to eat while you drink and after you get home may also help. Taking a vitamin C supplement before you go to bed will help replenish some of the nutrients you lost due to the dehydration.

An important part of avoiding a hangover is in knowing what to drink. All alcohols contain congeners, but some contain more than others. Vodka is one of the “safest” drinks when it comes to congener content, and bourbon is the most dangerous. Other colored alcohols are not far behind. Red wine is also a “dangerous” alcohol, but more so for the tyramine it contains than anything else. Light colored alcohols are safer, but remember that any alcohol can cause a problem if you drink enough of it. Use caution when drinking sweet mixed drinks or eating sugary foods, since this can affect how much alcohol you consume.

When you are drinking, you should also avoid any carbonated drinks. This includes the obvious ones like champagne, but keep in mind that mixing rum with Coke is also giving you carbonation as well. The bubbles cause your body to absorb more alcohol more quickly, putting an overload on your system. Plus, since many people think that carbonated drinks are “lighter” than heavier alcohol, they tend to overindulge without evening realizing it until it is too late.

Remember to be aware of your personal size and build. If you are a 120 pound woman, it is a pretty safe bet that you are not going to be able to drink your 250 pound date under the table. Half as much alcohol as what he is drinking, and you end up with the same blood alcohol level – and the same chance of having a hangover the next morning. So keep size in perspective when ordering drinks, and know your personal limit.

Consider over the counter hangover preventatives. While it may take some experimentation to figure out which ones work best for you, some actually can help to reduce the risk of having a hangover and/or the severity. Look for ones with activated charcoal as one of the active ingredients.

You can also consider starting your hangover treatment the night before. Some drinkers will swear by taking some Alka-Seltzer or a couple of aspirins with water before heading to bed. This may not be the best idea, however, if you have a sensitive stomach and/or have already started throwing up. If that is the case, work on getting yourself hydrated as quickly as possible. Plain water or fruit juices work best.

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