Hangovers are often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. Feeling unwell at a festival can have a negative impact on your weekend away and is ofthen the reason why people are ill. The severity of a hangover can depend on various factors, including the amount and type of alcohol consumed, the person’s age, weight, and gender, and whether they consumed food with the alcohol but unfortunatley there is no strict science behind it, what kills you one week may not have such an adverse affect the next.
With this in mind here are some tips to help avoid hangovers:
Don’t drink alocohol
As obvious as this is, if you really don’t want a hangover or can’t trust yourself to drink in moderation then just don’t drink.
Drink plenty of water
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can cause dehydration. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can help you stay hydrated and avoid a hangover.
Eat before drinking
Eating a meal that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, which can help reduce the severity of a hangover.
Pace yourself
Drinking slowly and taking breaks between alcoholic beverages can help you stay in control and avoid drinking too much too quickly. Swap you regualr drink for an alcoholic version once you have had a few (you’ll most probably not notice the difference) or swap your full fat lager for a shandy alternative.
Choose drinks wisely
Some types of alcohol, such as darker colored drinks like red wine and whiskey, tend to cause worse hangovers than lighter colored drinks like vodka and gin. Additionally, drinks with higher alcohol content are more likely to cause a hangover.
Get enough sleep
Alcohol can disrupt your sleep, which can make you feel more tired and hungover the next day. Getting enough sleep can help your body recover and reduce the severity of a hangover.
Take care of yourself the next day
If you do end up with a hangover, try to rest and stay hydrated. Eating a healthy breakfast and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can also help relieve symptoms. Remember that the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation, or to avoid drinking altogether.
Avoid mixing drinks
Mixing different types of alcohol, or switching between beer, wine, and spirits, can increase your risk of a hangover. Stick to one type of alcohol throughout the night.
Drink lower alcohol content beverages
Opt for lower alcohol content beverages, such as beer with a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) or wine with a lower alcohol percentage.
Take supplements
Certain supplements, such as prickly pear extract or revitalising drinks such as Beroka or a diretic can help reduce hangover symptoms. However, it’s important to note that supplements are not a substitute for responsible alcohol consumption.
Stay active
Light exercise can help boost circulation and release endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce hangover symptoms.
Avoid sugary drinks
Sugary drinks can worsen hangovers by causing spikes in blood sugar levels and dehydration. Stick to plain water, soda water, sugar free mixers or non-alcoholic drinks that are low in sugar.
Remember that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that you are frequently experiencing hangovers, it may be a sign that you are drinking too much or too frequently. Be sure to drink responsibly, and seek medical advice if you have concerns about your drinking habits.