How to drink to avoid a hangover?
Headache, dizziness, inability to concentrate, excessive sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting are typical symptoms of a hangover. They occur when the liver is unable to metabolize alcohol, which, in excessive amounts, becomes a poison to the body. Fortunately, hangovers can be avoided by following certain rules before and during alcohol consumption.
Sleep and a fatty meal before the party
A hangover is much more painful for tired people, so it’s crucial to get plenty of sleep before a party. A long, restful sleep allows the body to regenerate, providing an extra dose of energy. Meanwhile, we should also consume a fatty meal about 2-3 hours before the party. Fat forms layers on the walls of the duodenum and stomach, slowing the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. It’s a big mistake to drink alcohol on an empty stomach or with only a light, diet-friendly meal. The alcohol will be absorbed more quickly, causing its blood levels to rise significantly over time. However, we will experience the unpleasant effects the next day.
Choosing alcohol consciously
When drinking alcohol, we should follow a simple rule: never mix two or more types. Furthermore, if we want to avoid a hangover, we should avoid heavier drinks, such as brandy, bourbon, whiskey, or even red wine. These contain compounds called congomers, which are the most likely to contribute to a hangover. As you can see, it’s not only the amount of alcohol consumed that matters, but also the type of drink we ultimately choose.
Hydration of the body
Alcohol, although consumed in liquid form, actually leads to dehydration. Therefore, it’s worth drinking water between drinks to ensure adequate fluid intake. It’s important to drink plain mineral or spring water. Carbonated drinks cause the alcohol to be absorbed more quickly. Juices are an alternative, but only freshly squeezed. It turns out that the most important thing is to hydrate the body while drinking alcohol, not just after the party.
Breaks of appropriate length
The vast majority of alcohol consumed must be handled by our liver, but its capacity is limited. It can process 8 to 12 grams of alcohol per hour. This amount is equivalent to 2-3 beers, a glass of wine, or vodka. Therefore, it’s important to take breaks between toasts. Drinking consecutive glasses is particularly dangerous—our liver certainly can’t handle such a large amount of alcohol at once.
Regular meals during the event
To avoid a hangover, it’s worth reaching for not only water or freshly squeezed juice during a party, but also a meal. This should be a source of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Alcohol consumption is often accompanied by a feeling of fatigue, which can be a result of a drop in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, our bodies will burn off the calories we consumed in the pre-party meal within 4-5 hours, so it’s worth replenishing them. Most of us eat small snacks – they’re always better than completely abstaining from eating while drinking.
Avoiding straws
Some alcoholic beverages shouldn’t be consumed through a straw, while others are most often served with one. However, to avoid a hangover, it’s worth avoiding straws altogether. This is because approximately one-fifth of alcohol is absorbed in the mouth. At the same time, we shouldn’t hold the drink in our mouths for too long, as this can also contribute to faster alcohol absorption.
When should you stop drinking?
If we want to avoid a hangover, we can’t drink excessively. However, it’s difficult to judge the exact moment to stop drinking so as not to experience unpleasant side effects the next day. Many people only stop drinking when their stomach begins to give out or when they feel drunk. However, it’s worth remembering that the body reacts to alcohol with a delay, so it’s worth telling yourself a little in advance. Some people know perfectly well how much alcohol they can tolerate, and therefore how many drinks will be relatively safe for them. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that the rate at which alcohol is absorbed depends on many factors. Sometimes, just being tired or feeling unwell is enough to stop us from drinking as much as usual. If we feel that:
- our heads start to buzz,
- we can’t concentrate,
- we can’t gather our thoughts,
- we become sluggish,
This is a sign that it’s time to stop drinking. Otherwise, we have to expect a hangover, which can be very severe. Remember that responsible alcohol consumption not only helps us feel good the next day but also affects our health and safety, especially during and after the party.
