Hangover symptoms are the consequences of your body’s metabolism. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, gastrointestinal irritation, electrolyte imbalance, and low blood sugar. These symptoms can include thirst, dry mouth, feeling dizzy, sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, and headache. These symptoms usually peak when the alcohol in your blood returns to zero and can last up to 24 hours. Although hangovers are not life-threatening, they can be dangerous as they can affect your physical coordination and concentration, making it difficult to perform tasks like driving and decision-making.
It is advisable to have a meal that is rich in carbohydrates before you start drinking. This helps to slow the rate at which alcohol is absorbed in your bloodstream
Have a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink to prevent dehydration
Avoid carbonated drinks, which causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream
Count your drinks. If you don’t know how many you’ve had, it’s probably too many. And if you end up with a hangover the next day, you’ll know to have one less drink next time!
Avoid smoking as it can worsen dehydration and affect both your immune system and quality of sleep, which contribute to more intense hangovers.
Have another glass of water (or two!) before going to bed
Pre-Hydration: Start hydrating before drinking by consuming water or electrolyte-rich beverages. Your body may use hydration to allow it to metabolize alcohol more effectively.
Alternate alcoholic drink: Have a non-alcoholic drink such as water, coconut water, and sports drinks for each of your beverages. This helps you drink more slowly and is good for your hydration.
Consume Ginger: Before you drink, eat ginger or have ginger tea. Gingers may help you relax your stomach and reduce nausea, which is usually due to a hangover. Take vitamins B & C: Consider taking a vitamin B & C before before drinking. Your body can make more efficient use of these vitamins in the processing of alcohol.
Choose clear alcohol: select clear liquors, like vodka or gin, over darker spirits such as whiskey and rum. Clear alcohols contain fewer congeners (toxic by-products that contribute to hangovers.
Restrict Congeners: Do not drink too much of the congeners, such as red wine, bourbon, or brandy. The hangover worsens because of Congeners, so choosing congener beverages may help. Sleep and rest: Before you drink, get a good night’s sleep and try to rest after a night out. The hangover symptoms can be exacerbated by a lack of sleep. Keep active the day after your drink: engage in gentle exercises or movements. This may contribute to improved blood circulation and metabolism, which can help with the elimination of alcohol.
Replenish Electrolytes: The day following a drink, consume foods that have high levels of electrolytes like bananas, leafy green foods, and coconut water to compensate for the loss of nutrients. Drink Pedialyte or Rehydration solution: these solutions contain electrolytes and can aid in faster rehydration, possibly reducing the symptoms of hangover. Remember, while these tips may help to ease the pain of a hangover, moderation is essential. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink responsibly or abstain from excessive alcohol consumption.
Some hangover cure capsules available in the market like AyuVeda Herbs’s Swift Hangover Capsules provide quick relief from hangover symptoms by offering instant hydration, reducing post-drinking side effects, and supporting liver health. For example, Blowfish for Hangovers by Rally Labs has been America’s best-selling hangover remedy for over 10 years. Fast & Up Night Out is another instant hangover relief pill that contains electrolytes, amino acids, and vitamins to prevent hangover symptoms and replenish lost nutrients. Its Swiss effervescent technology allows for fast nutrient absorption, and it is sugar-free, non-habit-forming, caffeine-free, and vegetarian. It is easy to consume by dissolving two tablets in a glass of water and drinking it as the last drink of the night or the first drink of the morning.
In conclusion, these top 10 hangover prevention tips suggest proactive measures before, during, and after alcohol consumption to minimize the effects of a hangover. They include pre-hydration, alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages, taking vitamins B and C, choosing clear liquors, limiting high-congener beverages, getting enough rest and sleep, gentle exercise, electrolyte replenishment, and incorporating ginger. The administration of some of the reputed Hangover pills may also provide desirable results in overcoming a hangover. However, responsible drinking and moderation are still the most effective ways to prevent hangovers.