Take These Simple Steps to Avoid Hangovers

We are all guilty of long nights out that tend to result in one of the absolute most painful aftermaths you’ve experienced: a hangover. But even with a fuzzy mind and inadequate judgment, you are still capable of ensuring you wake up without the miserable aftereffects of alcohol. All it takes is a few steps that I’m going to let you in on. Step 1: Hydration beforehand. Let water be the pregame to your pregame. If you know you have plans that you will most likely be drinking for, begin consuming as much water as possible before leaving home. A suggested amount would be at least 9 cups with added lemon to keep your body hydrated and more likely to resist a hangover. Step 2: Make sure you have eaten plenty before drinking. In my personal experience, not eating enough beforehand was a one way ticket to some of the most miserable mornings of my life. Eating food prevents acetaldehyde from forming in your stomach, which is the main cause of hangovers. Carbohydrates and fatty substances are best for this situation. Step 3: This may be a factor that’s been increasing your hangovers without you even knowing it. You should never mix diet products (Diet Coke, Pepsi, ect.) with alcohol. This also includes chasing with them. Diet drinks cause alcohol to have a much more immediate delivery time to the bloodstream (also raising your blood alcohol content, and could be an unwanted giveaway that you’ve had too much to drink). Instead, lean more towards sugary drinks like sweet tea or lemonade. These beverages will be broken down more slowly, lessoning your risk of a hangover. Step 4: Avoid mixing drinks. Sticking to one type of alcohol is definitely your best bet. Mixing drinks makes it harder for the body to process everything at the same time, so take your pick and stay there. Step 5: Consume as much food and water as possible before going to bed. DO NOT allow yourself to go to sleep drunk. Although this may be the biggest struggle for us all, do your best to fight the initial comfort that falling asleep drunk provides. Before you even think about getting in your bed or passing out somewhere, chug at least 5-6 glasses of water (if not more), along with having something to eat. The consumption of foods and liquids will absorb the alcohol from your system. No more alcohol = no hangover. Following these steps is a small price to pay, and is a lot less painful than waking up to a throbbing head and an extremely sick stomach. Besides, beating a hangover makes drinking all the more fun!

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