After a long and exhausting workweek, you decide to unwind with your friends. The night is fun, the drinks keep coming — and before you know it, you’ve had a bit too much to drink! The next morning, all that fun comes with a price: a brutal hangover.
If you’ve been there, you know how miserable a hangover can feel — the pounding headache, nausea, acidity, and an upset stomach. These are some of the most common symptoms that can leave you feeling drained and downright awful.
Excessive alcohol intake leads to dehydration and increased acidity in the body, both of which contribute to hangovers. It can also cause blood vessels to expand, trigger inflammation, and drop your blood sugar levels — all of which make you feel worse and can even weaken your immune system.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, if you want to enjoy your night without suffering the next day, here are a few smart tips to help you avoid hangovers:
# Limit your intake of bubbly drinks like champagne. These are loaded with carbon dioxide, which can intensify hangover symptoms.
# Skip the aerated mixers. Instead of sodas, opt for natural fruit juices. The combination of carbonated drinks and alcohol can be harsh on your system and worsen hangovers.
# If you must use a mixer, steer clear of sugar-free sodas. These can actually cause more severe hangovers than regular sodas.
# Choose your alcohol wisely. Dark-colored spirits like rum and whisky tend to have more congeners — compounds linked to hangovers. Clear spirits such as vodka and gin are typically easier on the body.
# Never drink on an empty stomach. Eating before and during your drinking session helps protect your stomach lining and slows down alcohol absorption. Snack throughout the night to reduce the impact.
# Rehydrate with electrolyte-rich drinks like ORS solutions, coconut water, or sports drinks after drinking. These help replenish lost fluids and minerals, reducing the severity of hangovers.
# Pace yourself. Leave at least 15–30 minutes between drinks. This gives your body time to process the alcohol and can go a long way in preventing that next-day misery.