We’ve all been there—a party is coming up, and the excitement is mixed with the fear of a hangover the next morning, when you might have to go back to work or want to be in good shape for other tasks. At celebrations and parties, it’s usually hard to get by without having a few drinks—unless you have to drive afterward. Beer, wine, or sparkling wine often flow freely, and amid lively conversation or exuberant dancing, it’s all too easy to lose track of how much you’ve already had. To keep the next day from turning into a nightmare, here are some tried-and-true tips for avoiding a hangover.
How can you prevent a hangover?
Eating a particularly high-fat meal before the party can help prevent a hangover. Sticking to one type of drink throughout the evening helps avoid a headache. So under no circumstances should you alternate between beer and sparkling wine, schnapps, or wine—or switch from white to red wine—or you’re guaranteed to get a headache. Drinking and smoking will make you feel even worse the next day! If you stick to light-colored drinks like white wine, grain schnapps, or vodka, you’re less likely to get a hangover than someone who drinks red wine, brandy, or whiskey. Salty snacks like nuts and pretzel sticks help replenish the minerals lost due to alcohol consumption. A proven remedy for a hangover is to drink a glass of mineral water between alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is dehydrating—so be sure to drink plenty of water after the party to replenish lost fluids.
Anyone who still experiences all the symptoms of a hangover the next day—feeling groggy and tired, with headaches and nausea—should reach for acidic foods, such as cucumbers, fish, or salad with plenty of vinegar or lemon. In addition to mineral water with extra magnesium, vitamin-rich juices are the ideal drink for someone with a hangover. Juices provide the body with the necessary fluids and help replenish the vitamins lost during the recovery process.
Tips for the Day After
A pain reliever like acetaminophen can also help, as can one that also contains caffeine, baking soda, and citric acid. Apples for breakfast and Pu-erh tea are also recommended. Beet or artichoke juice are also good remedies for a hangover, and a high-fat chicken or meat broth helps settle the stomach and restore circulation. To relieve headaches, you can rub menthol ointment on your temples or take a tablet. At a blood alcohol level of about two per mille, some people begin to show signs of alcohol poisoning—the warning signs include vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, and increasingly uncoordinated movements.
