Can hangovers be prevented?
Before You Drink:
- Don't drink on an empty stomach.
- Eat starchy foods to slow alcohol absorption.
- Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 drink per hour.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic beverages. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so water is the best choice of beverage.
- Choose noncarbonated mixers -- carbonation can speed alcohol absorption.
- Avoid sweet drinks (and sugary foods) while you drink -- the sweet taste may make it difficult to judge how much alcohol you're drinking.
- Choose drinks with low levels of congeners -- additives found in alcohol that increase your risk of a hangover. As a general rule, dark-colored drinks (such as red wine, bourbon, and rum) have higher levels of congeners than do light-colored drinks (such as white wine, gin, and vodka).
- Drink water before you go to bed.
- Get plenty of rest.
While one to two drinks a day have been shown many health benefits (including cardiovascular and longevity benefits), upping that amount can be a risky for more than the obvious reasons of decreased mental and physical abilities that come with excessive drinking; it's also because the day-after hangovers are linked to memory impairment and decreased visual-spatial skills-making you more prone to accidents even the day after vodkafest.
When over-imbibing is all but inevitable on some chance occasion, however, you can take a few steps during the festivities that might make the next morning a little smoother and safer for you (or the maid of honor).
- Choose light alcohol over dark alcohol. Darker drinks contain substances called congeners. They're what give flavor, color, and aroma to alcohol, but there's also a higher association with hangover headaches in drinks with congeners than in drinks without them. In short, vodka and gin trump whiskey, bourbon, and red wine.
- Eat foods with healthy fat such as avocados or walnuts while you drink. That will help slow or delay the absorption of alcohol. Same goes for honey and tomato juice, which are both rich in fructose, allowing your body to metabolize alcohol more effectively.
Not drinking at all is the only way to avoid getting a hangover, but you can reduce your chances of developing one by drinking in moderation. Alternating your alcoholic drinks with a glass of water over the course of the evening will keep you hydrated and help you drink less alcohol. Other hangover prevention tips include eating food while you drink and sticking to one type of alcoholic beverage for the entire period of consumption. You can also try to drink alcohol with fewer congeners, but keep in mind that any alcoholic drink can give you a hangover.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.