Preventing Hangovers
 
We are often told that the only ways to prevent hangovers is to either drink alcohol in moderation, or abstain completely from drinking. While avoiding all alcoholic beverages may be the most efficient way, it isn’t always the most practical, or the most popular. 

Hangovers are most often an accidental side effect of over-indulgence, as anyone who has experienced a severe hangover can confirm. So, now that you have had a few too many, what can you do to prevent, or at least alleviate, the symptoms?

One of the most common symptoms of a hangover is dehydration (the lack of fluids in the body). It is essential that you drink fluid throughout the evening, before you go to sleep, and when you wake up. In addition to drinking fluids, you should eat food before, during, and after you drink alcohol. Food may help reduce the irritation on your stomach lining. Read more about what you should eat and drink to prevent a hangover.

You can also reduce the severity of the hangover by choosing certain beverages over others. Darker colored liquors (such as bourbon) will give you a worse hangover than lighter liquors (vodka). Read more about which drinks give you hangovers.

Treat hangovers as you do other illnesses and you will get better quicker. Your body will require time to metabolize the alcohol you have ingested. Sleeping when inebriated is not as restful as when sober. When you are capable of normal sleep patterns, try to rest for as long as possible. Even though you are no longer drunk, you are still not well. Click to read about taking pain relievers and vitamins to prevent hangovers.

If you feel like you’re going to throw up, let it flow. Although it isn’t much fun, throwing up is actually good for you because your body is getting rid of the poisonous alcohol. The less alcohol inside you, the less severe your hangover will be later. Remember, however, that vomiting will dehydrate you further and so you should increase fluid intake.

Which is the best method of prevention? Come on, you know the answer! To REMEMBER how awful you feel now, and consider that feeling the next time you reach for that “last” drink. Read more about timing between drinks.


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