A hangover is such a brutal way to start the day after what was hopefully a splendid evening. You wake up, and instead of feeling joyful about all the wonderful people you chatted with and experiences you had, you feel like absolutely death.
Your head is pounding, your body’s aching, the room’s spinning, and there’s a distinct possibility you might hurl. BUM-MER.
So let’s officially say goodbye to hangovers… forever. In the latest episode of Tea with a Nutritionist we’re digging into my 7 tips to never get a hangover… ever… again.
1. Water
Water is absolutely crucial in preventing a hangover. Have some water before you head out to the event and then be sure to drink water during the event — whether that means keeping both a drink and a water with you, or alternating between one alcoholic drink and one glass of water. Also be sure to drink some water before you go to bed and then again once you wake up. Alcohol is dehydrating to our bodies so we need plenty of water to counteract its effects.
2. Eat something
It’s easy to think you’ll eat at the event and to therefore show up hungry. But when we start drinking on an empty stomach, alcohol absorption happens far more quickly. Even if it’s just a light meal or snack — have something before you start drinking, and eat while you’re drinking as needed. Proteins and fats are particularly great choices as they take longer to digest which is great for slowing the absorption of any alcohol consumed.
3. Drink responsibly
Everyone’s body is unique. How much you can comfortably drink will depend on your age, your weight, your metabolism — so many different factors. So be sure to get in touch with your body, know your limits and listen to them.
4. Stop drinking earlier
Alcohol impairs our body’s ability to get into a deep sleep. And when we’re tired the next day we’re more likely to feel hungover. So in order to alleviate this, stop drinking a few hours before you head to bed. That way your body has more time to digest the alcohol before you go catch those Zs, and you can get yourself into a more restful sleep.
5. Have breakfast ready
Waking up to an empty fridge with a hangover is a recipe for disaster. That hangover is just going to get worse until you get something in your belly! So be sure to have some options in your fridge before you go out. Whether you feel like a smoothie or chocolate chip pancakes when you wake up — there’s no judgment. Just get something in your body so you have something to run on and can start feeling better.
6. Replenish your minerals
Alcohol depletes our minerals, including electrolytes which are crucial for our body’s day-to-day functioning. So you want to be sure to top up electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium — the morning after you’ve been drinking. A mineral supplement like THIS is a good option, but so is simply incorporating some natural sea salt and/or coconut water into your morning.
7. Ginger
Ginger is believed to be anti-inflammatory so it can help with headaches or aches/pains the morning after drinking, good for nausea, and it may also be beneficial for your immune system, which is weakened by alcohol — so it’s a great one all around! Grab some fresh ginger ahead of time, peel and cube it in the morning and boil it to make a ginger tea. You could also blend it into a smoothie. Or pick up some cold-pressed ginger if you have a juicery near you and have a shot of it in the morning or add it to some warm water.
Bye bye hangovers!
A few simple steps taken the night you’re drinking and then the morning after can go a long way towards ensuring you never have to deal with a hangover ever again. Do you have any favourite hangover remedies not mentioned here? Please share in the comments below!
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