How To Prevent A Hangover

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Since I know many of you will be enjoying the evening with a glass (or two) of Irish libations, I thought it would be helpful to share some ways to prevent a hangover. There’s nothing worse than starting a new day with a raging headache, so keep these tips in mind as you enjoy yourself tonight:

Alternate Cocktails With Water - It’s a tip you’ve probably heard many times before, but staying hydrated is the number one way to prevent a hangover. Scientifically speaking, the tissues around the brain are mostly made of water, and dehydration will shrink these tissues, creating pressure in the head. Since alcohol can lead to dehydration, try alternating between water and cocktails throughout the night to pace yourself. It’s also a good idea to drink a huge glass of water before bed.

Eat Up - You may not be in the mood to eat a huge meal before heading out, but it’s important to eat a meal before you drink. Drinking on an empty stomach will allow alcohol to absorb faster, so whip up a healthy and nutritious meal to keep yourself satisfied because if you start the evening with a filling and healthy meal, you’ll be less likely to encounter the munchies later on.

Upgrade Your Alcohol - Another way to avoid a hangover is to upgrade your alcohol. Inexpensive beer, wine and liquor are more likely to have a higher congener content. Congeners are the ‘chemical soup’ that results from the fermentation or distillation process. The more expensive beer, wine and liquors are often tripled filtered or more distilled which means cleaner alcohol and less junk. So, when it comes to beer, wine and liquor, go for quality not quantity.

Replenish Your Electrolytes - When you are dehydrated, your body loses water and electrolytes. To replenish them, snack on potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach. Some sports drinks also have electrolytes, but can come with a ton of sugar, so be sure to check the label before opening one. You can also drink Pedialyte, which will replace lost electrolytes without a lot of sugar and can found in the baby section of drug stores.

If you follow these tips, you should feel okay tomorrow! Stay safe while enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, don’t drink and drive and until next time, stay happy, healthy and beautiful!