These symptoms include but are not limited to headache, fatigue, thirst, dizziness, nausea and a loss of appetite. Its severity depends on different individuals.
Here are ways to prevent hangovers or at least make them significantly less unpleasant.
1. Drink in Moderation
The severity of hangovers increases with the amount of alcohol you consumed, of course. For this reason, the best way to prevent hangovers is to drink in moderation. No alcohol = no hangover.
2. Avoid Drinks that contain Congeners, Toxic By-Products of Alcohol Production
Ethanol is the main active ingredient in alcoholic drinks. When ethanol (alcohol) is produced by sugar-fermenting yeasts, side products called congeners are formed as well. Congeners are toxic chemicals, other than ethanol itself, formed in small amounts when alcohol is produced. Well known congeners include methanol, isopentanol and acetone. Drinks like whiskey, cognac, and tequila are high in congeners. Bourbon whiskey is exceptionally high in congeners, while colorless drinks like gin and rum are low in congeners. Vodka contains no congeners at all, so choose well.
3. Increase Water Intake
Alcohol is a diuretic, making you pee more than usual and if you were drinking an equal amount of pure water, making you prone to dehydration. Although dehydration is not considered to be the main cause of hangovers, it will contribute to symptoms like thirst, headache, fatigue and dry mouth. Fortunately, dehydration is very easy to avoid. Just make sure you get to drink enough water.
A good rule is to drink a glass of water between drinks, and to have at least one big glass of water before going to sleep.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Alcohol can interfere with your sleep. It can impair both sleep quality and duration, while disrupting your entire sleep schedule if you stay up too late. Although poor sleep doesn’t have much to do with most hangover symptoms, it may contribute to the fatigue and irritability often associated with hangovers. Getting plenty of sleep after heavy drinking can help your body recover. If you are unable to sleep in and take it easy the next day, then getting drunk may not be such a good idea.
5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Hangovers are sometimes associated with low levels of blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Hangovers also tend to be more severe in those who are hypoglycaemic. Although hypoglycemia is not a major cause of hangovers, it will contribute to some of the symptoms, such as weakness and headache. In addition to providing the necessary vitamins and minerals, having a nutritious breakfast or a late night meal might help maintain your blood sugar levels.
6. Take Supplements That Can Help
Inflammation is an important mechanism that helps the body repair tissue damage. Many hangover symptoms are thought to be caused by low-grade inflammation. In fact, some anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be quite effective against hangovers. Many plant-based foods and medicinal herbs may also reduce inflammation and help prevent hangovers. Supplements that have been shown to be effective include red ginseng, ginger and prickly pear.
Prickly pear is worthy of highlighting. This is the fruit of a cactus called Opuntia ficus-indica, which is believed to be native to Mexico. In one study with 55 young and healthy individuals, taking prickly pear extract 5 hours before drinking reduced the risk of a severe hangover by 62%.
Prickly pear extract is available as a supplement. Although it won’t completely prevent a hangover, it might significantly ease your suffering.
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