Expert shares top five ways to deal with a festive hangover
A scientist who formulated a drink which can help cure hangovers has revealed her top five tips for avoiding a sore head after the holidays.
Dr Christina Rahm has worked in the pharmaceutical industry since the 1990s and has shared advice after it was revealed almost two-thirds (64%) of drinkers consume more alcohol over the holiday period than normal.
She told Metro: ‘Drinking alcohol has a negative effect on your body – this goes without saying. If you want to avoid any chance of a hangover I would say don’t drink.
‘Not everyone is going to follow that so I wanted to share some advice which I learned during my career. There are lots of things you can do to minimise the negative effects of alcohol.
‘If you drink too much, it will certainly affect you. But you can reduce that quite considerably by following my advice.
‘It’s not rocket science but it does work and should reduce your hangover, quite considerably in many cases.’
Hydration
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to increased fluid loss. To counteract this, it’s vital to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages.
Consuming a glass of water before bed and continuing to hydrate the next day can help.
Fruit juices, particularly those high in vitamin C, also provide hydration and nutrients. Herbal teas can be soothing as well.
Eat bland foods
Things like toast, crackers, and pancakes are easily digestible and help stabilise blood sugar.
These low-fibre carbs can absorb excess stomach acid and minimise irritation.
Instead of forcing a full meal, snacking in small quantities throughout the day is gentler on the stomach, allowing your body to recover more comfortably.
Take painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help manage hangover symptoms, particularly headaches and body aches. They reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, but be careful.
Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, and mixing it with alcohol may increase this risk. Ibuprofen can affect kidney function if dehydration is present. Always use painkillers as directed and see professional medical advice if symptoms persist.
Sleep
When you drink, your sleep quality diminishes. Allowing your body to rest and recuperate is essential for recovery.
If possible, take a nap during the day to catch up on sleep lost due to drinking. Even if you can’t sleep, resting and minimising activity can still provide relief and allow your body to process and eliminate the alcohol faster.
Wait it out
The body is highly adept at healing itself, it just needs the opportunity to do so. During the waiting period, focus on hydration, rest, and light nourishment. It’s important to avoid the temptation to ‘cure’ a hangover with more alcohol.
Engaging in light activities, such as a leisurely walk or gentle stretching, can help. Keeping your mind occupied with light activities, like watching a movie, can also help
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