Avoid the New Year’s Hangover

It is almost 2015 and if you do not want to begin your New Year with a nasty hangover complete with a throbbing headache, nausea, muscle aches and irritability, you have come to the right place.  My blog today will share 7 tips for how to avoid (or at least lessen) your hangover if you plan on drinking this New Year’s.

Please enjoy the evening responsibly:

1.  Have a pre-drinking meal:

Before going out, ensure that you have a nutritionally balanced meal with carbohydrates (eg. pasta, potatoes, quinoa, toast, cereal), protein (eg. meat, fish, tofu, legumes, eggs) and veggies. Having food in your belly (especially carbs) slows the absorption of alcohol from your stomach into your bloodstream.

2. Enjoy the event more than the alcohol…

During any celebration, be sure to take in the atmosphere, the music, engage in conversations, dance, play games and enjoy the h’orderves! Remember that you don’t need to drink to have a good time so enjoy the event first and alcohol second.

3. Don’t forget water!

Think of water as your secret weapon for warding off a hangover since dehydration is the main cause of headaches. Alcohol has dehydrating effects that cause our body to steal water from the brain. Alcohol also causes the kidneys to send water to the bladder (instead of reabsorbing it) leading drinkers to make frequent trips to the bathroom. Here’s a good tip, a friend of mine always orders water with her alcoholic beverage so that she remember to take sips of water between drinks.

4. Limit yourself to ONE drink an hour:

Be mindful of portion sizes and order by the glass instead of by the pint or pitcher. One standard drink per hour (1.5 ounces of hard liquor, five ounces of wine or 12 ounces of regular beer) allows your liver to metabolize the alcohol. This does not necessarily mean that you are safe to drive if you drink only one drink an hour.

5. Avoid the greasy, high fat foods:

You might crave the high fat poutine or a cheese burger when drinking but these foods are more difficult to digest and are likely to cause digestive upset. There is also no scientific evidence to support greasy foods lessening the effects of alcohol. Breakfast-goers should choose hot or cold cereals, whole grain toast with peanut butter or eggs for protein instead of the greasy spoon options.

6. Caffeine helps:

A cup of coffee the next day can help to ease a headache but have coffee after rehydrating with lots of water first.

7. Replenish your vitamins:

When you drink you lose B vitamins, vitamin C and electrolytes like potassium. Be sure to include foods like bananas, oranges, whole grains, strawberries and even broccoli into your diet the next day. Having a bowl of tomato or hearty vegetable soup is also a good way to replenish electrolytes and potassium.

Bottom Line:

If you plan on drinking this New Year’s, remember to do so in moderation.  Please drink responsibly and enjoy the celebrations!