Going out, drinking, and having an amazing time with friends is always a great idea all year round. It's the perfect way to unwind after a long day, celebrate a special occasion, or in this coming week’s case, toast to Cinco De Mayo — you’re guaranteed a fun time when there’s alcohol and music! However, let’s be honest, as much as we love a good night out with tequila or a night in with a bottle of our favorite wine, the aftermath of it all can be brutal. If you're tired of waking up with a headache, nausea, and fatigue after a night of drinking, don't worry – there are plenty of ways to prevent hangovers, and we’re here to break them down for you.
What is a hangover?
Before going in on what you could do to avoid the unpleasant consequences of drinking too much, it might be best to know what exactly a hangover is.
A hangover is a collection of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that can occur after consuming alcohol. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last several hours or even a whole day. Some common hangover symptoms include a headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and dehydration.
The leading cause of these symptoms is the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism. When the liver metabolizes alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can irritate the brain and body tissues. This can lead to inflammation, dehydration, and the dilation of blood vessels, which can cause headaches and other symptoms.
Other factors that can contribute to the severity of a hangover include the amount and type of alcohol consumed, the individual's body size and metabolism, and whether they ate food or drank water while consuming alcohol.
But fret not because, in this blog, we’ll share some tips on what you could do to reduce the risk of getting a hangover!
What to do before drinking?
1. Make sure to eat!
Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to faster absorption of alcohol and a higher risk of hangovers. To avoid this, make sure to eat a meal before you start drinking and snack on some food while you're drinking. Foods high in protein and healthy fats can help slow the absorption of alcohol and reduce the risk of hangovers.
What to do while drinking?
2. Pace yourself
Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to a higher risk of hangovers. To avoid this, pace yourself and sip your drink slowly—the ideal pace would be around one drink per hour. Take breaks in between glasses to give your body time to process the alcohol. Remember, wine and other alcoholic beverages are meant to be enjoyed, not chugged!
3. Choose the right drink!
Choosing the right drink can also make a difference in how you feel the next day. Stay away from sugary beverages or ones that contain artificial ingredients. These types of drinks can worsen your hangover symptoms. Stick to drinks that are low in sugar and are made from natural ingredients. Some examples of drinks you could have are white wine, vodka, gin, and rum which are good options as they have fewer additives and congeners than other alcoholic beverages. In contrast, drinks like red wine, tequila, whiskey, and cognac are high in congeners that can include substances such as acetone, tannins, and aldehydes, among other things, which can make the side effects of drinking even worse.
4. Know your limits
Everyone has a different tolerance for alcohol, so it's crucial to listen to your body and know when to stop. It's okay to turn down a drink if you've had enough. Peer pressure should never influence your decision to drink more than what you can handle.
What to do after drinking?
5. Drink Water and Take a Supplement
One of the main causes of hangovers is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes your body to lose more water than it takes in. This can leave you feeling thirsty, dizzy, and with a headache the morning after a night of drinking. To avoid this, make sure to drink plenty of water before going to bed. If you feel like you had too much, one ibuprofen might also help you the day after. Just be sure to do your research on whether your pain reliever of choice is safe since there are some products like Tylenol which can do you more harm than good. So watch out and be safe!
6. Get Plenty of Rest
Alcohol can interfere with your sleep patterns, which can lead to fatigue and a higher risk of hangovers. So, be sure to get plenty of rest before and after a night of drinking. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover from the effects of alcohol.
Alcoholic drinks like wine are delightful additions to any occasion. By following these tips, you can enjoy your drink without these unpleasant side effects of hangovers. So don’t let that stop you from having a fun night with friends. Grab a bottle of wine or liquor from over 2,000 bottles to choose from the Winery.ph website. Cheers to a happy and hangover-free wine-drinking experience!
