How to Prevent and Cure a Hangover

That pounding headache, the stale taste of last night's drinks, and a morning spent feeling miserable—these are the classic signs of a hangover. If you're looking for ways to prevent or quickly recover from a hangover, you're in the right place.

What Does a Hangover Feel Like?

To tackle a hangover, it helps to understand what causes it. When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into a chemical called acetaldehyde. This substance is more toxic than alcohol itself and is responsible for many hangover symptoms like nausea, headache, and vomiting.

Alcohol also acts as a diuretic, making you urinate more and leading to dehydration. Dehydration can worsen hangover symptoms, causing dry mouth, thirst, and fatigue. So, hangovers are mainly caused by two things: the toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism and dehydration.

How to Prevent a Hangover

Knowing how alcohol affects your body is the first step to preventing a hangover. Here are some practical tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Since alcohol dehydrates you, drink plenty of water throughout the night. Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and slow down intoxication.
• Eat Before You Drink: Drinking on an empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption, leading to worse hangovers. Eat a meal rich in fats and complex carbs—like avocados, nuts, whole grains, or lean proteins—before drinking to slow down alcohol's effects.
• Choose Your Drinks Wisely: Darker drinks like red wine, whiskey, and dark beer contain more congeners, which can worsen hangovers. Opt for lighter options like white wine or vodka to reduce symptoms.
• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Enjoying one or two high-quality drinks mindfully can make a big difference. Premium alcohols often have fewer impurities, leading to a better morning after.
• Take Alcohol-Free Breaks: Incorporate regular alcohol-free days into your week to give your body time to recover and break the cycle of daily drinking.

How to Get Rid of a Hangover

If you wake up with a hangover despite your best efforts, here’s how to feel better fast:

• Rehydrate: Drink water or electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish fluids and ease symptoms.
• Try Gentle Exercise: A light walk or stretch can boost your mood and help your body recover.
• Avoid More Alcohol: Drinking again might seem tempting, but it will only prolong your hangover.

Final Thoughts

While the surest way to avoid a hangover is not to drink, these tips can help you enjoy social occasions responsibly. With a little planning and mindfulness, you can have fun and still wake up feeling refreshed.