5 Tips for Preventing a New Year’s Hangover

So many myths abound about how to treat a hangover, unfortunately, nothing is really tried and true. No scientific evidence exists to back all the claims on hangover treatments. The real “treatment” is prevention. The most obvious prevention is to completely abstain or significantly moderate the alcohol intake. Set a limit and stick to it.

Other prevention strategies include:

1) Stay Hydrated. Most of us walk around in a chronic state of dehydration.  Adequate water intake before you start drinking is ideal, and continuing to drink water (not caffeine which is dehydrating) throughout the day and while you’re drinking alcohol can help with the dehydration related aspects of a hangover (brain fog, headaches, stomach cramping, and queasiness).  

2) Eat healthy fats. Eating while you’re drinking, preferably something with healthy fats—nuts, avocados, that can slow the absorption of the alcohol into your bloodstream. Avoid salty snacks and caffeine which both further dehydrate you (and subsequently fuel your desire to drink more).

3) Workout. Working out the next day can help metabolize and “sweat out” the toxins. You may not be able to perform to the level you would expect had you not consumed alcohol the day before, but a moderate level workout can help.

4) Eat Breakfast. Eat a meal the morning after to lessen any effect of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which can contribute to hangover feelings of fatigue and fog.

5) Drink “Clear” liquors. WHAT you drink may contribute to whether or not you get a hangover. Ethanol is the main sugar-fermentation by-product, but another group of toxic chemicals called congeners is formed as well. The concentration of these congeners (acetone, methanol, and isopentanol) is directly related to the frequency and severity of hangover symptoms. Alcohols low in congeners are the following “clear” alcohols: gin, vodka, rum. Those highest in congeners include whiskey (especially bourbon), cognac, and tequila.