Buzz
Are you trying to lessen the impact of alcohol before going out, or have you already consumed a lot of Budweiser and hard liquor? Do you wish to skip the discomfort of a hangover the next day, making you wish you could slip into an alcohol-induced coma to avoid the pounding headache? Or perhaps you're simply worried about your beer breath? Like many things in life, the key to minimizing the effects of alcohol is preparation and moderation. Simply put: drink responsibly.
Steps
Drink cautiously
Eat before drinking. When consuming alcohol, it stays in your stomach and waits to be processed. If your stomach is empty, the alcohol will be processed faster and all at once. If you've eaten beforehand, the alcohol will enter your system more slowly and at varying rates, thereby reducing its immediate effects.
- This is especially important if you know you'll be drinking alcohol over an extended period, such as during a night out at a bar.
Drink slowly. Similar to the reason you should fill your stomach with food, drinking slowly allows your body to process alcohol over time. On the other hand, if you drink too quickly and excessively, it becomes harder for your stomach to handle it.
Choose your drinks carefully. Opt for beverages with fewer congeners (substances produced during fermentation), as they reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Light-colored beers and white wines contain fewer congeners than dark beers and spirits. Avoid brandy, whiskey, and red wine.
- Cheap alcohol often leads to the worst hangovers. Your body expends more energy processing the impurities left in such drinks.
- Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and white rum are better choices.
Hydrate your body
Drink plenty of water. Hydrate throughout the day before consuming alcohol and drink water between alcoholic beverages. Since dehydration is the primary cause of hangover discomfort, the more you combat it beforehand, the better. If you feel hungover, continue drinking water.
- Drink about half a liter of water before going to bed. Your body will continue processing water while you sleep, and you’ll wake up less dehydrated.
- Keep a glass of water by your bedside to drink if you wake up during the night.
Drink sports drinks. In addition to water, isotonic sports drinks quickly replenish fluids and provide carbohydrates for energy and electrolytes to your system.
- Sports drinks are also great for soothing your stomach. Choose a flavor that’s pleasant and won’t make you feel nauseous.
Drink orange juice. Specifically, vitamin C helps replenish energy, which is essential when the fatigue from a hangover sets in. The fructose found in many fruit juices helps restore the sugar your body has depleted while processing the alcohol you consumed. Tomato juice and fresh coconut water are excellent choices.
Avoid caffeinated drinks. Since alcohol is a depressant and makes you drowsy, coffee might seem like a common remedy. However, coffee will dehydrate you further. If your stomach is already upset, coffee will irritate it more. Stick to water or other non-caffeinated beverages.
Drink Sprite. Researchers from China tested the effectiveness of 57 beverages and found that Sprite is the most effective drink in combating the effects of alcohol. The liver releases the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase when you consume alcohol. The longer this enzyme stays in your system, the longer your hangover will last. Sprite helps eliminate alcohol dehydrogenase faster than any other drink, while herbal teas can prolong its presence.
Don’t drink too much alcohol. Avoid the idea of "fighting fire with fire." While some might suggest having a bit more of what you drank the night before, this will only prolong the effects of alcohol. It might numb your symptoms temporarily, but it will make your hangover worse in the long run.
Eat to combat the effects of alcohol
Eat a few eggs. Eggs are essential for any hangover recovery plan. They contain an amino acid called cysteine, which helps eliminate toxins introduced into your body through alcohol. Eating a couple of egg whites can quickly help you feel normal again.
- Prepare scrambled or fried eggs; the cooking method doesn’t matter as long as they’re fully cooked. While some suggest consuming raw eggs after drinking, the risk of salmonella makes this an unreliable option.
Have some crackers or toast. Your first instinct might be to eat a heavy, greasy sandwich, but avoid that. Opt for something light like crackers or toast. Both contain sodium, which is essential for proper body function and often depleted due to alcohol consumption.
Consume potassium-rich foods like bananas. Since alcohol increases urination, your body loses valuable potassium. Low potassium levels can cause fatigue, nausea, and weakness. Bananas and kiwis are excellent sources of potassium. Baked potatoes, leafy greens, apricots, and mushrooms are also rich in potassium. Consider eating a banana after your last drink to minimize alcohol's effects.
Eat nutrient-rich soups. Broth-based soups, chicken noodle soup, and miso soup are excellent choices for several reasons. They are packed with nutrients that help your body recover from the aftereffects of alcohol and the nausea it causes. Sodium, cysteine, and the rehydrating properties of broth and water can significantly aid your recovery.
Relax to minimize the effects of alcohol
Sleep it off. Time is the best remedy for overcoming a hangover. Since alcohol makes you feel drowsy, you might be tempted to consume caffeine, but this won’t help. Your body needs time to recover. Taking a nap is the best way to alleviate headaches and restore better judgment.
Take a shower. A warm shower increases your core body temperature, preparing you for sleep and helping you overcome the intense headache that follows a hangover.
- If you need to stay alert while feeling the effects of alcohol, a cold shower can help you feel more awake and ready.
Take a short walk. A great way to manage the effects of alcohol is to go for a walk. Walking boosts your metabolism, helping your body process what’s in your stomach more quickly. A brief walk can reduce the duration of alcohol’s impact. However, since alcohol impairs your ability to walk, ensure you stroll in a safe area—away from traffic and stairs (two major hazards when intoxicated).
Use medication appropriately
Take ibuprofen, naproxen, or other prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can help numb the intense headache. Follow the instructions on the medication label, and avoid taking more than recommended unless directed by a doctor.
- Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen increases the workload on your liver, potentially causing mild to severe inflammation.
Take or inject B6 supplements. B6 helps rejuvenate your body, enhancing cognitive function and reducing feelings of nausea and vomiting. You can find B6 at most pharmacies or health supplement stores.
Use antacids. Stomach pain and nausea are common side effects of alcohol. Antacid tablets help regulate stomach acid levels. If you feel nauseous, take an antacid. Over-the-counter antacids containing sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate are particularly effective. Always follow the instructions on the label and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage unless advised by a doctor.
Warnings
- Even if you can minimize the effects of alcohol, driving under the influence is extremely dangerous. Never drive in this condition.
- If you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or fainting due to excessive alcohol consumption, seek emergency medical care for IV fluids and resuscitation.
