How to avoid a hangover

While you binge and indulge this New Year’s Eve, here are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid a post-party hangover.

- Do not drink on an empty stomach. The food will absorb alcohol and tone down its consequence.

- Hydrate yourself with water and fresh fruit juices prior to drinking. Also, it is advisable to have a glass of water after each drink.

- You would best know your hangover remedy and know what works best for you... be it coffee, juices etc. So keep it handy. Else, you can go for one of the many available over the counter.

- Do not mix drinks. You know how each alcoholic drink hits you. So make sure you stick to just one kind of drink.

- Measure your drink. The amount of alcohol you consume is directly proportional to the magnitude of the post party hangover.

- Drink slowly. This ensures that not all the alcohol is absorbed at the same time and does not stress your liver.

- Keep the Champagne for just the toast. It can go straight to your head and get you tipsy in minutes. Same goes for the sparkling white wine. Keeping your hands off these two drinks to help enjoy the party well and not pass out in just a few drinks.

- If going for cocktails, go for the fruity ones.

- Eat while you drink. Peanuts, chips, fries etc… do keep them handy while drinking. This ensures that you drink slowly and also saves you the embarrassment of being the first one to get drunk in the party.

- Lastly, sleep well. A long, sound sleep is very essential for your body to recover from the party exhaustion.

- Though this may not be the most favourite option, but it is a sure shot measure to keep hangovers at bay. Avoid drinking!

- Try and not play the doc and pop in the familiar tablets lying in your bed-side drawer that worked for your headache last time.

- A spoonful of baking soda in water helps quell the hangover queasiness.

- Watch out what you are eating as food has a lot to do with your hangover. Vitamin B1 or other B complexes is advisable.

b_shreya@dnaindia.net