How to Manage Your Post-Christmas, New Year Party Hangover

The holiday season brings joy and festivities, but it can also usher in that unwelcome guest – the dreaded hangover. Waking up to a pounding headache and a queasy stomach after celebrating Christmas and New Year’s is not uncommon. However, fear not!

Curated by Harvard, here are a few practical tips and remedies to help you bid farewell to your hangover and get back on your feet.

1. Stay Hydrated: Alcohol can dehydrate your body, and if you’ve experienced diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting, you’re likely even more dehydrated. Sip on water, even if you’re feeling nauseous. It can make a big difference in alleviating your hangover symptoms.
2. Replenish Carbs: Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, which might contribute to fatigue and headaches. Eating something like toast and juice can gently restore your blood sugar to normal levels.
3. Choose Wisely: Darker alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey and red wine, tend to result in worse hangovers than clear ones like vodka or gin. Dark liquors contain compounds like methanol, which can intensify hangover effects.
4. Consider Pain Relief: Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help with headaches and body aches. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can be hard on the liver, especially if there’s still alcohol in your system.
5. Caffeine Boost: While caffeine won’t cure a hangover, it can help combat grogginess. But be cautious not to mix caffeine with alcohol, as it can mask alcohol’s depressant effects.
6. Supplements: B vitamins and zinc could potentially ease hangover severity. Research suggests that higher levels of these nutrients in your diet might lead to milder hangovers.
7. Skip the “Hair of the Dog”: Drinking more alcohol to relieve a hangover only perpetuates the cycle. It doesn’t aid in recovery.

Preventing Hangovers:

Preventing hangovers is the best strategy. Here are some tips, based on Harvard recommendations, to help you enjoy alcohol without suffering the next day:

• Sip Slowly and Eat: Consume alcohol slowly, and make sure to have a meal before drinking. This can reduce the impact of alcohol on your system.
• Moderation is Key: Keep your alcohol intake in check. Women should limit themselves to one drink per day, while men should stick to two drinks per day.
• Know Your Limits: Understand the definition of a standard drink to gauge your alcohol consumption accurately. One standard drink equals 12 ounces of beer (with about 5% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (with about 12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
• Hydration Matters: Drink water in between alcoholic beverages. This not only helps control your alcohol intake but also combats alcohol-induced dehydration.

Remember, the key to a hangover-free holiday season is moderation and staying hydrated. Enjoy the festivities but take care of yourself to ensure you start the new day feeling your best.