How to avoid a hangover? - The best tips

The hangover, that unpleasant reminder of a night of fun, can leave you feeling exhausted and regretful. However, with some effective tips and strategies, it is possible to reduce or even avoid hangover symptoms altogether.

What is a Hangover?

Before we dive into tips to avoid a hangover, it's important to understand what a hangover actually is. A hangover is the set of unpleasant symptoms you experience after consuming alcohol in excess. These symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue, intense thirst, dehydration, upset stomach, and difficulty concentrating. The severity of a hangover varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, individual tolerance, and hydration.

Tips to Avoid a Hangover

Drink in Moderation
The most effective way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation. Know your limits and set a drinking limit before you start drinking. Also, alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water or a non-alcoholic drink to maintain adequate hydration.

Eat Food Before Drinking
Eating a balanced meal before drinking can help reduce the absorption of alcohol into your system. Foods high in fat, protein, and carbohydrates can slow the absorption of alcohol and minimize the effects of a hangover.

Choose Quality Drinks
Opt for quality alcoholic beverages instead of cheaper, low-quality options. Higher quality drinks tend to have fewer impurities and components that can contribute to hangovers.

Avoid Drinks with Sugary Mixtures
Drinks with sugary mixes, such as cocktails and shots, can make a hangover worse. Sugar can aggravate symptoms and contribute to dehydration. Opt for simple drinks and avoid excess sugar.

Constantly Hydrate
Hydration is key to preventing a hangover. Drink water before, during and after consuming alcohol. Dehydration is one of the main contributors to hangover symptoms.

Get enough rest
Alcohol can interfere with the quality of your sleep. Try to make sure your body gets enough rest after a night of alcohol consumption. Adequate sleep can help your body recover faster.

Hangover Remedies

If, despite your efforts, you end up with a hangover, there are some remedies that can help relieve the symptoms:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to rehydrate and flush alcohol toxins from your system. Isotonic or sports drinks can also be helpful in restoring electrolytes.
• Soft Foods: Opt for soft and easily digestible foods, such as toast, rice or chicken broth. These foods can soothe an upset stomach.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve headaches and other body aches associated with a hangover. However, avoid taking aspirin, as it can further irritate the stomach.

The Genetic Factor

The impact of the genetic factor on the predisposition to a hangover is a topic of interest in scientific research. It has been discovered that the susceptibility to experiencing more severe or mild hangovers may be related to the genetics of each individual. Here we will delve into this aspect and how it can influence your hangover experience.

Genetic studies have identified certain genetic variations that may make some people more prone to hangovers than others. An example of this is the genetic variant of the ADH1B gene, which regulates the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. People with this variant can metabolize alcohol more efficiently, meaning their body breaks down alcohol at a higher rate compared to those who do not have this genetic variant. This may result in less buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound produced during the metabolism of alcohol, which in turn could lead to a less intense hangover.

On the other hand, there are other genetic variants that can make some people more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol, including a more severe hangover. These variants may be related to the body's ability to process and eliminate acetaldehyde.

While genetics can influence your predisposition to a hangover, it is essential to understand that individual tolerance to alcohol varies widely. Alcohol tolerance is not only determined by genetic factors, but also by personal experience, previous alcohol consumption, and how often a person drinks.

Therefore, even if you have a genetic predisposition that makes you more or less prone to hangovers, your personal drinking habits and your ability to drink responsibly will still be determining factors in your hangover experience.

It is important to note that genetics are not the only influence on a hangover. Other factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the rate of consumption, the presence of food in the stomach, and hydration, also play a significant role in the severity of a hangover.