Pounding headache, dry mouth, dizziness, sickness... hangovers can quickly turn what was a great night into a regrettable one. But, there are some steps you can take to prevent hangovers and ease their symptoms:
Firstly, know how much you are drinking. One standard drink equals 12.5ml of pure alcohol, regardless of the type of drink or the size of the glass.
Never drink on an empty stomach. Foods containing both carbohydrates and fat, such as full cream milk, help to slow alcohol absorption.
To prevent dehydration, make every second drink non-alcoholic, and drink a glass of water before bed.
If, even after doing all of these steps, you wake up with a hangover, you need to replenish fluids, electrolytes and blood sugars. Lemonade, weak cordial, diluted fruit juice, gastrolyte/hydralyte or clear soup broth will help do this. Also, try to eat something bland e.g. dry toast, plain yoghurt, crackers or fruit.
For a pounding headache that just won't go, I would suggest taking a paracetamol as aspirin may irritate the stomach, worsening feelings of nausea. Please note - this is general advice only, and should not replace recommendations from your healthcare provider.
To find out more, book a free introductory phone call today.
