by Danelle Karth

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

Avoiding a hangover before drinking or before you have gone to bed is really your best bet. Hangovers are caused from a wide range of reactions that take place in the body due to the toxins of alcohol. There is no cure and it is a good idea to prepare yourself for drinking so that you avoid them all together.

Eat before you drink.

Most of us know that drinking on an empty stomach increases the effects of alcohol. Because of this it is always a good idea to eat. However, the food choices you make can also effect your likely hood of getting a hangover.

Fatty and greasy foods slow down digestion and increase the chances for a hangover. On the other hand starchy foods such as bread and pasta absorb more alcohol and decrease your likely hood of adverse reactions. A glass of milk can also help to coat the stomach and protect it from the irritant of alcohol.

Know your limits, take it slow, and choose your drinks with care.

Knowing your limits isn't always easy to do, but can make for a huge difference between being sick and just having a good time. As for going slow, you need to keep in mind that your body processes 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1/2 ounce of liquor every hour. Going faster then that will cause an overload. Nurse your drinks with care and have a glass of water or juice between each drink. This will help your body stay hydrated and the juice will help keep your blood sugar level. Another very important thing is to choose your drinks with care.

The darker the drink the higher the chance of it causing a hangover. Vodka and gin are some of the best alcohols. You should also avoid carbonated mixers such as cola or club soda.

Last, but not least, you should stick to one or two types of drinks in a night. This will decrease your chances of a hangover. Plus, remember the rhyme, "beer before liquor never sicker, liquor before beer in the clear" as a guide for when to drink what types of alcohol.

Before bed drink at least 32 ounces of water. This will help your body rehydrate while you are sleeping. Take a multivitamin and skip the pain pills. Mixing alcohol and pain medication can be dangerous, save it for if you need it in the morning. It is also a good idea to have a small snack before bed. Making it something light on the stomach such as toast or crackers. Adding a little honey will also help your blood sugar.

While drinking in moderation is still the best answer, with a few good tips you can have a great night out and not have the horrible hangover in the morning. Big thing to pay attention to is how fast and how much you are drinking. Make sure you work on hydrating your body during that time and work on keeping your blood sugar up. A multivitamin will also help replace vital nutrients that you have lost.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.