by John Mckinsey

Created on: September 14, 2009

The holidays are here. With them comes all of the wonderful perks and joys of the season: beautiful weather, gifts, a consumer spending boom, food and of course, parties. People party it up during the holiday season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years bring families together year after year and most businesses host office parties for their employees. With all of the excitement, it's pretty easy to get carried away and have a little too much to drink. I can't help you smooth over the argument you started at the company Christmas party or the crystal wine glass you broke at your in-laws, but, here are some tips to get rid of the hangover that will inevitably follow (Allowing you to focus on perfecting your apologies).

First, you should understand why a hangover makes you feel like you got hit by a truck. Basically, a hangover is the end result of ingesting more alcohol than your body can handle. While you're sleeping, the alcohol depletes your body's supply of water, electrolytes and key vitamins and minerals. Your body is aching, your head hurts and your nauseous because your body and stomach are severely weakened and off balance.

The best place to stop a hangover is before it is too late. Stop drinking when you know you've had enough (or too much). Also drink lots of water before you go to sleep. It is also a great idea to take a multivitamin or a dose of vitamin B before heading off to bed. Your body will begin to rehydrate and replenish itself so that when you wake up, the effects will be much less severe (especially the headache).

However, if you forgot to, or passed out before you had the chance to take these precautions, experts recommend that the first thing to do is drink lots of water or fruit juice (maybe even a virgin Bloody Mary) and take a vitamin. Then hop in the shower. Hot water will help your body relax and relieve aches and pains. Try to get as much rest as possible, maybe take the day off if you can.

Try to eat light foods, your stomach will probably be upset and a heavy breakfast will most likely cause you to through up. Sports drinks like Gatorade will help you hydrate faster and that will make you feel better. Some people recommend pickle juice.

It is very important that you avoid things that will make you feel worse or cause severe damage. Do not, under any circumstance take Tylenol or Asprin. Asprin is a blood thinner and can cause stomach bleeding and Tylenol when combine with the alcohol still in your body will cause severe liver damage.

I hope this helps you make the most of your holiday parties. Remember, it is always better to just drink responsibly and prevent unwanted hangovers.

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