by Georgia Stewart

Created on: November 14, 2009

Drinking can be a pleasurable and sociable pursuit and when it's done responsibly and by taking measures to minimise the following day's hangover the damage it can cause will be reduced. Although I doubt that it's possible to completely avoid getting a hangover when alcohol has been consumed.

Alcohol dehydrates us because it's a diuretic, which means that it causes a large amount of fluid to be eliminated from the body. The liver plays a major art in the process as it attempts to cleanse the system from harmful poisons, of which alcohol can be one when too much is consumed.

Nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are destroyed by alcohol. These nutrients are required for every process that occurs in the body so drinking takes its toll in every part of us.

Alcohol is a depressant, even though it can cause a high for several hours following consumption. The mood is raised but as the alcohol is gradually eliminated from the body the mood can plummet and cause us to feel quite low, and sometimes irritable.

There are some simple and yet extremely wise precautions that we can take that will reduce hangover symptoms and ease us through it. Firstly starting to drink too early in the day is not a good idea. There will either be pressure to continue drinking, or the hangover will begin later that day before a good night's sleep. Leaving the first drink until as late as possible will cause less to be drunk.

Before drinking it's important to eat a substantial, nutritious meal, preferably containing as many different vitamins and minerals as possible. Supplements can be useful, especially Vitamin B12 or Vitamin B Complex because they relax the nervous system so reducing symptoms such as nervousness, stress and irritability caused by hangovers. Bananas are high in Vitamin B and it's helpful to eat one before drinking and upon waking up the next morning.

Eating something in-between drinks is wise; again preferably something that contains nutrients. Berries are especially good at detoxing the system but they're usually not available when we're drinking so drinking pure cranberry or blackcurrant juice with or in-between drinks is helpful.

Plenty of water is essential on a daily basis and its even more important before, during and following drinking. It'll help the body to purify itself from alcohol, or flush itself out and thus reduce the effects of dehydration, which is the main cause of hangovers.

There are herbs that can be taken before drinking. Sometimes

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