by Ian Yates

Created on: November 11, 2007

We have all been there, the banging headache, the mouth that feels like someone has done something nasty in it and the ever present sickness that makes us want to stay in bed and die, and no doubt we have vowed never again to drink...too bad the party season is almost upon us!

So how do we stop that dreaded hangover before we even think of having a drink?
The very first thing you must ensure is to have a good meal, alcohol has a far much harder time getting into your system to cause havoc when it has to fight its way through a good meal.

The old wives tale of drinking a glass of milk before going out does hold a grain of truth, but it has to be full fat milk. Skimmed or semi-skimmed will not have the same effect, this is down to the full fat in the milk creating a slight lining in your stomach thus slowing down the absorption rate of the alcohol. To regenerate any damaged liver cells caused by your night out then drink some milk thistle (ask at your health food store), it is a great thing to try, just remember to take it before you go out and when you get back in for the full regenerative effects.

Now, how to minimise the alcohol effecting you whilst you are in full party mode, first off NEVER mix your drinks, well OK, TRY NOT to mix your drinks, the old adage of "Beer to wine is fine, Wine to beer makes you feel queer" is a truth to remember and works for other drinks as well. If you will mix your drinks try and stick to the same colour drinks, if you like red wine stick to dark drinks, if you like vodka, stick to the clear spirits.
Also try and match every alcoholic drink with a soft drink, preferably water, this will aid rehydration and hopefully reduce the dreaded hangover headache.

You have now partied all night and well into the morning and arrived back home, drink a pint of water before going to bed and take a pint with you for that morning thirst you will have. Now is also a good time to take a couple of ibuprofen tablets, just in case.

The morning after is a great time for orange juice, toast and cereal, these will help to raise your blood sugars and reduce the hangover time.

The main thing is to drink in moderation and enjoy yourself, try not to be the drunk that everyone laughs at, but rather the party person that everyone laughs with.
Have a great night out!

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