Preventing Hangovers? We Have Some Tried & True Tips & Tricks!
Headaches after drinking alcohol and a hangover mood in the house? If you don't take steps to prevent a hangover, you might have an unpleasant companion the next morning. But don't panic, we have 7 terrifying-sounding but effective tips on how to avoid a hangover and sidestep that pounding head despite excessive consumption of whisky, wine, and co. Especially before going to bed, there are a few moves you should master to skillfully prevent a hangover. Because no alcohol is not an option – so let's find ways to avoid a hangover and keep the party going! Cheers!
1. Vodka, Water, Vodka – The ABCs of Hangover Prevention
Tip number 1 to stay clear-headed (yes, we love that pun) is to properly hydrate with water. Because one of the main culprits for a hangover is dehydration. Whether you decide to buy vodka, rum, or gin – these and all other types of alcohol literally drain your body as if there were no tomorrow. So, if you want to prevent a hangover, make sure to drink water between shots. But not for too long, the party must go on, after all. And if plain water is too boring, coconut water, birch water, cucumber water... will also do. And especially before sleeping, it's time to hit the tap, and the hangover will be avoided! Your body will thank you when it doesn't wake up like a dried plum – bet?
2. Food rarely helps NOT prevent a hangover
A hangover, or as we affectionately call it "Restfettn" in Austria, is best avoided if you feast properly before the party or before drinking alcohol. The right food can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your body and accelerate its breakdown. (And no, the legendary "döner afterwards" is not always the best idea. If hangover prevention didn't quite work, try a salty kick to the morning "the day after" like tomato juice with salt and pepper, a pretzel (and whatever you do, don't brush off the salt), or a glass of pickled gherkins with sauerkraut. Then you won't need a laxative, because that will make you sick all by itself. And before you indulge in a lot of alcohol, treat yourself to a decent meal with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to prevent a hangover. Think fried potatoes, potato salad, or toast with avocado and eggs – these are true hangover killers!
3. Preventing a hangover? It's all about the mix
Mixing different types of alcohol like tequila, wine, and beer in one night can lead to a hangover and a pounding headache that will wipe the smile off your face. That's because each type of alcohol brings its own little devils with toxins and preservatives that can really irritate your body – especially when mixed. To prevent a hangover, pick one type of alcohol and stick with it like a stubborn mule. This reduces the strain on your body and minimizes the chances of a hangover assaulting you the next day, robbing you of your last nerve with headaches and nausea after an alcohol binge. PS: We understand, of course, that with our spirits, you might want to try everything and it's hard to stick to just one drink. So feel free to ignore this tip – you can also prevent a hangover with the other 6 tips.
4. Medication to prevent a hangover
The ultimate medication to prevent a hangover? Forget the pain relievers, because Vitamin B is your best friend in need! It mitigates the effects of your nocturnal escapades and gives your cells the much-needed boost. A dose of Vitamin B complex before bed or the next morning, and that pounding head stays outside. And if you're still seeing black after that, then activated charcoal is the answer.
5. Yoga to ward off hangover blues
Do you need a plan to prevent a hangover or at least alleviate it? In such moments, some yoga exercises can work wonders. Even if they don't magically cure your pounding headache, they'll at least make you laugh. An example that's perfect for chasing away the hangover blues is the majestic Sphinx, also known as the "hangover cat." And if you suffer from headaches, a headstand might be the solution. While it may seem a bit unusual at first, it can induce nausea and thus relieve headaches. Alternatively, the recovery position is a timeless classic that is extremely effective. Just fall asleep in the recovery position and wake up the next morning to find that it helped. To prevent a hangover, all means are allowed!
6. Avoid caffeine and carbonation when preventing a hangover
We all know the feeling: the morning after a legendary party, and you think a cup of coffee will bring you back to life. But beware! Caffeine could make your hangover even worse – and that's definitely not an option. So, how can you avoid this nasty hangover? Opt for caffeine-free options like herbal tea or just plain water instead. Sure, it's not quite the same as the invigorating kick of coffee, but hey, it does the job. And if you really miss the taste of coffee, why not try our coffee liqueur? Maybe not the absolute best choice for avoiding a hangover, but definitely a delicious comfort.
Even bubbly drinks like champagne or fizzy cocktails can rocket alcohol into your bloodstream, leading to a wild buzz and subsequent nausea and headache party. So if you're thinking of buying champagne because it sounds like carbonation could prevent a hangover, be warned!
7. Grandma's home remedies to avoid a hangover
So, are you ready for the ultimate secrets from Grandma's treasure chest to prevent a hangover?
- Ginger - not just for neutralizing after sushi! Grab a few of these root wonders and make yourself a spicy ginger tea or munch on them directly (but be careful not to choke on the spiciness!)
- Plant-powered aspirin: Willow bark tea. Sounds wild? It is, but it helps, and your headache and nausea will flee.
- Peppermint oil. Inhale or massage it in - and suddenly your bigger problem is how to get rid of the smell, not how to get rid of your pounding head.
Forget the standard remedies and rely on Grandma's tips to avoid your hangover - with a dash of humor and a pinch of natural medicine!
