Here Are 3 Ways You Can Prevent a Hangover

By
Morgan Shupe

Hang-over-remedy

Everyone has a different “proven” hangover cure. Since they can be quite painful, it’s not a surprise that everyone is looking for a magical cure-all. While there might not be a magical pill to take all your nausea, headache, and fatigue away, there are a couple of simple steps to help you feel better the next morning.

1. Eat or Drink a light meal before you drink

Eating a light dinner to save calories for drinking will leave you slurring your sentences before midnight. Don’t skimp on the meal before you start drinking. Food helps to slow down the metabolism of alcohol, which will help you feel a little better night of and morning after. If you don’t feel like making a light dinner, try a smoothie made with Vega One for 20g of protein, 6 servings of greens, and enough fiber to keep you feeling full for hours. Try this Cinnamon Bun Smoothie recipe and treat yourself before you treat yourself!

2. Stay hydrated

When you’re drinking, your body produces less antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH helps your body retain water, which means while you’re drinking you don’t store as much water (hello bathroom) and you are more likely to become dehydrated. Drink water before, during and after you start drinking to avoid the headaches, and fatigue that can be associated with dehydration. Aim to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water to slow down your rate of consumption AND help with hydration. The morning after avoid electrolyte drinks that are heavy in sugar, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Your best bet is just plain water, or an all-natural electrolyte supplement (like Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator) to boost your hydration. You can even try this ultra-hydrating watermelon cucumber “mocktail”.

3. Artichoke? Ginger? Lemon-lime soda?

Unfortunately, research on supposed hangover cures like artichoke extract, prickly pear, ginger, and more natural supplements is very limited. So far, research has shown that there is no herbal supplement that will help to prevent or cure a hangover.1 While you may have seen hundreds of headlines this fall about a popular lemon-lime soda being the cure-all, a closer look at the actual study reveals that it was done in a test tube (not on humans), using the Chinese version of the popular soda.2

Contrary to popular belief, exercise and the sauna can do more harm than good—since you’re already dehydrated, they can throw your body even further out of whack. So place your best bet with sleep and good ol’ fashion hydration. Unfortunately, there is no miracle remedy for a hangover. You might even say the best cure is a healthy dose of prevention, so practice moderation when heading out for a night on the town.

References:

  1. Pittler MH, Verseter JC, Ernst E. (2005) Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. British Medical Journal. 331(7531): 1515–1518. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322250/pdf/bmj33101515.pdf
  2. Li S. Et al (2014). Effects of herbal infusions, tea and carbonated beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Food & Function. 5, 42-49.

Morgan Shupe
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