More than half of us are likely to drink more than usual this month, sparking the age-old question: Can you really avoid a hangover?
Every December, many find themselves grappling with a universal dilemma: how to enjoy the festivities without suffering the dreaded hangover the next day. The narrative is all too familiar, especially in the United Kingdom. As Celia Walden quipped in The Telegraph, Britons are known for ‘drunkenly hanging onto wall panelling at parties’ and the amusing sight of avoiding ‘raucous drunks in reindeer antlers on the bus.’ Yet, the aftermath isn’t as entertaining when hangovers hit hard.
Historically, treatments for hangovers have ranged from the peculiar to the impractical. Take, for instance, the recent suggestion of olive oil as a magical pre-drinking elixir. Justin Stebbing, a professor of biomedical sciences, quickly dismisses this notion. According to him, hangovers are primarily caused by the liver’s metabolic process breaking down alcohol, leading to dehydration, headaches, and nausea. Unfortunately, no amount of olive oil can alter this.
However, there are proven methods to mitigate hangovers. Staying hydrated tops the list—drinking water before, during, and after your night out can significantly reduce hangover symptoms. Consuming a meal rich in protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates can also help, as it slows the absorption of alcohol into your system. Additionally, pacing your drinks and frequently replenishing nutrients is a wise strategy.
Enter the concept of ‘zebra striping,’ a term that’s gained traction recently. This method involves alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic or low-alcohol options. As Vogue highlights, while the term may be new, the practice isn’t. It effectively cuts your alcohol consumption in half, potentially sparing you from waking up with ‘a sense of ambient doom.’
Then there’s the option of abstaining altogether. A poll suggests that this Christmas, a significant chunk of the younger generation—about 78% of those born post-1996—are choosing a ‘dry Christmas.’ This trend, however, doesn’t seem to sway the older crowd, with only 6% considering a teetotal holiday. As Brian Perkins of Budweiser Brewing Group points out, moderation doesn’t dampen fun, reinforcing that enjoyment isn’t solely tied to drinking.
So, can a hangover be avoided entirely? While total evasion might be challenging, strategic drinking and smart choices can certainly minimize its effects, helping you enjoy the festivities without the next-day discomfort.
Source: Yahoo
