Surviving the silly season hangovers
WITH Christmas parties and festivities in full swing, hangovers can end up being as much of a staple at this time of year as mince pies or tinsel.
But there’s nothing worse than waking up the day after the office party to that awful throbbing head and nausea.
Doctor Daniel Fenton, clinical director and GP at the London Doctors Clinic, has put together a guide to surviving the silly season, revealing his go-to “lifechanger” hangover trick and the mistakes those trying to avoid a dreaded hangover make.
1. TAKE AN ANTACID TABLET BEFORE BED
Many people find they have an upset stomach after they’ve been out drinking.
Dr Fenton recommends taking antacids, such as Rennie tablets, to reduce the nausea and indigestion that drinking causes. They neutralise the stomach acid.
2. BEWARE OF ‘HAIR OF THE DOG’
Many people claim that “hair of the dog” — or drinking more alcohol — is the best way to relieve the symptoms of a hangover.
However, there has never been any scientific evidence to suggest this theory has any basis and Dr Fenton says it will just make things worse.
It also means you’ve very likely got a serious drinking problem.
“It’s better to rehydrate and top up with electrolyterich sports drinks and tons of water to help you rehydrate and replace the salts and sugars lost by the diuretic effect of alcohol,” Dr Fenton says.
3. BE CAREFUL IF YOU GO FOR A RUN
Fitness fanatics are often keen to tout going for a run as a cure for hangovers, believing you can sweat out the ill effects of alcohol. And while this might give you a boost in the short term, it may make you feel worse by causing you to feel more dehydrated.
4. STICK WITH CLEAR ALCOHOL
Out of all the tipples you can have, Dr Fenton recommends steering clear of the red wine.
He says: “There are ingredients in many drinks called congeners, which do contribute significantly to hangovers, and red wine and fortified wines have a lot of them.”
5. SKIP THE ESPRESSO MARTINIS
Espresso martinis are one of the worst culprits when it comes to hangovers because the combination of caffeine and alcohol will cause some serious dehydration.
Dr Fenton says: “One too many martinis will leave you feeling dry as a bone, as caffeine acts as a diuretic.
“Dehydration is one of the factors contributing to that morning hangover headache.”
The Sun