Go bananas to water down the pain of a festive blowout

DRINKING water, eating bananas and cutting out sugar-laden “health” drinks could help festive revellers swerve a Christmas hangover and avoid the bulge.

Experts have come up with a foolproof “survival guide” aimed at reducing the impact of one too many mince pies and over-indulging on the sherry.

Dr Matthew Cole and four students at Birmingham City University came up with simple rules for this time of year.

They found that toxins from alcohol, extra sugars from so-called healthy drinks, which can be anything but, and physical inactivity, were among key issues. Their top five tips were:

■ Drink more water: H20 flushes toxins from overindulgence, rehydrates and boosts the immune system;

■ Cut sugary “health” drinks: Often a hidden cause of too much sugar;

■ Exercise: Inactivity over Christmas is a major cause of weight gain and a reduction in bone and muscle health. Exercise reduces toxins and boosts mood;

■ Increase vitamin intake: Eating foods that are rich in potassium (like bananas), magnesium, iron and zinc will all help keep you going on the dancefloor. Dried fruit and green vegetables will help;

■ Balance your eating: Eat a mix of macro-nutrients, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and micro-nutrients, like vitamins and antioxidants.

Dr Cole said: “People will be partying, seeing friends and family, and having fun over Christmas. That often comes with the drawbacks of illness, tiredness and hangovers.

“What we wanted to do was give people a few basic tips that could help them feel a bit fresher over the Christmas period.”

The World Cancer Research Fund has also challenged people to swap the festive chocolate for vegetable sticks, satsumas and plain popcorn.

Being surrounded by treats at Christmas meant that on average people gained between 1kg and 2.5kg in weight, it said.