FROM THE GP’S SURGERY

EVERYONE loves the festive holidays and New Year, but we all know from bitter experience that over-indulging on alcohol during the festive period can wreak havoc with almost every part of your body. If you do enjoy a drink at this time of year, there are ways to minimise the damage while also having a great time.

TAKE A BREATHER

YOUR liver has an incredible ability to recover if you give it a break, so the hangover after your New Year’s party should be easier to handle. Try marking ‘dry’ days into your calendar in advance so you don’t fall to temptation.

SWAP GLASSES

SIPPING a soft drink from a wine glass or punch glass can help you feel like you’re part of the action. Try alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and ask for a smaller glass – ‘regular’ wine glasses can hold a third of a bottle of wine, so limit your intake to small top-ups between chats.

FILL UP

DON’T drink on an empty stomach – the alcohol will enter your bloodstream faster and have more of a hit. If you know you’re heading to a party where there’ll be food later, have a You can minimise the healthy snack damage of drinking beforehand – a glass of milk and a tuna sandwich on wholemeal bread, for instance.

STAY ACTIVE

JUST because it’s cold and dark outside doesn’t mean your usual fitness regime should go out of the window. Even a brisk stroll for 20 minutes before drinking can help your body recharge and push out toxins before you hit the booze.

SWAP DRINKS

CONSIDER another alcoholic drink to your usual. Swapping a glass of Riesling for a Sauvignon Blanc cuts out 25% of the alcohol, for example.

MORNING PARACETAMOL

ASPIRIN or ibuprofen can irritate the stomach so choose paracetamol and an antacid to settle nausea in the morning. Or try a rehydration treatment sachet to replace lost minerals and salt.

POP A PILL

IF YOU need help reducing your alcohol intake, there are short-term treatments and repeat prescription medicines which can help. However the best thing to do is talk to your GP or online doctor about steps you can take to be alcohol safe.

Dr Alexandra Phelan is a NHS GP and Online Doctor for Pharmacy2U. Manage your repeat prescriptions by going to pharmacy2u.co.uk/NHS