How to avoid a hangover this holiday season.
Step 1: Eat
Have a light meal that includes starches such as pasta or bread before you drink. Foods containing vitamins B and C help counteract the nutrient-depleting effects of alcohol, so add a piece of fruit.
Step 2: Know your triggers
Know what drinks triggered past hangovers and avoid them. Steer clear of carbonated drinks, which speed alcohol effects. Avoid shooters and gulping down drinks too quickly.
Some people believe darker-colored liquor leads to worse hangovers, so stick to clear spirits.
Step 3: Drink water
Have a glass of water after each drink to counteract the dehydrating effects of the alcohol. The more water you drink, the better you'll feel the next day.
Step 4: Eat while drinking
Eat while drinking to help absorb the alcohol and slow down your total consumption.
Step 5: Pace yourself
Pace yourself and drink slowly throughout the evening - less than one drink per hour is a good rule. Before you feel the effects of the alcohol, switch to water or fruit juice.
Step 6: Drink draft beer
Choose draft beer over bottled because it stays fresh longer. Stale beer or wine causes worse hangovers due to oxidation.
Step 7: Hydrate before bed
Hydrate yourself with three to four glasses of water and replenish your system with vitamin B and C supplements taken with a piece of toast before retiring. You'll notice the difference in the morning.
Fact: According to one study, hangover-induced absenteeism and poor job performance costs the U.S. economy about $148 billion a year.
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