No pre-party workout
Research from an American university has found we drink more on days that we work out, maybe because we feel we’ve done something good for our bodies and can let our hair down! So skip the gym, but do get moving the morning after – even a brisk walk will help. The study also suggests those who exercise regularly suffer less damage to the white matter of their brains after drinking.
Use our remedies
When you get home from partying …
Drink two cups of water with a spoonful of Marmite or Vegemite. “It can be hard to force it down, but it contains everything you need – salt to fight dehydration and B vitamins that need to be replenished,” says scientist Jayde Lovell, presenter on the YouTube channel Did Someone Say Science?
The morning after …
Mix 150ml of coconut water with 150ml grapefruit or orange juice and a pinch of salt. “It rehydrates you brilliantly,” says naturopath Katherine Maslen. Failing that, a painkiller will take the edge off a throbbing headache.
Avoid these party pitfalls
The darker your drink, the more likely it will lead to a hangover, but other drinks may cause problems simply because they contain ingredients that might not suit you. “Beer, for example, can affect the balance of gut flora,” adds Katherine. “Also, the more sulphites there are in a wine, the greater many peoples’ symptoms are the next day.” On top of this, be careful if you mix anything with an energy drink, as these increase the urge to drink more – which also makes the pain of a headache worse the next day!
Take two days off between parties
It gives your liver time to mop up some of the damage. If you have a super-social party season, though, choose to not drink at some events – being the designated driver will also make your friends happy. Or to get through the night temptation-free, try having your soft drink in a wine glass, as it makes you feel more festive and also tends to stop pesky questions from people who might nag you to drink.
Do you have a pre-party nutrition plan?
1. Hydrate
Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before a big social event. “The more hydrated you are, the better your body detoxifies,” says Katherine.
2. Get your B-boosters
Many hangover symptoms are caused by a depletion of B vitamins, so take a B-complex supplement or eat foods high in the vitamin, like a snack of rice crackers and avocado.
3. Eat right
Eat detox-boosting foods. Fresh beetroot, bitter leaves like rocket or watercress, and lemon juice in water are Katherine’s top recommendations.