Have you ever woken up with a pounding headache, nausea, and the feeling that you’ll never drink again? That’s the dreaded hangover for you. Hangovers can be a real pain in the neck, and they can ruin your entire day.

But fear not, there are ways to prevent hangovers and minimize their effects. Here are seven proven ways to avoid the hangover:.

1. Eat before drinking

When you drink on an empty stomach, alcohol is absorbed more quickly, making you feel the effects faster. Eating food before drinking slows down this process by slowing down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

Make sure you eat a meal that’s high in protein and healthy fats, as this will help slow down alcohol absorption even more.

2. Hydrate before, during, and after drinking

Alcohol dehydrates the body, leading to headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms. Before you start drinking, make sure you’re well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Another good idea is to alternate between alcoholic drinks and glasses of water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Finally, make sure to drink plenty of water before going to bed, as this will help prevent dehydration and lessen the severity of your hangover.

3. Choose your drinks carefully

Some drinks are more likely to cause hangovers than others. For example, dark liquors like bourbon or red wine contain higher amounts of impurities called congeners, which can make hangovers worse.

Clear liquors like vodka or gin have fewer congeners and are less likely to give you a hangover. Also, be mindful of the sugar content of your drinks – sugary cocktails like margaritas or piña coladas can cause hangovers due to the sugar crash that occurs later.

4. Pace yourself

Going overboard and binge-drinking is a surefire recipe for a nasty hangover. Instead, take your time and pace yourself. Drinking slowly and steadily will give your body more time to metabolize the alcohol and prevent a hangover.

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Additionally, it’s a good idea to limit yourself to one drink per hour, or one drink every 90 minutes.

5. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to preventing hangovers. Alcohol interferes with your sleep cycle, making it less restful and restorative.

Make sure you’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night, especially on nights when you plan to drink.

6. Take supplements

There are several supplements that can help prevent hangovers. One of the most effective is prickly pear extract, which has been shown to reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.

Other supplements that may help include B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium. These nutrients can help boost your body’s natural detoxification processes and relieve hangover symptoms.

7. Know your limits

Most importantly, be honest with yourself about your limits. It’s important to know when to stop drinking and avoid going overboard.

Keep in mind that different people have different tolerances for alcohol, so what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and know when it’s time to call it a night.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting a hangover and lessen their effects if you do happen to get one. Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.