How to help your body when you drink

In vino veritas / Photo: Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash

Ah, alcohol, such a double-edge sword, bringing both joy and regret in equal measure. We’ve all been there: a couple of drinks in, feeling fabulous, then waking up with a headache that could fell a small elephant. But what if there were a way to enjoy a tipple without surrendering to the inevitable hangover the next morning? Yes, it’s possible and it doesn’t involve turning into a teetotaller. With a few simple, but rather clever, tricks, you can manage your drink like a seasoned pro.

From pacing yourself to eating the right food, let’s look at how to drink without the drama:

Pace yourself: Don’t just guzzle – sip. Give your body time to process the alcohol. One drink an hour is more than enough (in this wedding season, good luck with those open bars).
Water: Take a glass of water for every glass of alcohol you take
Eat before you drink: A nutritious meal beforehand slows the ethanol’s rush to your liver, so you’ll be giving it a helping hand.
Move your body: A little stroll post-tipple helps mitigate the effects.
Drink early, not near bedtime: You might think that nightcap is the key to sweet slumber, but it messes with your deep sleep.
Fermented foods: Think kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut before you go out for a drink. Your gut will thank you, and so will your liver.
Hangover breakfast: Forget all the sugary / carb nonsense. Eggs, nuts, something with substance. Your body needs a proper repair job, not a sugar crash.
Use a smaller glass: Back in the 1700s, wine glasses were a modest 65ml. Today, you could fill one with the contents of an entire bottle. Opting for a port glass to drink your wine might not be a bad idea at all.

One last thing: before you take that first sip, ask yourself if it’s really worth the ethanol cruising through your body. If you’re surrounded by good company, the sun’s shining, and you’re in the mood for a bit of fun, then go ahead. Santé!