TORONTO – Hugging the toilet bowl, lying in a fetal position in bed, or waking up to a pounding headache – this isn’t exactly how you want to kick off 2015.
If you’re ringing in the New Year with a glass – or maybe five – of champagne, experts are doling out tips to counter a nasty hangover.
For starters, stay hydrated. Drink up as much water as you can before heading out and pair each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
Try not to mix drinks either.
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“Water can certainly help the next day because it can rehydrate you, but you’re going to get the most benefit from something with a little bit of electrolytes,” according to Julia Zumpano, a Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian.
When you’re dealing with a hangover, your body is dehydrated and in need of electrolytes, potassium and sodium, she said.
Reach for a banana, a sports drink or a glass of coconut water.
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You should also stock up on foods that are rich in B6 – salmon, turkey, chicken and pistachio nuts, for example. Eggs contain a component called cysteine that might help with processing alcohol, too. In any case, experts suggest that you eat before drinking to slow down alcohol absorption. But try to avoid the salty snacks – they’ll only contribute to dehydration.
If you have a queasy stomach, ginger could decrease nausea, Zumpano suggests.
carmen.chai@globalnews.ca
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