Dave Nicoll's blog

December! Christmas! Parties! Hangovers

For a few years now, I’ve been searching for the ultimate hangover cure. I’ve heard the weird, the wonderful, the utter bullshit, and I’ve tried it all. Everything from milk thistle, to sex in the morning – and what I don’t know about acetaldehyde, ain’t worth knowing. So, because I love a drink and I know you do too, I’ve condensed everything I know on the subject into 4 easy parts for you to follow -

Before you drink

Eat around an hour before drinking begins. Fatty foods on this occasion are encouraged, as the fat is digested slowly and helps prevent the irritating effects of alcohol. Full-fat milk is also recommended.

While you’re drinking

Avoid drinks with large amounts of congeners (red wine, brandy, whisky, cognac, port) as these generally cause worse hangovers because of the impurities. Fizzy drinks and mixers speed up the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream, so stick to still mixers.

If you can, take a break, eat something, drink something non-alcoholic.

When you get home

Water. Drink lots of it. It’s important you re-hydrate ASAP, and provide your body with enough water through the night. Ibuprofen (which doubles as a prostaglandin inhibitor, also assisting re-hydration) can help take the edge off and prevent the disruptive symptoms alcohol may have on your sleep pattern and therefore you may feel less tired in the morning. Eating some toast will help settle your stomach and raise your blood sugar level. A kebab (though not a donner kebab for reasons I won’t go into here), pizza or chips are all acceptable substitutes but not particularly healthy obviously. And lastly, a Berocca can work wonders – especially as it contains vitamin B6 which plays a key role in re-hydration.

In the morning

Water, again. Re-hydration is crucial. A Berocca is ideal, or fruit juice. Avoid coffee (or anything containing caffeine) and full-fat coke (or any fizzy drinks for that matter). Sports drinks, such as Lucozade Sport, are great. Ibuprofen is better than paracetamol. No aspirin because of the irritating effects it can have on your stomach.

Recent scientific studies have shown a bacon sandwich is one of the best foods you can consume for a hangover (read the article if you’re interested in the science). And right behind that is the “full English” which provides the fat, proteins, carbs and vitamins your body is craving (if baked beans are optional, make sure you have them) – remember to wash it down with a cup of tea, not coffee. Bananas are a super-food in their own right, and definitely help.

Sleep. Give your body time to sort out the mess you’ve made of it. If the room is spinning, or your head is pounding, you definitely need at least 2-3 hours more sleep.

Get up, shower, brush your teeth, go out and get some fresh air. Although it’s probably the last thing on your mind, do a bit of exercise (even if it’s just a walk). Psychologically you’ll feel better, and the increased circulation may help. Don’t over-do it though, you don’t want to dehydrate yourself again.