The HangOver

1.

Lots and lots of beer...it can be a bad idea.
Lots and lots of beer...it can be a bad idea.
Know your limits. 75% of people who imbibe alcohol to intoxication will have a hangover the next day. The number of alcoholic beverages it takes to reach a state of intoxication varies from person to person. Don't have more than 3 beverages in 1-2 hours, and no more than 5 beverages in one night.[2] Women and people of Asian descent might want to consider having a little less because they are more susceptible to hangovers. Women tend to have a lower metabolic rate due to a higher ratio of body fat and Asians tend to have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol.


2.

Eat before going out so alcohol isn't absorbed as quickly.
3.

Have a glass of milk before alcohol. It coats the lining of your stomach and slows the absorption of alcohol.
4.

Choose light liquors (vodka, gin) over dark liquors (brandy, whiskey). They have fewer congeners, which contribute to hangovers.[1] Overall, alcoholic beverages with more chemicals produce worse hangovers. Red wine is one of the worst culprits.[3] A study found that hangover symptoms varied by the type of alcohol consumed: (in order of decreasing severity) brandy, red wine, rum, whisky, white wine, gin, vodka, and pure ethanol.
5.

Stick with noncarbonated mixers. Carbonated mixers accelerate alcohol absorption.[1]
6.

Choose less concentrated alcoholic beverages. Beer is better than shots of whiskey, for example.
7.

Stick with one type of alcohol. Variety is not the spice of life in terms of a hangover.
8.

Stay hydrated. Alcohol makes you urinate more, which can lead to dehydration. Have a glass of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. The processes that break down alcohol also produce lactic acid and other chemicals that interfere with the production of glucose (sugar) and electrolytes; that's why sports beverages are a good idea.[2] Avoid caffeinated beverages - those make you urinate more, too. Have one glass of water after each alcoholic beverage. It keeps you hydrated and can also slow your alcohol consumption.
9.

Be happy. Research suggests that guilt about alcohol consumption, a neurotic personality, becoming angry or depressed while consuming alcohol, and having suffered "negative life events" in the past 12 months are better predictors of symptoms of hangovers than how much or what alcohol you consume during the night!