Ah yes, the inevitable hangover: The end result of a night of boozing. Everybody’s got their own remedy, but sometimes the remedy is worse than the woe. Take for example, the artery-clogging cheeseburger, which manipulates the stomach into thinking grease is a sponge. Or what about the ‘hair of the dog that bit you’ trick? Not only will drinking an a.m. cocktail prolong your misery, but also it will make your liver go into overdrive.
Treating a hangover is as simple as preventing one. Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re ready to get your drink on.
1. Drink plenty of water: Be sure to drink water before, during and after a night of drinking. Chugging a bottle of water before your head hits the pillow-in and of itself- is enough to lessen the severity of a hangover, or to prevent one all together. Remember, a hangover is simply a fancy word for alcohol-induced dehydration.
2. Take a swig of olive oil: I know, I’m such a wop, but my adorable Italian grandpa-God rest his soul- swore by this one. That is, having a few spoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your stomach before a night of drinking will “coat” the stomach and therefore prevent intoxication. Although most of us aren’t keen on dousing our stomach in EVOO, an appetizer such as bread and dipping oil will do the trick to prep the stomach for alcohol consumption.
3. Buy yourself some time: By drinking at a moderate speed, the liver is able to process toxins more timely and efficiently. Bear in mind that nothing can make you sober up faster other than time. A cold shower will only make you a wet drunk, and a cup of coffee will simply make you a hyper drunk.
4. Stick to clear liquors. [Top shelf if your wallet allows]: As a general rule of thumb, wine and dark spirits such as whiskey, contain more impurities. Conversely, vodka and gin contain less. Score one for Grey Goose, zero for Jameson.
5. BRAT: If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter a hangover, there is only one acronym you need to memorize. Translation: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. All four foods contain either potassium or complex carbohydrates, both of which help to aid the stomach and draw out toxins.
So remember, whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a night on the town, proper preparation can prevent paralysis. Like the flu, time, fluids and plenty of rest are a guaranteed cure. For some, a fountain soda and a large order of fries with enough salt to choke a horse usually do the trick. It might be equally as bad as booze, but once in a while, two wrongs do make it all right.
