Today, we are talking summer hangover tips. So get your glasses out, because here we go.
We're halfway through the season. There are BBQ's, beach days, parties, summer concerts, and there is potentially a lot of alcohol to go around. Now, people are actually drinking a lot less nowadays, as the sober movement has been a big thing.
I'm going to rapid fire some tips when it comes to supporting your body while drinking so you can minimize or reduce your chances of feeling like garbage the next day.
So if you are (like me) choosing to indulge in alcohol this summer here are 3 things to consider.
1. TIP #1: Stick to the clearer spirits.
You might know this one already, but I swear it has been a game changer. Biggest thing here is to avoid mixing it with sugary mixers. When alcohol is made, yeast ferments sugars and therefore, produces alcohol. But sometimes, there are other byproducts that are produced as well. And these are called congeners. The more congeners an alcohol has, the higher chance of a hangover. In general, darker alcohols have more congeners and lighter ones have less. Things like red wine (sad, I know) can have quite a few. So if you're planning on having more than a few drinks, I would opt for vodka, gin, and tequila and limit dark spirits like dark rum, whiskey, etc.
2. TIP #2: Don't drink on an empty stomach (and here are some foods to include)
When it comes to alcohol, we use nutrients to process it, so we tend to use and loose potassium, magnesium, some of the B vitamins, and vitamin C. So, consuming those foods prior to drinking or while you are drinking helps to provide the body with some of the nutrients it uses to process alcohol. For example, bananas are a great source of potassium. Avocados are a great source of magnesium, potassium, and the B vitamins. Avocados are my top pick, so serving guac and chips for a party if you're having alcohol can be a great way to support the livers of you and your guests.
Also, if you're having dinner before a night out, a green I would recommend adding to your plate is asparagus. Asparagus has been shown to be liver protective and contains a lot of good fibre that will help slow down the rate of alcohol absorption.
You also want to make sure you're getting enough protein before you drink. Beef is a great choice (hello burger night!) because not only is it a great source of protein, but it contains several B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12). If possible, opt for lean or extra lean when purchasing ground beef, as well as having it grass fed/grass finished (quality is everything!).
3. Consider adding additional supplemental support.
Beyond magnesium, which I do recommend as a standard supplement which can also be really beneficial before bed, I'm going to share two other supplements that will help mitigate a hangover.
The first is activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has this wonderful ability to bind substances and toxins in the body and shuttle them out. When it comes to a hangover, honestly the research is mixed, but in practice, and personal experience, it is a very effective remedy.
So the way I do it is, after a night out, you take 1-2 activated charcoals before bed, and hopefully it'll help you feel okay the next morning.
Second is milk thistle. This has to be my personal favourite, as it is SUCH a gentle herb that can be taken on a daily basis, and really helps support your liver health. My personal favourite blend is from St. Francis. You can find this and my favourite formula of activated charcoal on my Amazon storefront.
Please remember that this is for informational purposes only. If you would like to learn more on how these supplements or tips can be applied to you and your health, feel free to send me an email and I'd be happy to chat with you!
That being said, alcohol is not needed to have a good time out, but if you do partake, do so responsibly and try and have a glass of water between each drink. Have I always followed this advice myself? Nope. But we just do our best for the next time. If you do happen to be overserved or overserve yourself and feel crappy the next day, I know that feeling, so just be kind to yourself and know that you will feel better and feel like yourself again very soon.
Here's to a fun rest of the summer!
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