Boozy brunches, potlucks by the lake, or a tailgate session before a game are all alcohol-related summertime activities. Drinking alcohol during the day in these settings can lead to some stories you’ll never forget, but also some nasty hangovers. The pounding headache and grogginess are all part of the hangover, right? Well, there may be ways to minimize the effects of a hangover after some day drinking.
Alcohol dehydrates the body very quickly, and the heat of a summer day only accelerates this process. Additionally, the average person isn’t focused on their water intake when they are day drinking, or drinking in general. Drinking throughout the day can be especially dangerous if the temperature is hot because it can increase your risk of heat exhaustion. That is one of the primary reasons day drinking is dangerous to your health.
We should clarify that highlighting tips to help you minimize a hangover isn’t an excuse to drink heavily whenever you want. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that you should only consume alcohol in moderation. That translates to one drink, sometimes two, per day. Binge drinking usually occurs at some sort of event that involves consuming four or more alcoholic beverages within two hours. As a final note, any dark drinks or drinks that are artificially-colored can give you a hangover later in the day.
Eat Before You Start Day Drinking
One of the biggest mistakes people make when drinking during the day is that they don’t eat before they drink. When you eat a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, the body has an easier time absorbing alcohol. That, in turn, leads to a lesser chance of experiencing toxic or negative effects. In addition to eating before the drinks flow, try to protect yourself from sun exposure by wearing a hat, wearing sunscreen, and finding shade wherever possible.
Alternate Between Alcohol And Water
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to get rid of water via urination. That means that you can experience dehydration very quickly, especially on a hot day. The best thing you can do for your health is to drink a large glass of water between your alcoholic beverages. Not only does this help you slow down, but it also helps you detox as you go. Think of this as diluting the pollution.
Pack Electrolyte Mixes
There are almost too many electrolyte-rich mixes and powders to count! Some are healthy and some have loads of sugar and preservatives. In addition to keeping up with your water intake, you also have to maintain your electrolyte balance. When you are in the sun and drinking, it is very easy to lose electrolytes, especially since alcohol increases urination. People who drink water or water with electrolyte mixes in it tend to feel much better and experience fewer hangovers than those who avoid these hydrating beverages. Just remember to keep hydrating before, during, and after your day drinking to minimize hangovers.
Plan To Drink Less Than You Think You Can Handle
As a general rule of thumb, it is better to be modest about your alcohol consumption whenever you are drinking. This is a great way to prevent hangovers because excess consumption will leave you with an enormous headache. People consume more over the course of the day than they might in a night, and the drinks you consume can influence what happens later. Sugary alcoholic drinks may lead to a quick buzz, but they also increase the risk of throwing up. Vomiting is a major way to dehydrate the body! You can avoid this by not drinking too much and not suddenly pounding water to make up for the fluids you lose.
End The Day Right
Sometimes, all you want to do is go to bed after a day drinking session. It’s never a bad idea to engage in a little self-care before you go to sleep, though. You can aid the detoxification process with a cup of herbal tea before bed; stinging nettle and milk thistle are great. Dandelion root tea will also support liver detoxification. Try to focus on a light meal that contains detoxifying ingredients like turmeric, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, lemon, onion, leafy greens, ginger, and dandelion. Prepping the night before will help you wake up more refreshed.
