How to Minimize a Hangover After a Holiday Feast: Practical Guidelines
The key to avoiding a rough morning after a festive feast is preparation. Dr. Daniil Petrov, a leading physician at the Isaev Clinic, discussed straightforward strategies with socialbites.ca on how to keep a holiday from being spoiled by a hangover.
He notes that alcohol acts as a strong diuretic, pulling fluids from the body along with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and chlorine. He suggests preloading the body with these nutrients by taking hepatoprotectors and sorbents, as well as Panangin, to begin detoxification before consumption. These medications should follow the dosage directions found in the instructions for two days before the celebration, during the event, and for a week afterward. According to the doctor, this approach can ease the toxic load and hasten toxin elimination.
The second piece of advice is not to drink on an empty stomach.
He explains that alcohol should be started on a full stomach, because food slows its absorption in the digestive tract. Slower absorption means the onset of poisoning is delayed, and with digestion, metabolism is more efficient, reducing the risk of severe intoxication.
It is also important to pace alcohol intake and give the body time to process it properly. The doctor emphasizes spacing any amount of alcohol over time. For example, a 50 ml serving of vodka is typically processed within about an hour in a healthy body. If 50 ml is consumed each hour, the risk of excessive intoxication decreases.
Petrov also addresses common beliefs about what foods pair best with alcohol. He notes that not all traditional pairings are beneficial and that some choices can worsen a hangover.
As a snack, he advises avoiding fried, fatty, and spicy foods that irritate the stomach lining and stress the gastrointestinal system. He also cautions against sweets, desserts, and anything fermented like certain fruits because they require the body to process glucose, which can divert energy away from neutralizing ethanol. The result could be stronger intoxication and a harsher morning after. Instead, the body benefits from fiber, protein, and pectin: boiled vegetables such as potatoes, salads made from them, baked meat or fish, sauerkraut, citrus fruits, and herbs.
The fifth tip is to avoid mixing strong drinks, especially carbonated or sweet beverages.
People often hear that cocktails should not be mixed, but the reason is not solely about temperature. Mixing drinks can speed alcohol absorption—champagne followed by vodka, for instance, accelerates intoxication due to carbonation. The sugar in wine or juice can ferment, intensifying the next-day hangover. Sticking to one type of strong alcohol can help prevent this effect.
The narcologist also recommends moving around more during the celebration. Sitting still between drinks is not ideal—dancing, walking, or stepping out for a moment can help. The key is to stay active, though smoking between drinks is not advised.
The seventh tip is not to smoke during drinking sessions.
Nicotine can amplify the effects of alcohol and overall intoxication. If quitting entirely is not possible, reducing the number of cigarettes smoked is a practical compromise.
Finally, staying hydrated is essential. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so regular noncarbonated mineral water should be consumed before, during, and after drinking to replenish fluids and minerals that will be needed the next day.
If too much alcohol has already been consumed on New Year’s Eve, it may be wise to cut the celebration short the following day. Continuing to party in the morning can promote binge drinking and raise the risk of longer-term issues.
In summary, thoughtful preparation, mindful pacing, nutritious snacks, and hydration can help reduce the likelihood of a severe hangover after a festive night. These guidelines reflect medical insights shared by Dr. Petrov and are presented to support healthier celebrations.
Past discussions had challenged the effectiveness of folk remedies for hangovers, reinforcing the view that evidence-based practices are preferable.