Prevention of Hangover

The only sure way to prevent a hangover is to drink less alcohol or none. Some habits lower the odds and severity.

Habits that help

• Set a limit before you start and stick to it. Avoid rounds and drinking games.
• Eat a proper meal first, since food slows alcohol absorption.
• Alternate each alcoholic drink with water.
• Sip slowly rather than gulping.
• Choose lighter drinks: clear drinks have fewer congeners than dark ones, though the amount of alcohol matters most.
• Do not mix alcohol with energy drinks or other substances.
• Sleep enough and avoid drinking on very little rest.
• Stop drinking early in the evening.
• Do not drive after drinking, and plan a safe ride home.

What does not work

No pill, herb, vitamin or "detox" product reliably prevents a hangover. Drinking more water cannot cancel out heavy drinking.

Lower-risk drinking

Health bodies advise limiting alcohol, and many suggest not drinking at all if you have liver disease, take certain medicines, are pregnant or are under legal age.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda advises moderation and a regular routine. It also warns that habitual heavy drinking harms digestion and the body.

Key point

If you cannot limit your drinking, or hangovers are frequent, speak to a doctor or counsellor.

Before your appointment

Note how much and what you drank, over how long, and your symptoms. List any medicines or supplements taken, how often hangovers occur, and any past liver, stomach or heart problems. Be open with your doctor about alcohol use, since this helps them advise you safely.