Top hacks to beat New Year hangover - and 'hair of the dog' isn't one of them
Many people will enjoy a tipple to see in the New Year. Whether you're toasting to health, wealth, or other hopes and dreams for 2025, for many, there will be no better way than with a glass of fizz or something stronger in hand.
A sore head in the morning is what we don't want, though, and may prevent 2025 from getting off to a fresh start. There are plenty of hangover hacks to consider to alleviate symptoms, including avoiding caffeine the next morning.
Food and drink experts at tabl.com have now waded in to provide their advice on how to stop the hangover creeping in and potentially ruining New Year's Day. They also shared tips on how to recover quickly after overindulging.
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Tabl's top tips for beating the festive fogginess are:
Drink water before, during and after drinking
If you know you’re going to be drinking in the evening, prepare your body by staying hydrated throughout the day. While drinking, make sure to follow the match-drink-with-water rule which means that between each alcoholic drink, drink a glass of water. You should also have some water before going to bed and the first thing when you wake up.
Avoid drinks high in congeners
Congeners, found in darker drinks like red wine, whiskey, and rum, can worsen hangover symptoms. If you’re worried about having a sore head the next day, it might be best to opt for lighter-coloured beverages like vodka or gin cocktails, beer and white wine. If you do want to have a few glasses of red wine, consider a light-bodied variety like Pinot Noir because it has fewer tannins and therefore causes less of a hangover.
Opt for low-alcohol options
Low-alcohol options, such as beer or wine with reduced alcohol content, can help you pace yourself and avoid overindulging. Alternatively, you can dilute spirits with mixers like soda water and juice, or turn your wine into a spritzer by mixing it with carbonated water or soda to lower the alcohol concentration and help you stay hydrated.
Have a nutritious breakfast
If you’ve had a bit too much to drink the night before, make sure to replenish nutrients by having a hearty breakfast. While it may be tempting to order a greasy takeaway to cure your hangover, it can actually make you feel worse. You should opt for eggs, whole grains, fruits, and veg that will restore your energy and nutrient levels.
Avoid caffeine
While many of us will want to reach for a large cup of coffee or tea when we’re struggling with a hangover, caffeine can actually do more harm than good. Alcohol already hydrates your body, and adding caffeine into the mix can exacerbate dehydration and upset your stomach, making you feel more sluggish. Having herbal tea or an electrolyte drink is a much better alternative.
Take a walk in the fresh air
Although getting out of bed and going outside might be the last thing on your mind, going for a brisk walk is a fantastic way to improve circulation and deliver oxygen to your brain, making you feel more alert. Fresh air is also good for getting rid of brain fog and dizziness.
Forget the ‘hair of the dog’ method
Many people think that having another drink, also known as the ‘hair of the dog’ method will help them tackle their hangover. However, this will only top up blood alcohol level and delay your body’s recovery, potentially leading to even worse symptoms.
Speaking about avoiding feeling worse for wear after ringing in the New Year, Caroline Lips from tabl.com said "New Year is a time for celebration but it’s easy to get carried away with drinks and wake up with a dreaded sore head the next day. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to reduce hangover symptoms.
"Start by increasing your water intake throughout the day before you start drinking, and while enjoying festive beverages, alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to keep yourself hydrated.
“It’s also important to choose what you drink wisely, as certain types of alcohol are more likely to cause a hangover - even a simple swap like opting for a white wine or rosé instead of a full-bodied red wine can make a difference."
Comically, she added: “If it’s already too late and you’ve woken up with a hangover, make sure to replenish lost fluids and follow it up with a hearty breakfast to restore nutrient and energy levels.”
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