From the BZ editorial team
Toast the new year with friends? Yes, please! Waking up with a hangover? No thanks!
It would be nice if the morning after the big New Year’s party started without a headache and a queasy stomach this time, wouldn’t it? And that works! Do yourself a big favor on January 1st with these before, during, and after the party tricks.
Before the party
Even if it’s difficult: do a bit of sport today! The National Center for Biotechnology and Information (USA) found that a full-body workout boosts metabolism for the next 48 hours and breaks down alcohol faster.
Some foods literally soak up alcohol. Therefore, you should create a good basis in the stomach before New Year’s Eve. Carbohydrates with vitamins and minerals (e.g. vegetable pasta) are well suited. Fatty foods (e.g. schnitzel, cheese snacks, salmon) are also a good preventive measure, because: If the gastric mucosa is covered with water-repellent substances such as fat, alcohol absorption becomes more difficult and the level rises more slowly.
According to a study by the University of Utrecht, people whose diet contains enough niacin and zinc cope better with the consequences of alcohol consumption. Niacin is found in fish, meat, peanuts and mushrooms. Zinc is also found in meat and fish, and in milk and cheese.
during the party
Alcohol draws water out of the body. The most important basic rule is therefore: drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol – right from the start!
The type of alcohol makes a big difference: drinks with fewer congeners (chemical substances produced by fermentation), such as white wine or vodka, provide less of a hangover feeling. Many congeners contain red wine and whiskey – so use them sparingly!
Also dangerous for the morning after: alcoholic warm and carbonated drinks. A Prosecco to toast is enough, you should probably do without mulled wine tonight. Mixed drinks with sugary lemonades also have a strong effect: the sugar inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde in the body. This breakdown product of alcohol is partly responsible for the hangover the next morning.
The next day
Fight alcohol with alcohol? Absolutely not, because this will immediately push dehydration back on! It is better to drink a lot of water – and still. Carbonated foods irritate the stomach. Fruit spritzers or fruit tea are also great for replenishing the mineral balance.
Sugar and alcohol increase the acidity of the body and the craving for sweets. Resist and break the cycle with chlorophyll from green vegetables like celery, avocado or spinach. It ensures better oxygen transport in the body and reduces acidity.
The best news in case the cat is purring violently: A funny series evening on the sofa is not only good for the mood, laughter helps the immune system. In addition, the organs are better supplied with blood by resting.
So get on the couch and turn on your favorite comedy!