The end of the year is filled with many year-end parties, causing many people to experience hangovers with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and prolonged sluggishness. Dr. Duong Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Society of Vascular Diseases, shares effective measures to help you recover and minimize the negative impacts of alcohol.
Proper Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Fruit juice helps replenish fluids and electrolytes after drinking alcohol
Alcohol not only causes dehydration but also depletes important minerals in the body. Dr. Manh recommends prioritizing drinks that help replenish both water and electrolytes:
- Oral rehydration solution (Oresol): The best option for quickly replacing lost fluids and minerals.
- Lemonade with salt: Provides vitamin C, supports liver metabolism of alcohol, and aids faster recovery.
- Fruit juices: Orange, apple, or watermelon juice not only hydrate but also provide essential energy and vitamins.
Eat Right Before and After the Party
Before drinking alcohol, eat lightly with starchy foods like rice, porridge, or bread to slow down alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Dr. Manh explains: “Eating before drinking not only helps you get less drunk but also reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, a common condition after consuming alcohol.”
After the party, supplement your diet with proteins from meat and fish, and fiber from vegetables to support the body’s recovery. These foods help balance energy, reduce fatigue, and protect the liver from alcohol’s effects.
Drink Slowly and Control Alcohol Intake
The body can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol per hour, approximately 7 grams of alcohol – equivalent to one standard drink (about 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of spirits). Drinking too fast or excessively in a short period overwhelms the liver, increasing the risk of a hangover.
Get Enough Sleep After the Party
Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day. To mitigate this, aim for 7-8 hours of sleep after the party. Dr. Manh advises: “Before sleeping, drink a glass of Oresol or mineral water with added salt to effectively replenish fluids and electrolytes, supporting the liver in detoxifying alcohol.”
A good night’s sleep not only speeds up recovery but also significantly reduces hangover symptoms.
Avoid Alcohol of Unknown Origin
Alcohol of unknown origin often contains methanol, a highly toxic substance that can cause severe headaches, blurred vision, or even multi-organ failure. Dr. Manh warns: “Methanol in counterfeit alcohol not only prolongs hangovers but also poses a serious risk of death.”
Additionally, if you have a sensitive constitution to certain drinks like wine or beer, choose options that suit your health to avoid unwanted reactions.
Conclusion
Year-end parties are occasions for gathering and sharing joy, but overindulging in alcohol can lead to unwanted consequences. Apply these measures to protect your health, maintain alertness, and welcome a healthy and fulfilling Tet. As Dr. Manh emphasizes: “Year-end celebrations will be more meaningful when you know how to care for your body and enjoy responsibly.”
