As we get ready for the Super Bowl this Sunday, there are a few things we need to be aware of if we’re planning on going to work on Monday. Not everyone has the privilege of skipping a day of work for partying the night before, even if it’s because of the greatest night in American sports. So to help you get through your day the Monday after the Super Bowl, we’ve compiled 5 easy hangover tips and tricks.
Sure, anyone could say “well, if you don’t want a hangover, then don’t drink.” But let’s be honest. It’s the Super Bowl. And it doesn’t matter where you’re watching it, chances are you’ll be having a few beers along the way, and maybe even playing some drinking games (shots every time they pause the game, a beer every time your team scores, etc). Before you start drinking on Sunday, it’s recommended that you have a full meal, rich in nutrients and vitamins, because food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, and the longer it takes the alcohol to reach your blood stream, the longer it is until you become intoxicated.
But let’s say you started early, and got caught up in all the celebrations. It’s ok, you can still make it. Be aware that sleep will be one of your best allies, so instead of continuing the party after the big game, go home, take a shower, drink some water and go to sleep. Like my mother used to say, “nothing good happens in the streets in the late hours of the night,” and that’s why you started early anyways. However, let’s say that you got carried away and are sleepless, hungover and dreading life, follow these easy steps to start your week in a decent way.
Drink water. Alcohol is a diuretic, and will make you go to the bathroom a lot throughout the night and will cause dehydration, which is what makes you feel so crappy when you have a hangover. As I learned from my days of watching “Gilmore Girls” (don’t worry, it is actually recommended by doctors), it is better if you order your drink and a glass of water and alternate between the two. Also, if it’s too late, try this the next time you go out drinking: limit your drinks to about one every hour because your body metabolizes each drink in about 60-75 minutes. Something that works for me personally is to drink a couple glasses of water before going to bed. Your body will appreciate it when you wake up the next morning.
Bananas. As we mentioned before, when you drink alcohol, you pee a lot. Besides dehydration, you lose a lot of potassium which is drained from your body. Eating a banana will help your potassium levels and will actually make you feel a little bit stronger.
Have toast, crackers. Although there are no foods that will miraculously cure a hangover, carbs can help bring your blood sugar levels back up the morning after a crazy night out of drinking. According to Men’s Health, “when blood sugar levels dip, your liver reacts by producing more glucose from stored carbs. But if you've been drinking too much, your liver is busy metabolizing the alcohol and can't handle the extra work, so your blood sugar levels stay down, and you can feel irritable and tired.”
Pain Medication. Yes, we know. Your head is pounding and you can not concentrate on what you have to do. You can barely open your eyes because that headache is pushing your lids all the way down. Well, be careful what pain killers you take. Doctors recommend aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, which are “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs” (NSAIDs) but recommend to stay away from acetaminophen because it can cause liver damage when you’re combining it with a liver that’s already trying to metabolize alcohol.
Pepto Bismol, Alka-Seltzer or antacids. Sometimes with hangover comes a lot of stomachaches and you might need a little of “over the counter” help to relieve queasiness and to settle your stomach.
Hopefully these tips will help you have an easy Monday at work after the big game on Sunday, but always remember to drink responsibly, to don’t drink and drive and to always be aware when to stop. Your health is more important than anything else. Enjoy the Super Bowl safely!
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
