The GP explained why it is important to eat well before drinking alcohol and shared their recommendations
A doctor has emphasised the importance of eating well before a night out to help slow down alcohol absorption and prevent horrible hangovers.
Sharing advice for partygoers planning to enjoy a tipple or two this festive season, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained how food affects alcohol absorption.
The GP told the Mirror: “Eating correctly before a night out could reduce the intensity of hangovers, or help prevent them altogether. It’s important to prioritise foods that slow down alcohol absorption, this makes avocado and eggs great options. Additionally, watermelon is an effective food, providing much-needed hydration which is essential for combatting hangovers.”
He also emphasised the importance of staying hydrated before and during your night out. “Aside from foods, it’s equally important to hydrate appropriately before heading out for a drinking session. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of a hangover, leaving people worse for wear come morning time,” the expert shared.
“Therefore, by prioritising foods with electrolytes and high water content, while drinking the appropriate amount of water, people can lessen the effects of their hangover over Christmas, allowing them to spend more time enjoying the festive fun.”
The NHS also offers advice for those looking to drink alcohol. Most importantly, you should not drink more than your body can handle, as the NHS warns. Moreover, you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach. The NHS says: “Before you start drinking, have a meal that includes carbohydrates (such as pasta or rice) or fats. The food will help to slow down your body’s absorption of alcohol.”
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For some people, certain types of alcohol could also lead to a worse hangover. “Do not drink dark coloured drinks if you’ve found you’re sensitive to them. They contain natural chemicals called congeners, which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain and can make a hangover worse,” the NHS explains.
To stay hydrated when you’re drinking alcohol, it is recommended to drink water or non-fizzy soft drinks in between any alcoholic beverages and drink water before you go to bed.
