For most of us, celebrating Christmas means reuniting with loved ones and spending our days of merriment with them. But for some of us, holiday celebrations are synonymous with having to deal with hangovers the morning after a night of celebrating.


While experts say that there are no instant remedies to a hangover, some measures can be taken to reduce the impact of nursing its horrendous symptoms this silly season, according to a medical journalist, Dr Carol Cooper.

Here are ten tips shared by Dr Cooper to reduce the severity of hangover symptoms:

1. Drink water

Dr Cooper said that some of the primary culprits of severe hangover symptoms (if we're not counting heavy drinking) are dehydration, stomach irritation, and low blood sugar levels.

The medical journalist said: “Dehydration is the main reason for dry mouth and headache, while nausea and pain are down to stomach irritation."

“Low blood sugar levels also contribute to tiredness and light-headedness."

The simple trick to reduce the symptoms of a hangover? Drink some water while partying.

“Water is effective and cheaper than isotonic drinks,” Dr Cooper explained.

“The sooner you start fighting dehydration, the faster your head will stop throbbing."

“Even better, take fluids on board before symptoms set in.”

2. Take painkillers

Painkillers can reduce the alcohol-induced inflammation inside your stomach, according to Dr Cooper.

“There’s evidence that alcohol also causes inflammation inside your head, so, if your stomach can take it, consider anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen."

“Paracetamol can work but it’s more toxic to the liver. Just make sure you have a bite to eat with ibuprofen.”

If you don't have any painkillers at home, it is best to buy some before going out or hosting your loved ones for the celebrations!


3. Eat carbs

As pointed out by Dr Cooper earlier, having low blood sugar can lead to light-headedness when you drink too much alcohol.

So, for those who are avoiding carbs but are not keen on missing the fun, you might want to excuse yourself for the meantime to cheat on your diet.

“Some people swear by greasy food such as burgers, but it can be too much for a delicate stomach and often triggers heartburn,” Carol said.

“A carb-based snack like honey on toast or a bacon roll works by boosting blood sugar levels without being heavy on stomach-churning grease.

“Just choose something bland that’s easy to prepare and easy to keep down.”

4. Have clear soup

Soup gives you ample nutrition and hydration, enough to make you feel refreshed after a night of drinking.

If you have leftover veggies from your Christmas dinner, it would be wise to make a soup out of them instead of throwing them away.

Dr Cooper said: “A thin vegetable (or beef-based) broth helps top up lost vitamins and minerals.”

“It’s light on the stomach and comforting to sip.”


5. Consider antacids

If ibuprofen does not do the trick or if you're allergic to them, the experts say that you can take an antacid tablet as an alternative.

“If you have heartburn or feel queasy, a simple antacid can help."

It should be noted that the medicine is known to be a favourite of doctors, with many dubbing it as a "lifesaver" due to its capabilities to reduce nausea, heartburn and indigestion symptoms – all of which can be caused by excessive drinking.


6. Sleep it off

I know it might be a bummer to miss some of your exciting plans for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but staying in bed to cure your hangover is better than pushing through your plans with your throbbing head.

“Take a nap if you can,” Dr Cooper advised.

“Once you wake up, you may be over the worst of your hangover.”

7. Eat food rich in zinc and B vitamins

It is no secret that most of us look forward to repurposing our leftovers into new dishes after a night of partying, but if you want to cure your hangover, a healthier lunch might just be the answer.

The medical journalist advised: “The science isn’t conclusive, but research suggests that being low in zinc and B vitamins makes hangover symptoms worse."

“Foods rich in zinc and B vitamins include lentils, chickpeas and seafood.”

8. Get fresh air

Sometimes, staying in can make your headache worse. So, if you are looking to cure your hangover, going out and spending an hour or two relaxing at the park can help you nurse the symptoms.

The experts stress the importance of fresh air for reducing hangover symptoms, saying: “It’ll help clear your head and make you feel a bit more normal again.”


9. Do some exercise

I know it's hard to get up when your head is literally throbbing, but if you want that annoying pain to go away, exercising can be a good hangover fix.

“A walk outside helps stretch the muscles, but be careful if you’re light-headed,” Carol advised.

“And don’t drive the morning after a heavy session as you may be over the limit.”

10. Prevention is key

As the old saying goes: "prevention is better than cure."

While Christmas is a time of fun and joy, drinking in moderation will allow you to have a great time without regretting it the next day.

The expert said: “The best way to deal with a hangover is to avoid it in the first place by drinking less booze."

“Pace yourself by alternating alcoholic beverages with non-fizzy soft drinks."

“Heavily coloured drinks like brandy, red wine, and dark rum contain ingredients known as congeners which are as toxic to the body as alcohol itself.”

Do you know any other tips to reduce the symptoms of hangovers? Share them with us in the comments below so other members can use them too (especially now that we're getting closer to the big event!).