WHAT TO EAT TO PREVENT A HANGOVER

By SPUD.ca

• Water

  By SPUD.ca

  Yes we know water is not a food. And we know that "drink more water" is the oldest anti-hangover advice in the book. But it's a cliche for a reason! Try to drink extra water before you start drinking, and one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume through the night. One thing you don't want to do is wait until the end of the night and chug a gallon of water right before bed, which can stress your body and further disrupt your sleep as you have to get up for frequent bathroom trips.

• A Hamburger

  By SPUD.ca

  Before you start drinking, you want to make sure you have a meal that includes protein, fat, and carbs, which will take longer to digest. That means the alcohol will stay in your stomach longer before moving on to the small intestine, letting your body absorb it at a more manageable rate. Unfortunately for vegetarians (and cows) red meat can be especially beneficial to your body in processing the byproducts of alcohol, due to its amino acids and B vitamins.

• Olive Oil

  By SPUD.ca

  This is actually a common strategy in some Mediterranean countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain. Supposedly, the fat content in the oil coats your stomach, so less alcohol gets  into your bloodstream. Just take a spoonful (or shot) of olive oil before you start drinking – or if that seems too gross, sop some oil up with some crusty bread.

• Vitamin B Foods

  By SPUD.ca

  Usually when you're drinking alcohol, you're also consuming a lot of extra sugar. That means your pancreas is working overtime pumping insulin. Vitamin B supports the pancreas and the liver – which needs all the help it get. Leafy greens and bright yellow and orange veggies (like bell peppers), and beets are all good sources of vitamin B.

• Pickles

  By SPUD.ca

  The key here is the salt. Sodium is an important hangover-fighting electrolyte, and without adequate electrolyte levels, you can experience headache, fatigue and even vomiting! Snack on pickles, olives, or sauerkraut before you start drinking – and save the brine! Apparently doing a shot of pickle brine can help you feel better if you do end up with a hangover.

• Avocado

  By SPUD.ca

  Another healthy source of fat, avocados are also high in the anti-aging and liver-detoxifying antioxidant L-glutathione, which helps neutralize acetaldehyde (the toxin from alcohol) in your body. In fact, any food high in glutathione or its precursors will help. These include asparagus, spinach, and broccoli as well.

• Pumpkin Seeds

  By SPUD.ca

  Alcohol depletes your body's magnesium levels, which is especially bad given that many of us are already magnesium-deficient. And considering that magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce some hangover symptoms, you definitely want to up your intake prior to getting lit. Just 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds gives you 81% of your daily recommended value of magnesium, so they are a great pre-drinking snack. Sesame seeds, almonds, and cashews are also high in magnesium, if you don't have any pumpkin seeds on hand.

• Cauliflower

  By SPUD.ca

  Drinking too much can wreak havoc on your immune system, so you want to ensure it's getting all the support it can. This means you need to increase your vitamin C intake. Cauliflower is not only loaded with the powerful antioxidant, it also contains enzymes that support liver detox.  Try snacking on [these cauliflower wings ](http://www.spud.ca/catalogue/recipes.cfm?op=S5&S=3&W=1&search=Buffalo%20Cauliflower%20Bites&S_CG=9&S_OP=3001)to start your night off right!