It’s a well known fact that the festive period is a time for over indulgence of both food and alcohol. Many people turn up to work bleary eyed, nauseous, in pain, with vague recollections of the previous night at the work Christmas party. We all know that binge drinking is not healthy – our bodies making this clear in the form of a hangover.

The biological facts are that after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, your body is suffering from a Vitamin B deficiency and dehydration. You may also recognise the nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, and a headache, which all stem from your body producing a load of stimulants to counteract the amount of depressants you put into your body in the form of alcohol.

Now do not be fooled – I myself love to indulge in a cheeky vino, especially over the festive period. So here are a few helpful hangover hacks, many of which I have tried and tested.

Eat a good meal
Lining your stomach with food before drinking will help, as the mix of food and alcohol stays longer in the stomach, so isn’t released into the bloodstream as quickly. This also applies the morning after, but try eating low sugar carbs such as toast or crackers to help settle the stomach. Eggs are full of great amino acids, or a smoothie packed with fresh fruit and vegetables should sort you out.

Water
No you don’t have to stick to it all night long (although that will also eradicate the hangover ever being a problem). Simply alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water and then make sure you drink a large glass of water before bed. Coconut water is great as it contains five electrolytes per serving, great for re-balancing your body.

Light and flat
Stick to pale drinks without the bubbles for less of a hangover.

Exercise
The one everyone hates, but it works by getting your body to metabolise faster and the endorphin rush will give you the good buzz. Any form of exercise will do, just remember to get the blood pumping, but not push yourself too hard.

Ibuprofen
Put a glass of water and Ibuprofen tablets (Paracetamol and Aspirin should be avoided as they can irritate the liver even more) next to your bed. Set your alarm one hour before you need to get up, take the tablets then go back to sleep, so that you give yourself a head start upon waking.

Avoid too much caffeine
As much as you may crave your morning fix, caffeine is a diuretic and will increase your dehydration, so balance any you have with water.

So know your limits, stay safe, but most importantly drink and be merry over the festive period.