Beat the babelaas with these tips

POLOKWANE – With the festive season fast approaching, plans are underway for all festivities that will be taking place.

For most individuals, this also means crazy fun outings that can come with the consequences of a hangover.

Before you open that can, dumpy or ngudi to ease your babelas, here are five quick and easy evidence-based nutrition tips by registered dietitian, Unarine Sengani that will make you feel like yourself again.

Rehydrate your body

We’ve all heard this one before: “Drink a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you have”. As nice as this sounds in theory, it’s easier said than done.

Alcohol leads to dehydration because it is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and the loss of electrolytes.

The best way to normalise your body fluids and regain balance of your body’s chemistry is to focus on hydration.

Try to drink a few glasses of water before calling it a night and take a few more sips of water first thing in the morning. To replace lost electrolytes, try sipping on coconut water. It’s loaded in potassium and also low in sugar.

Fuel up!

Not only does alcohol disrupt nearly every tissue in the body, but it also interrupts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Therefore, it’s vital to replenish all vitamins and minerals with breakfast containing solid, hydrating foods such as watermelons, cucumbers, green leafy vegetables; and protein-packed foods like eggs, tuna, lean meat and various nuts.

Reduce caffeine intake

A cup of joe may seem like a good idea when your head is pounding, and you can’t seem to stomach anything.

However, caffeine also has a diuretic effect and constricts blood vessels, which can worsen the headache.

Rather opt for a drink low in caffeine like green tea, served hot or chilled, to bring you back to life without wringing you completely dry .

Nicotinic acid & Zinc

A recent study suggested that social drinkers who have a higher dietary intake of nicotinic acid and zinc report significantly less severe hangovers.

Sufficient dietary intake of zinc and nicotinic acid are important to maintain health.

Examples of food rich in zinc are meat, shellfish (oysters), and legumes, such as lentils and beans.

Food containing nicotinic acid include meat, fish and poultry, avocado, peanuts, whole grains, and mushrooms.Consuming a varied, healthy and well-balanced diet may decrease the severity of a hangover.

Don’t drink more alcohol the morning after

While it may seem like a good idea at first, drinking more alcohol the next day only delays the inevitable symptoms you’re trying to avoid. By adding more alcohol, you further dehydrate the body, which can make you feel worse than you did before.

The bottom line…There are several evidence-based ways to avoid or limit the unpleasant symptoms that typically follow a night of drinking.

Strategies include staying hydrated, eating a good breakfast, drinking in moderation, and consuming a varied and well-balanced diet.

Pairing alcohol with a hearty meal and plenty of water is a great way to moderate your alcohol consumption.

It can also help you stay hydrated and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals to help prevent or limit a hangover.