Whether you’re out clubbing, partying with friends, or celebrating an accomplishment, drinking socially can be fun. Unfortunately, once the party ends and you head home, you might regret asking for another round of the bubbly. If you’ve overindulged or are looking for ways to save yourself from a hangover, there are things you can do. Here are five ways to save yourself from a hangover so you can live to face the world another day.

Drink More Water

Drinking more water before, during, and after rocking the night way can help minimize painful hangover symptoms. In addition to drinking alcohol in moderation, drinking water in between cocktails also helps slow the absorption of alcohol, which can alleviate nausea and a pounding headache the day after. You can also nibble on fruits and veggies with high water content, like melon, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Avoid Dark-Colored Spirits

You may love the way Cabernet tastes but you definitely won’t like the way it makes you feel. In fact, you steer clear of dark-colored alcoholic beverages completely. Like your favorite red wine, darker-colored spirits contain congeners. These are products of the fermentation process and when combined with ethanol, they can worsen your hangover. If you imbibe, stick to clear spirits in moderation.

Up Your Oxygen

Alcohol consumption lowers the amount of oxygen in our bodies, making us feel as if we just climbed out of sewer. However, a pure canned oxygen supplement can replenish your O2 levels, expanding blood vessels back to their normal size. This, in addition to drinking only a few beverages, can make your hangover just a little less painful.

Avoid Caffeine

While some people proclaim coffee as the ultimate hangover beverage, drinking coffee or tea with a hangover usually isn’t a good idea. Caffeine is dehydrating, and if you have a hangover, you’re already dehydrated. Adding coffee or tea can make you feel even worse, especially if your hangover comes with nausea. Stick to plain water or an electrolyte-replacement drink to help you rehydrate after a night of drinking.

Eat Carbs

There’s a reason why you crave high-carb foods after a night out. Drinking can lower your blood sugar, which can lead to headaches and nausea. Restoring blood sugars to normal level can help minimize symptoms. Opt for dry toast or rice, and avoid heavy sauces and creams. Crackers and oatmeal are also good options. When your stomach is feeling stronger, follow those carbs with some protein.

Boozing it up with your friends may seem like a good idea now, but your head and stomach will probably disagree. While the best way to avoid a hangover is to not drink, the most important thing is to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.

Author's Bio: 

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.