Three foods to avoid before drinking alcohol

There are some foods you should stay clear of if you know you are going to be drinking

A night out on the town is one of life’s joys - but the morning after can be a nightmare if you’ve had a little too much to drink and haven’t properly prepared yourself.

There are some ways you can try to dodge the head-pounding and nausea that follows a night out. To try and stop the hangover before it starts, there are some food items you should absolutely stay away from before you head out according to the experts.

The CEO of Whiskey Masters Daniel Ufland knows a thing or two about drinking and says if you curate your pre-party meals and watch what you’re eating while you’re out you can leave the hangover behind.

Daniel said: “Top of my list of foods to avoid before drinking alcohol by a long way are salty snacks, sugary foods, and dairy products. Consuming these things before imbibing with friends can be worse than unpleasant afterwards.”

Things like popcorn, pretzels and crisps are a tempting snack when you’ve had a few points but they could make your next morning much more challenging . This is because salt contributes to dehydrating you in a similar way that alcohol does.

Daniel said: “Consuming too many salty snacks can also lead to bloating and fluid retention. This prevents your body from efficiently flushing out the alcohol and can worsen hangover symptoms the next day.”

Sugary foods and carbs like pasta and bread can also worsen the effects of alcohol because your body converts carbohydrates into sugar. This can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash.

Daniel said: “This rapid change can have a big impact on how you feel while drinking. A sudden drop in blood sugar can make you feel fatigued, lightheaded, and more vulnerable to alcohol’s effects.”

The third thing Daniel recommends ditching before a night out is dairy products like yoghourt, cheese and milk. He said: “Dairy can actually slow down digestion, causing alcohol to sit in your stomach longer than usual, which may irritate the stomach lining and lead to nausea or bloating.”

Additionally, the fats and proteins in dairy can delay the absorption of alcohol, causing a delayed onset of its effects and making it more challenging for your body to process the alcohol. This can ultimately lead to a stronger hangover the next day.

So what can you eat if you want to dodge the hangover? Daniel says that fish like salmon, which is rich in protein and healthy fats can help, as can potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach and avocado.

But the best thing you can do to stop the sickness is to drink in moderation - don’t overdo it, and make sure you’re keeping hydrated while you do. Alternating a drink of water with every alcoholic drink is a good rule of thumb that will see you through the night and into the next day easily.

He added: “Ultimately, I suggest a mindful approach to eating before you drink, and drinking in moderation. Doing these things can turn drinking alcohol into a discerning, enjoyable and social thing to do.”