One night of wining and dining can result in a raging hangover, even if alcoholic beverages aren’t among your typical migraine triggers. Below are some helpful tips for enjoying your New Years’ festivities, without suffering the morning-after symptoms of headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Note: For many migraine patients, there is no such thing as an acceptable amount of alcohol, as even a small glassful of wine or beer can trigger a severe migraine attack. This article is meant for people who get migraines, but are able to drink certain alcoholic beverages with moderation, without experiencing a migraine headache as a result.
Also read: 6 Reasons to Avoid Alcohol if you Suffer Migraine Headaches
Take extra vitamins, before and after
Alcohol is a diuretic that drains certain nutrients out of your body, the majority of which include vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Out of all these vitamins, B complex disappears at a much faster rate than the others.
Vitamin B complex includes a combination of essential B-vitamins, such as riboflavin, cobalamin and folate. In order to reduce your chances of experiencing hangover after drinking a few beers, it’s important to supplement with extra vitamins, particularly B vitamins, before, during, and after a night of festivities.
Drink, drink, drink- but not coffee!
It’s an urban myth that coffee is the best thing to drink to combat a hangover. Actually, since alcohol and coffee are both diuretics, what you really need is lots of water! Drinking a cup of coffee, assuming it doesn’t already cause migraines, will only exacerbate the symptoms of dehydration that occur after excess alcohol consumptions.
For preventing hangovers, drink extra cups of water the day before a party, and especially the morning after. During New Years’ eve celebrations, alternate a glass of water between alcoholic beverages.
Think twice about NSAIDs
It may seem like a good idea to take a few Tylenols when your head is aching, but if the source of your headache is hangover, and not migraines, then you are advised to stay away from this typical OTC headache medicine. When acetaminophen combines with a certain alcohol byproduct, it can have a toxic effect on your liver. However, taken simultaneously with alcohol, Tylenol is less likely to cause liver damage.
Eat up!
You’re less likely to have a strong reaction to alcohol if you start the evening on a full stomach. To prevent hangovers or migraines after partying, make a point of having a healthy filling snack before going to a party, while the party is underway, and upon wakening the next morning.
Don’t mix it!
Mixing various types of alcohol in one drink is murder on your stomach, and it won’t help your migraines, either. Go easy on your tummy- stick to all-natural juices mixed with a splash of clear alcohol, as opposed to syrupy Long Island Iced Teas or Margaritas.
Your turn!
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Like this? Read more:
Manage Migraines in 10 Steps- Put the Ho-Ho back in your Holidays
Migraine Pain Relievers- Tips for Safe Headache Relief
The Do-it-Yourself Migraine Detox Diet: What to Expect
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