Things You Should Avoid After Drinking Alcohol

Daytona Beach Brewing Company for a beverage

After a night of drinking, you might feel tempted to rush into certain habits or activities. Whether it’s reaching for a strong coffee or heading straight to the sauna, these actions can make your hangover worse and prolong your discomfort.

You might experience worse dehydration, digestive issues, or even dangerous health risks. For example, the combination of alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate dehydration, while intense exercise or sauna use can strain your already stressed body. Not knowing what to avoid can leave you feeling worse and delay your recovery.

Here’s a guide to what you should avoid after drinking alcohol to help you recover more effectively and feel better faster:

Avoid the Sauna

According to Peter Nelson II, a writer at SISU, alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and leading to dehydration. When combined with the heat of a sauna, this can severely exacerbate dehydration, making you feel dizzy or light-headed. 

Additionally, alcohol impairs your body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of overheating or even hypothermia in extreme cases.

Furthermore, alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting. Therefore, using a sauna after drinking can put undue stress on your body and pose serious health risks.

Skip the Caffeine 

It’s common to reach for a cup of coffee after drinking, hoping to shake off that groggy feeling. But caffeine can make dehydration worse, which is already a problem after drinking. 

Experts at Healthline advise against mixing alcohol and caffeine, as the two substances counteract each other in your body. This combination can heighten the risk of problematic effects, such as heavy drinking and alcohol dependence.

Additionally, it increases the likelihood of physical harm, making the mix particularly dangerous. Instead of caffeine, drink plenty of water or herbal teas. These will help rehydrate your body and soothe your system without the added stress of caffeine. 

Don’t Jump into Intense Exercise

It might seem like a good idea to hit the gym to sweat out the alcohol, but intense exercise can be harmful when you’re dehydrated and your coordination is impaired. 

Alcohol impairs your physical abilities, and combining that with vigorous exercise can increase the risk of injury and make you feel more exhausted. Opt for light activities, like walking or gentle stretching, to help your body recover without putting extra strain on it.

Don’t Drive

According to experts at HSE, It is never safe to drive after consuming alcohol, even if you’ve only had one drink. Alcohol impairs key abilities needed for driving, including reaction time, coordination, concentration, judgment, and vision. These effects increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident.

The more alcohol you consume, the more it disrupts your ability to make quick decisions and respond to road conditions. Even with low levels of alcohol in your system, your driving is significantly compromised, putting both you and others at risk. To stay safe, always avoid driving after drinking.

Avoid Greasy Foods

You might crave greasy foods after drinking, thinking they’ll help absorb the alcohol. However, these foods can aggravate your digestive system and prolong hangover symptoms.

According to the medical experts at Mobile IV Medics, greasy, heavy foods can lead to stomach discomfort and do little to help your body recover. They often lack the nutrients needed to replenish what’s lost during drinking. 

Choose lighter, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. These options are easier on your stomach and can help your body recover more effectively.

Taking Painkillers

Taking painkillers after drinking alcohol might seem like a quick fix for headaches or body aches, but it can do more harm than good. Many pain relievers, especially those like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can put extra strain on your liver, which is already working hard to process the alcohol. This can increase the risk of liver damage or stomach issues. It’s best to avoid painkillers until the alcohol is out of your system. Instead, try drinking water and resting to help ease discomfort safely without risking your health.

More Alcohol

After drinking alcohol, it’s common to feel tempted to have “just one more drink,” but this is something you should avoid. Consuming more alcohol after you’ve already started can worsen dehydration, make you feel more tired, and increase the chances of a nasty hangover the next day. Plus, too much alcohol can impair your judgment, making it harder to stop. It’s important to listen to your body and know when you’ve had enough. Giving yourself a break will help you stay in control and enjoy your night without overdoing it.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

After drinking alcohol, it’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Alcohol already raises your blood sugar, and adding more sugar can lead to energy crashes, dehydration, and make you feel worse. Sugary drinks might seem refreshing, but they can also upset your stomach and intensify hangover symptoms like headaches and nausea. Instead of reaching for sweets, opt for healthier options like water, fruit, or light snacks that help rehydrate and balance your body. Keeping it simple and natural will help your recovery process and make you feel better faster.

Conclusion

After consuming alcohol, avoiding certain activities and foods is essential for a smoother recovery and reducing hangover symptoms. This article has discussed why you should steer clear of the sauna, as it can exacerbate dehydration and lead to dizziness or overheating. Caffeine, commonly reached for after drinking, can worsen dehydration and cause further harm.

Likewise, more alcohol, intense exercise, and painkillers put additional strain on your body, slowing down your recovery. Greasy and sugary foods may seem appealing but can upset your stomach and prolong discomfort. Instead, focus on rehydrating with water or herbal teas, and opt for light, nutrient-rich foods to restore your body’s balance. Understanding these points will help you make informed decisions to protect your health and minimize post-drinking discomfort. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll allow your body to recover faster and feel better after a night of drinking.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply