The best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink any alcohol! However, as you are reading this article I will assume that as we approach the Holiday Season it is either your intention to over-indulge or you are so weak-willed you just know that you will get caught up in all the merriment of the season with the all too familiar thumping headache waiting for you the next morning.

So, what are some of the tricks you can pull to help ease you through the next few weeks?

• Drink Real Beer. Avoid the mass-produced-chemically-induced rubbish the big breweries pass off as beer. It is low grade and a sure fire way to a monster headache. Real beer is made with just four ingredients: grain (barley or wheat, or a combination of both), hops, yeast and water. Nothing more. And it is this simple combination (and a good deal of passion by the brewmaster) that is your first step to a clear head.
• Pace Yourself. Drinking hand crafted beers is an experience to be savoured and enjoyed. Don’t throw it down your neck, slow down and try to isolate the different flavours that are contained within the beer.
• Eat When You Drink. Beer is best when it is paired with good food. If you are out on a session then at the very least make sure you eat before you start drinking. Alcohol on an empty stomach will hurt your head in the morning!
• Keep Hydrated. Make sure that your body is hydrated before you start drinking. An easy test is to check the colour of your urine - bright yellow and your body is telling you that it needs more water. If you can, drink water in between beers. This is a good idea if you are changing beers as it will also help clear your palate before beginning the next beer. Also, when you are done for the night drink as much water as you can before you go to bed.
• Give Yourself a Budget. If you just can’t help yourself once you get started and you really need a clear head in the morning then limit the amount of money that you take out with you. That way you are forced to pace yourself, or bludge off a mate all night!
• Stay Healthy. Alcohol depletes the nutrients within your body. Continuous drinking over a period of time can play havoc with your immune system leaving you exposed to colds, fatigue and a lack of energy. Make sure that your diet contains lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts. Also, try and maintain a level of fitness. Look after yourself and you can then enjoy your beers without worry of falling ill.
• Know Your Limits. Don’t go beyond what you are comfortable with.
• Give Yourself Time to Recover. Try and schedule at least one or two nights off a week to allow your body a chance to recover. Use this time to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and get an early night to bed. Continuous drinking will leave you run down, and where is the fun in that?

And finally, whatever you do never spoil a good beer by driving. For that is one hangover you really do not want.

Stop drinking wine and start drinking Real Beer!

Why not post me a comment here or on my boutique beer blog with your tips for avoiding a hangover (whatever your favourite drink is!).

I hope you have a great holiday this year and find some awesome beers to drink!

Stay safe.