You've just opened your eyes to find yourself crumpled into a collapsed mess. Your mind gradually manages to reconstruct some memories of the previous night's activities. Then you feel like you're in the worst part of hell.

Now your understanding of what a hangover is, really comes in handy. This is when you make a false promise to yourself. "I'll NEVER drink again."

So you want to enjoy drinking without the side effects the next morning right? Join the club! In this month's issue, we provide you with some useful tips for preventing or reducing the dreaded symptoms of a hangover!

What is a hangover?

A nasty hangover is thought to be Mother Nature's way of punishing you and to prevent you from drinking in the future; "I told you, Mr. Stupid. Now you're gonna pay."

Actually, the main cause of your hangover symptoms is not so much the alcohol itself, but the by-products of alcohol, and especially one nasty chemical critter by the name of acetaldehyde. As the liver breaks it down, alcohol changes into acetaldehyde, which causes flu-like symptoms, such as headache, nausea, or feeling tired. On top of this, the hangover is also a result of dehydration, alterations in endocrine function, and the increased production of thromboxanes.

In addition to these factors, your condition influences your symptoms. With dehydration, an empty stomach, lack of sleep, stress, and physical activity while drinking, you have a greater likelihood of developing a hangover.

Preparing for the night out

Now that you know how alcohol affects you and what factors can aggravate your hangover. It is time to figure out how to prevent the hangover. To begin with, you should prepare yourself before you even step out the door, by following these tips.

Don't drink on an empty stomach

The reason that food is so important is because it'll sop up the alcohol so that it doesn't all go directly into the bloodstream. In addition to this, the stomach lining is too sensitive to the alcohol when it is not mixed with food. So drinking milk or having fatty food is highly recommended.

Hydrate your body

Most people know that alcohol acts as a diuretic. Be sure to drink water or other fluids such as a fruit juice, or a sport drink to prevent dehydration. So the lowdown is; eat, drink water/juice, and you'll be merry in the morning!

While you're drinking

OK, you've loaded up with food and water. Now you can start drinking. But even while you're choosing your drinks, you can lessen the bad effects of the alcohol.

Avoid darker drinks

Darker drinks, like red wine, bourbon, scotch, and brandy have more congeners than lighter drinks, such as white wine, vodka, and gin. The congeners are created during the fermentation process, and they contribute to a brutal hangover. You should also keep in mind that the cheaper the dark drink is, the more congeners it will contain. From my personal experience, I can say that the cheap-red-wine hangover is the WORST! So be especially careful with cheap red wine.

Don't mix different types of drinks

This is a general rule that everyone knows. But the reason most people believe may be wrong. The real reason why you should avoid mixing your drinks is that naturally you tend to drink more when mixing. Of course it is obvious that you get more drunk when you drink more.

Alternate with a fruit juice

This is a measure to hydrate your body. Alcohol is diuretic, so you need to re-hydrate your body with water or juice. For this purpose, a fruit juice is especially good, as it contains sugar and vitamins, which help the liver work. If you're afraid that it makes you look like a bit of a lightweight, just say it is a screwdriver. They'll probably be too drunk to notice anyway.

When you get home

Ok, you've had your fun, and managed to get back to your place. But wait! Don't go to bed right away. Check the following tips, and you'll thank your drunken self the next morning.

Have a pee

That'll save you at least one nocturnal trip to the bathroom.

Have a drink and no, not another beer!

Having emptied your bladder, refill your body. This might be unpleasant, but it must be done. Drinks that contain electrolytes will keep you hydrated.

Don't have a painkiller

Some people pop pills to prevent headaches the next morning. But this is an absolutely terrible idea. The painkillers upset your stomach, and also can be a burden on your liver. It won't be too late to have the painkillers if you wake up with a headache after all.

In the morning

You're still alive. That means you didn't choke on your own vomit. Well done. Here's how to survive the rest of the morning.

Take a rest

If you have drunk a lot, your liver might be still working to break down the acetaldehyde. During this detoxification process, you need to lie down to help the liver work better.

No more alcohol

Some people drink again to reduce the headache, but this makes the situation worse. They have just started to be drunk again! Never drink more in the morning!

Beware of coffee

Many people drink coffee as an eye opener. But be aware that coffee also has a diuretic effect, and it may worsen the fluid imbalance in your body. So don't forget to drink other fluids.

There are many other home remedies all over the world, but the best cure, I can say, is, as always "moderation". Enjoy your drinks. Cheers!