You know that The Everygirl doesn’t restrict any food or label it as “good” or “bad”. Alcohol is no different. While we don’t mind enjoying happy hour and champagne, there is a caveat. (Sorry for the bad news.) You can have too many good things. You can suffer more than a bad headache if you drink too many mimosas or margaritas while at the poolside. Your long-term health may also be affected. There’s some good news. I’ve tapped the knowledge of health professionals to find out how to consume alcohol in the most healthful way possible. Read on to get expert health advice and enjoy some bubbly.
Because his socks are full, and those #1 dad mugs are gathering dust
What does it mean to drink in moderation?
Finding the right balance is easier than you think. Jordan Dorn is a holistic nutritionist, cofounder of Zuma Nutrition and a simple person. “Keep track of what you’re drinking, know your limits, and know when to quit.” Dorn reiterated that we all have our threshold, which depends on biological sex and age, as well as health and body composition. Women are typically advised to drink one glass of wine per day by doctors but listen to your body. Does your body tell you that it’s time to stop drinking after two drinks? Your body is the best judge of what a healthy relationship with alcohol should look like. Instead of trying to limit or shame yourself for how much you drink, try to adopt a mindful approach. Next time you enjoy a nightcap, try to savour it.
Drink Smarter with
Before you sip, eat
Dorn explained that alcohol enters the body through the stomach and the small intestine. If you drink alcohol with an empty stomach, it will get into your bloodstream faster. By eating before your first drink and even when you’re drinking, you reduce the amount that alcohol absorbs into your body. You can also eat healthy fats while drinking (like guac, hummus, and veggies). This will help you feel fuller.
What are some other healthy pairings to your favourite cocktail? Rebecca Reilly, DNP, FNP C, a Tia family medicine nurse practitioner, suggested that you choose nutritious foods such as whole grains and protein before drinking alcohol. Dr. Lana Butner is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified naturopathic physician. She recommends eating water-rich food like cucumbers, watermelon and citrus fruits. What’s the best part? The best part?
Pace yourself with water.
You’re welcome. I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that drinking water is part of your daily regimen. When you enjoy your mojitos, make sure to keep your water intake up by holding a tall glass within reach. As a diuretic, alcohol can cause the body to lose more water than any other fluid, Dr. Butner warned. Drink lots of water and eat foods rich in water before, during and after drinking alcohol to avoid dehydration. Having a Hydro Flask handy can also help. Reilly agreed that drinking plain or sparkling water between drinks can help you avoid dehydration.
After drinking a few drinks, you may need to replenish electrolytes. Coconut water has alkalizing qualities, which means it can help bring your pH level from acidic to neutral. (Our body prefers neutral pH levels as they are closer to homeostasis, and this is what we strive for),” said Dr. Butner. I’m for anything that helps me avoid the morning after.
Opt for healthier drinks.
Alcohol is not all the same. You can choose from a variety of alcohols that are bad for you. There are also drinks with a lot of sugar, which may make you feel even worse than drinking alcohol (looking at Pina Colada). Our experts have approved these drinks. Reilly suggested choosing mixers with low sugar content, like club soda or sparkling waters. Red or white wine is also a good option because it has antioxidants but takes longer to consume.
Dorn said that drinking organic red wine, beer, or soda (free of added sugars and pesticides) is a healthier alternative to a sugary drink. When drinking, please choose the best quality alcohol you can find because they are less harmful to your health. Another easy hack is to stick with clear alcohol. Dr Butner explains that dark liquors have a higher level of sugar and contain byproducts, which can cause impurities in the GI system when they ferment. “In that case, rum, rye, and whiskey are not the best choices. Tequila and vodka will be.” Sold.
Try non-alcoholic beverages
Please do not knock it until you have tried it. You can find a variety of alcoholic-free drinks by searching for “non-alcoholic beverage” on Google. Reilly said that mocktails were more popular than ever. They offer a way to enjoy a drink without alcohol in a social environment while also enjoying a tasty and healthy beverage. “Ghia has, for instance, created products that don’t contain alcohol, caffeine or artificial flavors. They can be used in making delicious mocktails.”
You can be a D.D. Going dry is not limited to mocktails. Choose from non-alcoholic wine and beer or bubbly and spirits. It would be a mistake if I did not mention the “functional beverage” segment, which includes brands that infuse their alcohol alternatives with adaptogens and amino acids as well as plants and CBD. What’s the main takeaway from this article? It’s never been better to say “Bottoms Up!” with alcohol-free varieties.
Don’t forget your supplements.
When you drink, you can strengthen your body by taking some supplements. It’s like loading up on Vitamin C or zinc when you start feeling sick. Dr. Butner recommended taking an activated methylated B-complex before drinking. “Methylated vitamins are preferred because they are easier for the body to absorb and process. B vitamins help the liver detoxify alcohol. Taking them before drinking will allow your body to metabolize them better and prevent any hangover symptoms. B vitamins are also helpful in avoiding anxiety, as they regulate the nervous system.
What’s another go-to in your arsenal of pre-drinks? Activated carbon. “Activated Charcoal has shown to help in binding toxins that haven’t yet entered the bloodstream, and can therefore help flush alcohol from the system faster,” said Dr. Butner. Before adding any new supplements to your daily routine, always consult your doctor or nutritionist. There’s no magic pill or cure-all to stop a hangover, but the natural remedy is pretty close.
