Christmas is here again and ‘tis the season to overindulge! How do you make sure you stay healthy during the Christmas party season?
This time of year can take its toll on us for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the effect too much food and alcohol can have. Staying hydrated is, of course, important all year round, but making a conscious effort to stay on top of your water levels at this time of year can mean the difference between a good Christmas and a great Christmas!
What difference does it really make?
Alcohol is what is known as a diuretic – this means it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood far faster than other liquids. If you don’t replenish this water, you will very quickly find yourself dehydrated. You might:
- Feel tired
- Have a headache
- Feel thirsty
- Feel dizzy or lightheaded
- Or have a dry mouth
All of which will contribute to the dreaded hangover, which can also make you feel nauseous – not a very Christmassy feeling!
How can I stop the hangover in its tracks?
Firstly, the easiest way to prevent your holiday hangover, is to make sure you don’t get dehydrated in the first place. It is a very good idea to drink plenty of water before the party even starts. Why don’t you set a reminder to drink a glass of water before you leave the house?
It is also worthwhile making sure you eat a healthy meal before partying too hard – alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining; if you are drinking on an empty stomach, this transference through to the bloodstream can be that much faster.
Another good rule of thumb is alternating your drinks with a glass of water. So, for every alcoholic drink you have, you match it with some water. Did you know takes your body around one hour to digest each unit of alcohol? It’s important to bear this in mind and think about how much and how quickly you are drinking.
Drinking a glass of water before you go to sleep and making sure you have a glass of water within reach for when you wake up, is something your body will thank you for the morning after!
How else can water help me over the Christmas season?
Keeping yourself hydrated will not only stop that hangover before it starts, but will also:
- Ensure your skin looks healthy and hydrated (great for those Christmas photos!)
- Help turbocharge your metabolism
- Prevent over-eating by helping you feel fuller for longer
- Help keep those winter cold bugs away
- Keep bad breath at bay (so have that mistletoe ready!)
Check out the Doulton website to see how our range of prestige, ceramic water filters can provide you with great-tasting, safe water in your own home and keep you healthy throughout this holiday season.
Doulton has been the home of fresh, great-tasting water for nearly 180 years. Our filters are tested and certified by independent laboratories to reduce bacteria, particulates, turbidity, cysts, chlorine, limescale and heavy metals including lead.
