Most people think that it is inevitable that you will suffer from dry mouth, headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea after drinking too much. But there are things you can do to prevent a hangover from happening in the first place. You need to think proactively and know that you are likely to drink too much and then take action before you start drinking.

You must first drink a large amount of water before drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol will eventually dehydrate you so that your brain becomes dehydrated and you feel terrible. You should also drink a glass of water between each drink to slow your rate of alcohol consumption to about one drink per hour.

In addition to drinking water, you need to decide what you are going to drink and stick to that drink. Remember the old saying, “beer and liquor, you’ve never been sicker?” Carbonated drinks will make you feel worse, so keep that in mind when choosing your alcoholic beverage for the night. Mixing drinks is a bad thing and will increase the chances of you getting a hangover.

Eat fatty or fried foods before and/or while drinking. The fat remains in the stomach for a long time and prevents the rapid absorption of alcohol. This will not only delay any drunken feelings you may have, but it also gives your body a chance to process the toxins built up when you drink alcohol. In Mediterranean countries, a tablespoon of olive oil is drunk to coat the stomach and avoid the effects of a hangover.

There are over-the-counter remedies you can take before drinking alcohol that can have a positive effect on your ability to drink without getting a hangover. For example, there is a product called Chaser® that is taken before any alcoholic beverage. Contains charcoal and activated calcium carbonate that absorb alcohol and toxins, keeping them in the stomach and intestines for as long as possible. Pill fillers do not absorb all of the alcohol and toxins, but they do prevent them from rushing into the bloodstream all at once.

Berocca is another hangover remedy that is available without a prescription. You take it before you start drinking; contains something to replace the B vitamins lost during the drinking process. However, it does not contain any filler or absorbent material.

A product called the Sob’r Hangover Stopper is made from activated carbon. The carbon absorbs the “cogeners” that remain after drinking alcoholic beverages. Normally the liver gets rid of the cogens, but if they are taken up by the activated charcoal, you seem to feel better than you would otherwise. Take two tablets just before you start drinking.

Rebound® is another over-the-counter remedy that contains a bit of dextrose, glutamate, and vitamin C. It works to help rid the body of toxins and puts less stress on the liver. It can be taken before, during or after the hangover so that you get the most benefit from the medication.