We’ve all been there. The Summer Time cookout that just got out of hand. The office Christmas Party. The big 30th or 40th birthday celebration. Or, for some of us, just an average Martini Monday where we had a few too many cocktails. Hangovers are a part of drinking, and the looks on our faces can tell the whole story. The droopy, dark eyes, the bad skin, and of course, the bloating.
Today I’ll share my fool proof tips on how to get rid of alcohol bloat. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive cleanse or detox routine, and if you follow these guidelines, you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Of course, as a healthy way to avoid bloating in general, read this page about supplementing your gut with probiotics.
How to Debloat Your Face and Stomach in 24 Hours
#1: No Need for Straws
Some people use straws to save the enamel on their teeth when they drink things like apple cider vinegar. When you are bloated, however, try to avoid this. Sucking the air through a straw will only make the situation worse.
#2: Avoid Carbonation
This means champagne, tonic, and any soda you would normally put in your drink. Carbonation comes from air bubbles, so like #1, this will make you bloated.
#3: Avoid Sodium
Sodium is not only something that will increase your blood pressure, but it also will make your body retain water, which of course, will make you bloated.
#4: Stay Away from Sweets
Sugar, as well as sugar alternatives, will only make your bloating feel worse. Not only do the vast majority of people have trouble processing them, but they will also trigger insulin. When this happens, you retain sodium. (See #3.)
#5: Drink Water, and then Drink More Water
This is one of the best things you can do. Why? Because drinking water will flush out the sodium. (See #3.) Alcohol will dehydrate you, so try to sneak in a water between drinks if you are binge drinking.
#6: Try a Ginger Peppermint Tea
A combination of ginger and peppermint tea will not only curb bloating, but it’s also a tried and tested hangover remedy.
#7: Drink Black Lemonade
I didn’t know this existed, to be honest. However, I found it on a blog a few years ago and started trying this. Low and behold, it actually works! You can find this in an organic juice spot, usually under the name charcoal lemonade. Charcoal has many positive effects on your digestive system, as it strips out and absorbs chemicals and additives often found in booze.
#8: Get Physical
Hit the gym, walk on a treadmill, lift weights, whatever you can do to move around. I know, it’ll suck at first, but it’ll greatly help you in the long run. Getting rid of the toxic fluids in your body, not to mention moving around and de-stressing, will be very helpful in the short term.
#9: Eat Clean
This goes without saying, but eating clean has so many benefits. When you eat clean you are giving your body what it needs – vitamins and nutrients. If you add a bunch of crap back in your body after drinking – well – crap – you’ll just prolong the process. Try fruits, veggies, nuts, lean protein, and avocado.
Keep these tips in mind next time you decide to “stay for one more round” (at least a half dozen times…in the same night.)
Stay thirsty, my friends.