Scientist behind hangover treatment shares 5 tricks to sort out Xmas booze-induced headache

Dr Cristina Rahm has shared her advice and top tips to avoid a sore head as many Christmas revellers get set to overindulge with alcohol over the festive period

A scientist who invented a drink which helps cure hangovers has revealed her top five tips for avoiding a sore head over the Christmas period.

Dr Cristina Rahm has worked in the pharmaceuticals industry since the 1990s, holds four doctorates and spoke at a G20 conference.

Dr Rahm – whose patented Clean Spirits drink stimulates the production of enzymes that break down alcohol in the liver – is an expert in health and slowing the aging process.

She shared her advice as it emerged that almost two-thirds (64%) of drinkers intend to consume more alcohol over Christmas than normal.

She said: “Drinking alcohol has a negative effect on your body – this goes without saying.

“If you want to avoid any chance of a hangover I would say don’t drink.

“Not everyone is going to follow that so I wanted to share some advice which I learned during my career – which includes 18 years at Pfizer.

“There are lots of things you can do to minimise the negative effects of alcohol.

“If you drink too much, it will certainly affect you. But you can reduce that quite considerably by following my advice.

“It’s not rocket science but it does work and should reduce your hangover, quite considerably in many cases.”

Hydration

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to increased fluid loss. To counteract this, it’s vital to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages. Consuming a glass of water before bed and continuing to hydrate the next day can help. Fruit juices, particularly those high in vitamin C, also provide hydration and nutrients. Herbal teas can be soothing as well.

Eat bland foods

Things like toast, crackers, and pancakes are easily digestible and help stabilise blood sugar. These low-fiber carbs can absorb excess stomach acid and minimise irritation. Instead of forcing a full meal, snacking in small quantities throughout the day is gentler on the stomach, allowing your body to recover more comfortably.

Take painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help manage hangover symptoms, particularly headaches and body aches. They reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, but be careful. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, and mixing it with alcohol may increase this risk. Ibuprofen can affect kidney function if dehydration is present. Always use painkillers as directed and see professional medical advice if symptoms persist.

Sleep

When you drink, your sleep quality diminishes. Allowing your body to rest and recuperate is essential for recovery. If possible, take a nap during the day to catch up on sleep lost due to drinking. Even if you can’t sleep, resting and minimising activity can still provide relief and allow your body to process and eliminate the alcohol faster.

Wait it out

The body is highly adept at healing itself, it just needs the opportunity to do so. During the waiting period, focusing on hydration, rest, and light nourishment. It’s important to avoid the temptation to ‘cure’ a hangover with more alcohol. Engaging in light activities, such as a leisurely walk or gentle stretching, can help. Keeping your mind occupied with light activities, like watching a movie, can also help.

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