Lose the booze blues

Are you prone to hangovers? Drinking more alcohol than your body can handle - not consuming cheap booze or "mixed" drinks - is what leads to a hangover. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the effects of alcohol. But remember, if you've been drinking, don't drive.

Take action:
Never starve yourself before drinking – a full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol; include ice cream in your party night diet – high blood sugar levels, something cold, and foods rich in protein and fats can slow alcohol's path to your brain; avoid red wine and brandy – they contain methanol that is even tougher to break down and intensifies headaches; stay away from pickled herring and cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort.

Read more: The six stages of drunkenness