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More Tongs, Less Hammered

There's nothing more Australian than having a cold beer and a sausage sandwich to celebrate our national day, but there's nothing fun about the hangover that comes with it the next morning.
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There's nothing more Australian than having a cold beer and a sausage sandwich to celebrate our national day, but there's nothing fun about the hangover that often comes with it the next morning. Here are my top tips if you don't want to wake up like a bear with a sore head.

Prepare like a boy scout

Many of us think that it is only what we put in our bodies while we are celebrating that leaves us feeling under the weather. But, in fact, a little preparation before the festivities begin can help you avoid the pain the next day.

Usually, we seek out greasy food after drinking, but you're actually better-off eating some good fats beforehand to line your stomach and help you break down the alcohol more effectively -- which will lessen the impact on your liver and kidneys. So enjoy some salmon and avocado before you crack your first drink, or try a remedy from the Mediterraneans and have a tablespoon of olive oil.

Don't forgo the H2O

Once the celebrations are underway and you're knocking back the beer or bubbly, you'll probably be feeling good. But watch out -- alcohol is a diuretic and can leave you dehydrated and worse for wear. In fact, for every 250 mls of alcohol you drink, your body will lose one litre of water. So, my advice is, make sure you are getting plenty of water during the course of the day and in-between drinks: aim for at least one glass of water per alcoholic drink.

Sidestep the 2 am takeout

Avoid the kebab shop on your way home. That greasy kebab won't help your hangover, it will just be stored around your midsection and give you something else to be depressed about the next morning. Instead, use your kitchen pantry to help remove the toxins left by alcohol and breathe some life back into your beaten-up liver.

Try one of these morning-after staples:

  • Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for rehydration, and magnesium, which will help eliminate that pounding headache. So smash a banana instead of a sports drink -- you'll get the same benefit without the added sugar, colouring and preservatives.
  • Bodybuilders love eggs for their muscle-building protein, and so will your liver the next day. Eggs are packed full of amino acids, which will help mop up the leftover toxins and restore your liver.
  • Better known as your mum's cure for the flu, chicken noodle soup is also a great way to minimise the hangover hell. This cure in a bowl contains the perfect mix of salts, protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients, which your liver, muscles and head will thank you for.

Apply these simple, easy tips and you can enjoy your Australia Day and wake up the next morning knowing she'll be right, mate.

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Adam MacDougall is a former Australian Rugby League Player, author, entrepreneur and founder of the Man Shake and the Man Challenge.

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