With the start of the street carnival on February 12, alcohol consumption increases for many. The North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists points out that there is no healthy alcohol consumption: Alcohol is a cell toxin and harmful to the body from the very first glass. Nevertheless, many reach deeper into the glass than planned on special occasions – with an unpleasant hangover the next morning as a result.

Pharmacist Morten Lehmann from the North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists presents ten effective tips to alleviate or prevent hangover symptoms.

1. Eat a high-fat meal before partying
   A bratwurst or a Berliner slows down the absorption of alcohol into the blood and alleviates the intoxication. The total amount of alcohol drunk remains the same.
   
2. Drink non-alcoholic drinks regularly in between
   Mineral water or juice spritzer keep the fluid balance stable, prevent severe dehydration and reduce headaches.
   
3. Avoid paracetamol for hangovers
   The active ingredient is broken down via the same liver pathway as alcohol. This delays detoxification and can cause toxic degradation products to develop, which cause additional damage to the liver.
   
4. Replenish minerals
   Take magnesium or calcium (e.g. as an effervescent tablet from the pharmacy) before going to bed. Alcohol flushes these minerals out of the body to a greater extent.
   
5. Check pharmacy emergency services in advance
   In carnival strongholds such as Cologne or Düsseldorf, many pharmacies are closed on Weiberfastnacht or Shrove Monday. Emergency service information is available on www.apothekennotdienst-nrw.de or in pharmacy shop windows.
   
6. Use simple home remedies
   In the morning, apple juice spritzer and a banana help to replenish minerals. In addition, calcium and magnesium supplements have a soothing effect.
   
7. Dosing painkillers carefully and not combining them
   Ibuprofen or ASA relieve headaches, but put a strain on the stomach, intestines or kidneys. No preventive intake and no uncontrolled combination.
   
8. Avoid counter-beer and coffee
   A “counter-beer” only postpones the hangover. Coffee does not eliminate dehydration or inflammation, but puts additional strain on the circulation and stomach.
   
9. Avoid home-distilled spirits
   Home-distilled spirits can contain fusel alcohols or, in extreme cases, methanol, which can lead to severe poisoning and even blindness or death.
   
10. Get help immediately in case of severe symptoms
    A normal hangover is harmless. However, in the case of impaired consciousness, irregular breathing, hypothermia or convulsions, alcohol poisoning is present – call the emergency doctor immediately.

The North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists emphasizes: Carnival may be celebrated exuberantly, but one’s own health and that of those celebrating have priority. Those who consciously drink less, do not allow themselves to be instigated and help those who are visibly overwhelmed at an early stage protect themselves and others best.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.