Being safe and having fun don’t often go together, or at least that’s what a lot of people think. This is especially true when considering drinking and fun at parties. With Cinco de Mayo around the corner you are probably planning a big festivity that will more than likely include a lot of drinking.
There is nothing wrong with having a good time. If a good time is drinking with friends, then so have it. Just be sure that you are aware of your limits and are kind to your body. People often forget that while alcohol is legal to drink, it is still toxic to our body in high doses. Our body can get alcohol poisoning, which is not a fun experience. When our bodies experience this they begin to purge itself of toxins. While the body is trying to get rid of the toxins, the person is usually so drunk they can barely think or take care of themselves.
Being drunk isn’t fun, so here are some ways to help keep you from getting drunk:
- Drink a lot of water intermittently between alcoholic beverages. Alcohol dehydrates the body when we drink. This is why after a night out with friends you crave water the next day. Staying hydrated will help prevent future headaches and help keep your body stable.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Having food in your system can give your body the proper nutrition it needs to handle the amount of alcohol you plan on ingesting. Carbohydrates help absorb the alcohol in your system and there is an old wives tale that says if you eat toast right before going to bed while drunk, you’ll wake up without a hangover.
- This isn’t a drinking competition, so pace yourself. Cinco de Mayo is celebrating a victory of the Mexican army over France, it’s not about who can drink the most tequila the fastest. Drinking too much, too fast can land you curled up next to a toilet. When we drink too much too fast, our bodies don’t have time to process the alcohol. This often leads to not feeling drunk until it suddenly hits you like a freight train. Knowing you limit and pacing yourself will be beneficial to you and your body will thank you later.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating Cinco de Mayo. There’s nothing wrong with drinking, however be smart about how much you drink. Be smart and have fun. Most importantly if you do plan on going out drinking, have a designated driver (DD). Have a blast, but don’t make choices you’ll regret later.