New Pre-Party Ritual: The Pretox, In Six Steps

You've got to hand it to the Brits. They've made drinking a national pastime and done it with such élan, that we all look like crazy lushes in comparison.

Maybe this is their secret: the pretox. Or in the words of Sophie Morris of the UK's Daily Mail:

"Here's our indispensable guide to preparing your body before indulging — and reducing the after-effects."

Well, it's about time. It's all about the pretox, and not, as originally thought, the detox. Here's hoping anyway.

A few takeaway tips to consider as you begin the rounds of festive merry-making that's sure to not always leave you so merry-waking:

Diet: Even if you're tempted into starving yourself into your LBD, don't skip meals. Eat regularly so your blood-sugar stays level and you don't overeat later in the night after a cocktail or two.Boost your immune: Good immunity starts in the gut. So get some probiotics in your system in the weeks leading up to the holidays. Also try eating slowly and chewing more thoroughly to give your digestive system less to work through. Take herb milk thistle, which help cleanse your liver as well.Sleep: Get serious shut-eye (at least four hours of uninterrupted sleep) by taking magnesium, which is depleted by alcohol — 200-300 mg of the mineral should bring on the ZZZs.Skin: Keep yours glowing by sticking to your exercise regimen (which is good for everything, let's face it) and by keeping a few aspirin nearby. Should a blemish threaten to rear its ugly head, crush one up with a little water and apply as a paste to help reduce inflammation.Supplements: Do your research and look into what vitamins and other supplements may help you get through this time of year. Zinc is always good at staving off whatever Aunt Martha brought with her on the plane from Boca and Vitamin C can't hurt too. CoQ10, the piece states is good for boosting energy. Check with you doctor first if you're unsure.Post-party pick-me-ups: Yes, it happens, so luckily if it does there are few go-tos such as nux vomica, a homeopathic remedy to help quell the after-effects of alcohol.

 

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Berghaeuser@sxc.hu.