New year, same old dilemma — how do you stave off those horrid hangovers after the biggest party night of the year? While the only tried-and-true way to ward off is abstinence of alcoholic beverages, there are some steps you can take that may lessen the blow. Of course, there’s only one way to find out if they really work. In many cases, prevention is key. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of hangovers so fuel up on plenty of fluids, namely water. Eat a light meal before you drink, preferably one with dairy and foods that are high in fat and protein. You may even want to eat while you’re drinking. Some simple rules of thumb include sticking to one type of alcohol. Try not to mix beer, liquor and wine. Alternate between alcohol beverages and water. This is another way to slow down the amount of alcohol you consume. You may want to bypass fruity drinks, which go down easy. With the daiquiris, margaritas and other sweet treats it’s often difficult to realize how much alcohol you’re really consuming.

Dodge dark liquors such as bourbon that contain even more congeners, which can be a culprit in that horrible headache. Red wine is another drink that’s known for causing extreme hangovers. That’s likely because it contains tyramine, which has a reputation for causing headaches. Skip the aspirin at all costs. Studies found that swallowing a couple of aspirin before drinking actually boosts blood alcohol levels by 26 percent and slows down the metabolism causing alcohol to remain in the body longer. While you know what to watch out for, experts also suggest taking a B-Complex vitamin with vitamin C before your big night out. So what’s a girl or guy to do once the damage is done? Time is the only surefire cure for a hangover. Get plenty of sleep so that your body has time to recover. Drink plenty of fluids to replenish the body. Skip the caffeine which may dehydrate you ever further. Load up on vitamin C. There are those who recommend hair of the dog – drinking exactly what got you into this mess – however, this is dangerous behavior that can lead to alcohol abuse.