Hangovers get worse with age. In fact, hangovers hit hard after 40. They suck. Studies show that your body's ability to process alcohol gets less efficient as you age.

A hangover can make you feel pretty lousy and can last for several hours or even an entire day. But once you've hit the 40-plus club it can even take days to recover from your hangover.

The older you get the harder it really is to bounce back from a hangover. In this article, we talk about the science behind all of this and we have also curated the best alternative non-alcoholic drinks for you to try.

A lot of people have been throwing the term 'sober curious' around but what does that mean? Sober curious simply means that you've chosen to avoid alcohol for personal or wellness reasons.

The health and wellness advice shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. It's always recommended to consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your health routine.

No Alcohol Alcohol

Abstaining from alcohol has a multitude of benefits for both physical and mental health. First and foremost, not drinking eliminates the risk of developing alcohol-related diseases such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and various types of cancer.

Additionally, it can lead to improved sleep, clearer skin, and weight loss. In terms of mental health, sobriety can result in better mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved cognitive function.

Not drinking means never having to deal with the unpleasant and often debilitating symptoms of a hangover, including headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration.

Overall, choosing not to drink alcohol can have a significant positive impact on both one's physical and mental well-being. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation and stay hydrated. Hangovers can feel worse as you age for several reasons. Keep reading this article to learn why hangovers get worse with age.

Why Hangovers Suck The Older You Get

1. Decreased alcohol tolerance: As you age, your body's ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. This means that the same amount of alcohol you used to be able to handle in your 20s may cause a more severe hangover in your 30s, 40s, or beyond.
   
   
2. Changes in liver function: Your liver plays a crucial role in breaking down alcohol and removing it from your body. As you age, your liver may become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol, leading to a longer-lasting and more severe hangover.
   
   
3. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it can cause dehydration by increasing urine production. As you get older, your body may have a harder time retaining water, making it more difficult to stay hydrated and exacerbating the symptoms of a hangover.
   
   
4. Increased sensitivity to alcohol's effects: As you age, your body may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. This can make hangovers feel worse, even if you consume the same amount of alcohol as you did in the past.
   
   
5. Lifestyle factors: As you get older, you may have more responsibilities and less time for self-care, which can exacerbate the effects of a hangover. Additionally, you may be more likely to mix alcohol with other substances or medications, which can increase the severity of a hangover.
   

How To Manage Hangovers As You Age

While there is no guaranteed way to completely avoid hangovers, there are some things you can do to make them more manageable as you get older:

1. Drink plenty of water: As mentioned, alcohol can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
   
   
2. Limit your alcohol intake: As you age, your body may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, so it's a good idea to limit the amount you drink.
   
   
3. Eat a balanced meal before drinking: Eating a balanced meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the severity of a hangover.
   
   
4. Take breaks between drinks: Taking breaks between drinks can help your body metabolize alcohol more efficiently and reduce the severity of a hangover.
   
   
5. Get enough sleep: Alcohol can disrupt your sleep, so it's important to get enough rest to help your body recover.
   
   
6. Avoid mixing alcohol with other substances: Mixing alcohol with other substances or medications can increase the severity of a hangover, so it's best to avoid doing so.
   
   
7. Consider taking supplements: Some supplements, such as vitamin B6 and magnesium, may help reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.
   

It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that your hangovers are becoming increasingly severe or frequent, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.

Best Ways To Treat A Hangover

The best way to treat a hangover is to give your body time to recover and address the various symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are some tips for treating a hangover:

1. Drink water: Dehydration is a common symptom of a hangover, so it's important to drink plenty of water to help replenish your body's fluids.
   
   
2. Rest: Getting enough rest is important to allow your body time to recover.
   
   
3. Eat a balanced meal: Eating a nutritious meal can help restore nutrients to your body and give you energy.
   
   
4. Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate headache and muscle pain associated with a hangover. However, be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
   
   
5. Replenish electrolytes: Drinking sports drinks or coconut water can help replenish electrolytes lost due to dehydration.
   
   
6. Try ginger: Ginger is known for its ability to alleviate nausea, so drinking ginger tea or taking ginger supplements may help with this symptom.
   
   
7. Avoid caffeine: While coffee or other caffeinated beverages may provide temporary relief from fatigue, caffeine can actually make dehydration worse, so it's best to avoid it.
   

Remember that the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether. Here are some great alternative products for those who are sober curious and don't want to go through the drag of a hangover.

Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Non-alcoholic drinks, also known as "mocktails" or "virgin cocktails," are beverages that do not contain alcohol. These types of drinks can be enjoyed by individuals who choose not to consume alcohol, such as those who are pregnant, underage, or for personal, religious or health reasons. They can also be enjoyed by those who want to limit their alcohol intake or who are designated drivers.

In recent years, the popularity of non-alcoholic drinks has grown significantly, with more and more bars and restaurants offering creative and delicious options for those who choose not to drink alcohol.

This trend has also led to the development of a thriving industry of non-alcoholic beverages, with many companies creating unique and tasty options for consumers. Here are some amazing non-alcohol options from some amazing companies we've picked out!

Best Non Alcoholic Options On The Market

Seedlip Drinks- Seedlip is on a mission to change the way the world drinks with the highest quality non-alcoholic options. All of Seedlip's non-alcoholic drinks are distilled in copper pots and made with carefully selected botanicals. They are designed to offer a sophisticated and complex flavor profile that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of whether or not they drink alcohol.

Ritual Tequila Alternative-The grassy flavor, smoky aroma, and bright fire of tequila, without the alcohol or calories. For non-alcoholic classics like margaritas and palomas, inspired mixology, simple serves with soda or juice, and everything in between.

This Tequila Alternative is a non-alcoholic distilled spirit designed to mimic the taste and experience of traditional tequila. It is made with a blend of natural botanicals and flavors, including Mexican blue agave, smoked oak, and citrus.

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Ritual Tequila Alternative has a complex and robust flavor profile that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of cocktails. It is vegan, gluten-free, and has zero calories, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of tequila without the negative effects of alcohol.

De Soi Golden Hour by Katy Perry - Sparkling Beverages Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Natural Botanicals, Adaptogen Drink, Lemon Balm, L-theanine, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Ready to Drink 4-pack cans. The drinks are designed to be a healthier alternative to traditional sparkling drinks and are made with natural botanicals and adaptogens.

The drinks contain lemon balm, which is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress, as well as L-theanine, an amino acid that may have calming effects.

Stop Your Wine-ing™ Blend- An Herbal Alternative to Bring on the Chill and Ditch the Hangover.

"Stop Your Wine-ing™ Blend" is an herbal supplement created by the company, Happy Herbs. The supplement is marketed as an alternative to alcohol that can help people relax and unwind without experiencing the negative effects of alcohol, such as hangovers.

According to Happy Herbs, the "Stop Your Wine-ing™ Blend" contains a blend of natural herbs, including valerian root, passionflower, kava kava, and hops, that can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The supplement is designed to be taken before bed or during times of stress, and can be consumed in tea form or as a tincture.

It's important to note that herbal supplements can have side effects and may interact with certain medications, so it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before using them.

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Surely Non-alcoholic Sparkling Rosé - Award-winning non-alcoholic sparkling rosé with crisp, light notes of strawberry, pear & tropical fruits. Rosé all day without the hangover.

This non-alcoholic beverage that is designed to resemble the taste and experience of traditional sparkling rosé wine. The drink is made with a blend of natural flavors and ingredients, including organic grape juice, organic hibiscus extract, and organic rose water.

It has a light and refreshing taste with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. It is gluten-free, vegan, and has no added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

The beverage comes in a 750 ml bottle, which is equivalent to one standard wine bottle, and is designed to be served chilled.

A Video On The Science of Hangovers

We hope you enjoyed this article on the fascinating world of hangovers and why they tend to hit us harder as the years go by.

In the pursuit of a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle, many have found solace in the realm of non-alcoholic alternatives and tantalizing mocktails. These creative concoctions offer a refreshing escape from the perils of hangovers while still allowing us to savor the social rituals that often accompany alcoholic beverages.

By exploring the wide array of non-alcoholic options available, we open ourselves up to a world of flavors, textures, and experiences previously untapped. From meticulously crafted zero-proof cocktails to inspired mocktail recipes, there are countless ways to imbibe in style without sacrificing enjoyment or waking up to a pounding headache.

So why not give your liver a break and your taste buds a treat?

Remember, the goal is not to abstain entirely, but rather to find a balance that allows us to savor life's moments without suffering the consequences. So raise your glass, clink it with friends, and toast to the vibrant world of non-alcoholic libations. Cheers to enjoying the good times and bidding farewell to those dreaded morning-after blues.