The real secret to avoiding hangovers is not to drink, or drink very little. But on the odd occasion when you over do it and need to function the next morning here are a few ways to prevent hangovers. First, it is important to understand what causes a hangover. As you will find out in the morning after a long night of drinking, alcohol evaporates water molecules in your system and hence dehydrates you. It also affects your nervous system, as alcohol is a mild depressant, so when you wake up your body counter acts the affects and puts you in a hypersensitive state. As well, all the drinking has caused malnutrition, by flushing your nutrients and vitamins needed for your natural defense system. To prevent hangovers, you need to re-balance your body by focusing on these three areas.

When you find yourself stumbling home at 3am from a party and its Thursday (meaning you have to work the next day), what you want to do is go right to bed. Step number one is not to go to bed right away. It is much harder for your body to metabolize alcohol when you are sleeping, so stay up for an extra hour and start with step number two. While you're up roaming around or walking around the block, drink as much water as you can. This helps rehydrate your body and flushes the alcohol from your system (liver and kidneys mainly). Step number three is eating something rich in protein as well as some vitamins. The protein will give you the energy your body needs to deal with the abuse it has taken and the vitamins are necessary to restore your body's natural defense system. Anything with vitamin C and vitamin B would be great, as the vitamin C helps with your immune system and the vitamin B will repair your nervous system. Bananas and tomatoes are a great source of vitamins for hangovers, and a fried egg sandwich with cheese should cover your protein and give you the weight you need to sleep.

A bonus suggestion, is to take a shower (cold if necessary) before going to bed - which will revitalize your body and kick it into rejuvenation mode. If you follow these rules to prevent your next hangover, you will be good as new by the time you wake up.

If possible take one of AstroNutritions power product for hangovers . Always be prepared.