According to Wikipedia, "a hangover describes the sum of unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of drugs and liquor, particularly alcoholic beverages". The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, depression and thirst. At this time of year most of us are indulging more than we would like, so this week Lisa Regan finds out the just why drink affects us so badly and how to prevent the hangover from hell.

For those who are really worried about a hangover, the best piece of advice is simply this: don't get drunk. But, here are some tips on drinking.

Don't keep up with the boys. Women do not have the tolerance for alcohol that men do, even when they are the same size. For men the standard is two drinks per evening. For women a better limit should be one drink for smaller women and one and a half for all others. A drink is defined as one mixed drink, 4oz of wine, or 12oz of beer. A half drink is a light beer, or a wine cooler.

Drink clear alcohol

Dark alcohol tends to contain a substance called cogeners. These types of alcohols are more likely to cause hangover symptoms. White wine, vodkas and light rum are examples of clear alcohols. Red wine, dark rum, sherry, brandy are high in cogeners. Beer is in between, mostly depending on how dark it is. This difference has no effect on how drunk a woman can get, only the likelihood and severity of hangovers.

The food thing

Everyone knows this already. Eat something before and during alcohol consumption. This slows the absorption of alcohol. Fats and carbohydrates are best for slowing absorption. Sugars intake prevents hangovers. Cakes and pastries are the party food that has lots of all three.

The water thing

Dehydration is a big part of hangovers. Combat it while you are drinking. Intersperse the measly ration of drinks a woman has, with water-based drinks. Try to avoid ones with caffeine and acids.

Prevention techniques

Almonds: American Indians claim that eating six raw almonds before imbibing helps prevent intoxication.

Bifidus powder: Put a teaspoon of bifidus powder in a glass of water and drink before going to bed. Bifidus is the 'friendly' bacteria that detoxifies acetaldehyde, a digestive by-product of alcohol that is a major cause of hangovers.

Evening primrose oil helps prevent hangovers. Take two teaspoons.

Peanut Butter. Eating peanut butter before drinking is an African remedy.

Sports drinks, high in electrolytes, will help replenish what the kidneys have excreted during drinking. Take before bedtime.

Tomato juice. To help stop the urge for alcohol drink a tangy drink, such as tomato with the juice of one lemon added.

Water. One of the best preventive measures is to drink two to three large glasses of water before you go to bed. Drinking alcohol is very dehydrating and hydrating your system helps counteract the effects of the alcohol.

The aftermath cure

Exercise will help get rid of your hangover by helping the body rid itself of toxins. The increased circulation gets blood and oxygen to your oxygen-starved brain.

A good, brisk walk will also increase circulation with the results mentioned above.

Another morning after remedy is to take a probiotic supplement, such as acidophilus, to help restore the flora balance in your stomach.

While painkillers will provide immediate relief, they can cause problems for the kidneys and liver with long-term use. Aspirin and ibuprofen are hard on your stomach while acetaminophen (Excedrin, Panadol, Tylenol) is hard on your kidneys and liver, too, which will be working overtime processing the alcohol.

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