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 It’s that time of year again, the denim shorts are at the ready, along with a multi coloured raincoat and the all-important wellies… it’s festival season! For many, festivals involve days on the trot of boozing, eating calorific irregular meals and way more dancing than shut-eye. For those who want to stay even slightly on track to staying healthy, what can you do?

 

1. Dance proof your feet with the right shoes 

“Choosing the right shoes is extremely important. Make sure there is enough room in the front of your shoes (the toe box) to wiggle your toes freely – this is really important and not just for comfort. If the shoe is too tight here then you put yourself at risk of compression lesions, such as corns and callous. Your longest toe should finish about 15 – 20mm from the end of the shoe (roughly the width of your own thumb).

Also, before you head to your favourite DJ slip Carnation Tip Toes Gel Cushions (£4.49, Firstaidfast.co.uk and Independent Pharmacies) into your shoes for extra comfort,  “These invisible gel cushions will help to alleviate pressure, providing padding for your shoes,” explains Michael Ratcliffe, Podiatrist at Carnation Footcare.

 

2. Rise and shine with a downward dog

Before you head to a stage in the morning, do a spot of yoga. “The movement of yoga will help to increase blood flow to all parts of your body, but importantly, your liver. The more blood that passes through, the quicker your liver can detoxify the alcohol. The sweating will help to eliminate the toxins through your skin. However the sweating can make the problem of dehydration worse, so ensure that you drink plenty of water at the same time!” says Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK, the online shopping destination for all things health and wellbeing.

3.  Avoid sugar, before, during and after

‘Before, during and after drinking it’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks, as alcohol consumption tends to play havoc with energy and blood sugar control. It’s better to focus on protein and unrefined carbohydrates, which release glucose slowly. Say no to caffeine and spicy food that can not only worsen the dehydration, but also irritate your stomach,’ explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist, author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar.

If you’re struggling not to be tempted by sugary snacks try Slissie. Slissie (£39.99, www.slissie.co.uk) is the first of its kind as it delivers curb-craving flavourings that instantly help you resist snack temptation. Slissie releases tasty, appetite-suppressing flavours, from vanilla to chocolate, which can help you resist eating things you know you really shouldn’t.

 

4. Dance to the beat with festival feet 

If wellingtons are your footwear of choice, so you can dance your way through the mud, Carnation Silversocks (www.firstaidfast.co.uk, £12) are a great option for eliminating odour and reducing rubbing. The thermodynamic sock is made with pure silver fibres that, as well as keeping feet at a comfortable temperature have anti-microbial and anti-odour properties. The yarn systems allows a greater amount of moisture to be drawn away from the feet so those 250,000 sweat glands would have to be working overtime to leave you with damp tootsies.

 

5. Watch what you eat!!

“Try to avoid burnt barbecued meat in particular, as this is likely to make any hangover worse!  Look for meals that come with a good amount of salad or other vegetables, or try to get in some fresh fruit between meals – for fibre and vitamin C.  Take with you some protein-based snacks, such as nuts and raisins,” says Shona.

 

6. Sleep well

 

“To make sure you sleep as much and as well as you can, stop any alcohol a few hours before you go to bed and try to give yourself time to wind down before hitting the pillow.  I’d also recommend taking KalmAssure Magnesium Powder, by Natures Plus (£24.50, www.naturesplus.co.uk). This is a naturally chelated magnesium which is very easy to absorb and easily delivered to the tissues,” suggests Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns.

 

7. Stay hydrated

“Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, to help maintain energy levels and a clear head, and because dehydration will only worsen the effects of any alcohol you drink later on!” says Shona.

 

8. ‘B’ energised

 

“B vitamins are helpful to reduce tiredness and fatigue. To make sure you’re getting your daily dose take Quest Vitamins Once A Day Energy B & C (from £5.32, qnutrapharma.com) before you go to boost energy levels ready for the festival and continue taking it to keep fatigue at bay,” suggests Cassandra.

 

 

 

 

9. Combat chafing

“Chafing occurs from friction, so when thighs rub against each other or shoes you’re wearing start to rub your heel friction is caused, which can then lead to chaffing. Friction worsens with heat, humidity and perspiration so if you’re working up a sweat you may be prone to chafing, which can range from rashes, to burning to blisters. To soothe the skin I would suggest using a quick dry formula, such as the What Skin Needs Balm (£9.99, whatskinneeds.co.uk) which uses a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera which will help soothe the skin and prevent irritations and rashes from developing,” explains Cassandra.

 

 

 

10. Get fruity with it!

The water and mineral content of fruit will help to rehydrate you and put an end to your hangover headache. Opt for berries, “They are rich in antioxidants and offer protection from free radicals, which are considered another cause of hangovers,” says Cassandra.