A Guide to Beating a Hangover – Remedies That Really Work!
19 Jun, 2024
A Guide to Beating a Hangover – Remedies That Really Work!
This site contains affiliate links. View the disclosure for more information.
Whether it was a celebration, a night out with friends, or just one too many, we’ve all been there: the dreaded hangover. The headache, the nausea, the fatigue – it’s enough to make you swear off alcohol forever (until the next party).
But fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to hangover remedies that ACTUALLY work! Plus, the 3 holy grail hacks you need to know to avoid or at least dampen the next hangover.
Hangover Remedy: 1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates you. Replenishing lost fluids is the first step to recovery. It can help alleviate symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
Water
Drink plenty of water before you go to bed and as soon as you wake up.
Water helps dilute the concentration of alcohol and its byproducts in your system, aiding your liver in processing and eliminating toxins more efficiently.
Proper hydration can reduce the severity of common hangover symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps, and lightheadedness.
Water helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is often disrupted by alcohol consumption.
Staying hydrated supports your overall energy levels and cognitive function, helping you feel more alert and less sluggish.
They replenish lost electrolytes. Alcohol consumption leads to the loss of essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium through increased urine production.
These electrolytes are crucial for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function, hydration, and pH balance.
They boost hydration efficiency. Electrolyte drinks are designed to hydrate more effectively than water alone.
They contain balanced amounts of salts and sugars that enhance fluid absorption in the body, speeding up recovery from dehydration.
These drinks help alleviate common hangover symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps by restoring electrolyte levels.
They support energy levels. Electrolytes play a key role in maintaining energy levels and overall physical performance.
Drinking these solutions can help you feel more alert and reduce the overall feeling of weakness.
Besides, they are generally easier on the stomach than other beverages, making them suitable for those experiencing nausea or an upset stomach.
Hangover Remedy: 2. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Eating can help maintain blood sugar levels, which can be low after a night of drinking.
Eggs: Packed with amino acids like cysteine and taurine that can help break down alcohol toxins.
Toast or Crackers: Gentle on the stomach and can help raise blood sugar.
Bananas: High in potassium, which is often depleted by alcohol consumption.
Hangover Remedy: 3. Get Some Rest
Your body heals best when it’s at rest. If you can, sleep in and give your body the time it needs to recover.
Take a hot shower to help your muscles relax and ease tension.
Close the blinds in your room to create a dark, calming environment, and lie down.
Avoid straining yourself with tasks or chores – let your body focus entirely on recuperating.
Hangover Remedy: 4. Pain Relievers (With Caution)
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches and muscle aches, but use them sparingly.
Ibuprofen: Effective for headache relief but can be harsh on the stomach.
Aspirin: Also effective, but like ibuprofen, it can cause stomach irritation.
Avoid Acetaminophen: It can be hard on the liver, especially when it’s already processing alcohol!
Hangover Remedy: 5. Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties, which can soothe your stomach and reduce that queasy feeling.
But that’s not all – ginger is also an anti-inflammatory, helping reduce the inflammation that contributes to hangover headaches and muscle pain.
How to Make It
Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon for extra soothing benefits, and squeeze lemon for an extra kick of flavor and nutrients.
Sip slowly and let the warmth and magic of ginger tea calm your upset stomach, ease nausea, and get you back on your feet faster.
Hangover Remedy: 6. Supplements and Vitamins
Certain supplements can help replenish nutrients lost during drinking.
Vitamin B Complex: Alcohol depletes B vitamins that are important for energy and brain function.
Activated Charcoal: Some believe it can absorb toxins, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Hangover Remedy: 7. Peppermint or Chamomile Tea
These teas can help soothe your stomach and reduce nausea.
Peppermint tea’s refreshing menthol cools and calms, easing digestive discomfort and relieving tension headaches.
Chamomile, with its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, helps relax the digestive tract, reduces bloating, and promotes restful sleep.
Hangover Remedy: 8. Light Exercise
While it might be the last thing you want to do, light exercise like a walk can boost your endorphins and metabolism, helping to clear out toxins faster.
Hangover Remedy: 9. Avoid “Hair of the Dog”
Though some swear by having another drink to alleviate symptoms, it only prolongs the inevitable. It’s better to let your body detox fully.
Hangover Remedy: 10. Prevention Tips for the Next Party Time
You got a hangover this time, and with the tips above, you can treat it well. But there are some hacks that can help you avoid or at least dampen the next one.
Drink Water Between Alcoholic Drinks
This helps to keep you hydrated.
Eat Before and While Drinking
A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.
Healthy Fats
Avocado, nuts, and olive oil can help slow alcohol absorption.
Lean Proteins
Chicken, turkey, and fish provide long-lasting energy and help stabilize blood sugar.
Complex Carbs
Whole grains, sweet potatoes, and brown rice offer a steady release of energy and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Vegetables, fruits, and legumes can help slow the absorption of alcohol.
Opt for a balanced meal with a combination of these elements before you start drinking and snack on healthy options throughout the night to keep your stomach lined and your body prepared.
Opting for clear liquors
Clear liquors like vodka and gin can help reduce the chances of a hangover compared to darker liquors like whiskey and red wine. Here’s why:
Lower Congener Levels: Congeners are byproducts of fermentation and aging that are found in higher concentrations in darker liquors. They contribute to the taste, aroma, and color of the drink but are also more likely to cause hangovers. Clear liquors have fewer congeners, making them easier on your system.
Purity and Processing: Clear spirits like vodka and gin are distilled multiple times, which removes many impurities and additives that can worsen hangover symptoms.
Simplicity: These spirits are often mixed with non-alcoholic beverages, diluting their impact and helping you stay hydrated.
By choosing clear liquors, you can enjoy your night out with a lower risk of a brutal morning after.
Take Away
Hangovers can be brutal, but with the right strategies, you can significantly ease the discomfort. Hydrate, nourish your body, rest, and take care of yourself.
And remember, the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink responsibly. Cheers to feeling better soon!
