Most people have experienced a hangover at some point in their lives. For some, it is an occasional inconvenience after a night of heavy drinking. It’s not a pleasant experience, but it is usually short-lived and resolved with rest and fluids. However, hangovers can be frequent and debilitating for others, leading to missed work, decreased productivity, and impaired quality of life.
1) Water
Drinking lots of water is crucial to curing a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes your body to lose more water than it takes in. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and other hangover symptoms. Drink a cup of water before bed and another when you wake up to rehydrate your body. Also, drink water throughout the day to alleviate hangover symptoms.
Also, avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can further dehydrate you. Stick to water, sports drinks, or coconut water.
2) Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to recover from a hangover. Alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle, so you may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can lead to fatigue and make your hangover symptoms worse.
If possible, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. If you can’t manage that, take a nap during the day to rest your body and mind. Ensure that your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool to promote optimal sleep.
3) Food
Eating a healthy meal or snack can help cure a hangover by replenishing your body’s nutrients. Alcohol depletes your body with essential vitamins and minerals, so eating foods rich in these nutrients is necessary.
Also, a healthy breakfast after a night out can help settle your stomach and make you feel more relaxed. Avoid a heavy and greasy meal, as it will likely make you feel worse because it will stress your stomach.
Some good hangover food options include:
- Eggs are high in protein and cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism.
- Bananas – contain potassium and vitamin B6, both of which are lost during heavy drinking.
- Oats – contain complex carbohydrates that help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Soup – broth-based soups contain electrolytes and other nutrients that can help replenish your body.
4) Take pain relievers
Painkillers are a popular hangover remedy, as they can help relieve headaches and other pain caused by a hangover. However, it’s essential to be careful when taking painkillers, as they can further dehydrate your body.
Aspirin and ibuprofen are common pain relievers that can be effective for hangovers. If you’re going to take aspirin, drink plenty of water. Avoid using acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can damage your liver when combined with alcohol.
5) Korean pear juice
Korean pear juice is a popular hangover remedy in Korea. It’s thought to be effective because of its high levels of electrolytes and antioxidants. The juice works to replenish your body and reduce inflammation.
One study found that participants who drank Korean pear juice before drinking alcohol had fewer hangover symptoms than those who didn’t drink the juice.
6) Drink clear-colored alcoholic drinks
The darker the drink, the more likely you will have a hangover. This is because darker-colored alcoholic beverages contain congeners and impurities that can contribute to a hangover.
So, if you’re trying to avoid a hangover, stick to clear-colored alcoholic drinks like vodka, gin, and tequila. Avoid dark-colored beverages like red wine, brandy, and whiskey.
7) Supplements
A few Hangover supplements on the market claim to prevent or cure Hangovers. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
1)Ginger
Ginger is a popular home remedy for nausea and vomiting. It’s effective because it helps settle the stomach and calm the digestive system.
One study found that ginger effectively reduced nausea, vomiting, and dizziness symptoms. However, the study only looked at a small number of participants, so further research is needed.
2)Ginseng
Ginseng is an herbal supplement to improve energy levels and cognitive function. It’s also thought to be effective for Hangovers because it helps to detoxify the liver.
It’s important to note that ginseng can interact with certain medications, so be sure to speak with your doctor before taking it.
3)Milk thistle
Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that’s thought to be effective for Hangovers because it helps protect the liver from damage. It’s also thought to promote detoxification and help the body eliminate toxins.
4)Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is a group of essential vitamins for proper metabolism. Alcohol depletes the body of these vitamins, so taking a supplement can help replenish them.
5)N-ACETYLCYSTEINE
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an effective supplement for Hangovers because it helps the body break down acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism. It’s also thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6)Dihydromyricetin
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a compound found in the Oriental raisin tree. It’s effective for hangovers because it helps the body metabolize alcohol and prevents the buildup of acetaldehyde.
7)Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a type of carbon treated to make it more porous. It’s commonly used to treat poisoning because it absorbs toxins in the body. It can help absorb some of the toxins in alcohol.
Does the “hair of the dog” work?
The ‘hair of the dog” is a popular hangover remedy that involves drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover. However, drinking more alcohol can make your hangover worse. It will also delay the onset of withdrawal symptoms if you’re trying to quit drinking. So, if you’re wondering how to cure a hangover, the hair of the dog is not the answer.
Final thoughts
There is no definitive answer to how to cure a hangover. However, many effective hangover remedies can help relieve your symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious meal, and get some rest. If your symptoms persist, consider trying one of the supplements or home remedies listed above. And, if you find yourself drinking too much alcohol regularly, it’s essential to seek help from a medical professional.
Sources: 1)https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-a-hangover/ 2)https://www.webmd.com/balance/hangover-cure#:~:text=For%20almost%20as%20long%20as,drink%20or%20avoid%20alcohol%20entirely. 3)https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-hangover-cures#cures
Author: Beer Tasting Officer
Over 30 years experience drinking diverse libations.