What’s the Best Way to Cure a Hangover?
Ah, the dreaded hangover. It’s the unpleasant aftermath of a night of heavy drinking that can leave us feeling weak, dizzy, and nauseous. While the best way to avoid a hangover is simply not to drink to excess, we’ve all experienced those nights where a few too many turned into a few too many more. So, what can you do the morning after to ease the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover? Here are some tried and true remedies.
1. Hydrate with water
One of the most important things you can do for your body after a night of drinking is to hydrate. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine output and can leave you dehydrated. Drinking water helps to rehydrate your body and flush out the toxins. Aim to drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day.
2. Drink electrolyte-rich fluids
In addition to water, drinking fluids that are rich in electrolytes can help to replenish everything your body needs. Consider drinking sports drinks like Gatorade or electrolyte-enhanced water such as Smartwater or Propel. Coconut water is also a favorite among many people, as it’s both hydrating and contains potassium.
3. Eat a balanced breakfast
Even if you’re not feeling particularly hungry, eating a balanced breakfast can help to soothe a hangover. Aim for a balanced plate of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Eggs on toast and whole-grain pancakes with a side of bacon are good options. If you’re feeling nauseous, start with something bland like dry toast and then add in more substantial foods.
4. Load up on vitamins
Excessive drinking can deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B and C are particularly important to replenish. Incorporating foods and supplements high in these vitamins can aid in reducing hangover symptoms. Consider taking a multivitamin or a B-complex vitamin supplement before or after drinking.
5. Sip on ginger tea
Ginger tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help to soothe nausea, headaches, and other hangover symptoms. Boil a few slices of fresh ginger root in hot water to make a healing cup of tea. You can also add a bit of honey or lemon to sweeten it up.
6. Sweat it out
Exercise might be the last thing on your mind when hungover, but it can help to release feel-good endorphins that can counteract some of the negative effects of too much alcohol. Light exercise like yoga, taking a walk, or a gentle bike ride can help to increase your metabolism, get your blood flowing, and help you sweat out toxins.
7. Get some sleep
Lastly, the best remedy for a hangover might be getting some rest. Alcohol can disrupt the quality of your sleep, leading to fatigue and exhaustion the next day. Take a nap or go to bed early if possible to help your body heal.
Final thoughts
While there’s no magical cure for a hangover, these remedies can help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Remember to pace yourself when drinking, avoid excessive amounts of alcohol. And if you do indulge, keep these remedies in mind to help you feel better the next day.
Now, go pour yourself a glass of water and start hydrating!
Sources:
– Harvard Health Publishing (2021). Hangover Helper: How to Treat a Hangover. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/hangover-helper-how-to-treat-a-hangover-202108092567
– Mayo Clinic (2022). Hangovers: How to Avoid Them and Recover from Them. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/symptoms-causes/syc-20373012
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