Hangover symptoms typically last for 24-72 hours and can make you feel miserable. While it’s best to avoid a hangover in the first place by not drinking so much, you can ease symptoms by staying hydrated and getting rest.
Here are tips that can help you get over hangover symptoms quickly.
11 tips for getting over a hangover fast
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids. Because alcohol molecules have an affinity for water molecules, the more alcohol you consume the more water is sucked out of your system, causing dehydration. Foods with high water content, such as fresh fruit, can also help improve balance fluids in your body.
- Coconut water: While sports drinks are great for replenishing your electrolytes, they do contain artificial food dyes that may be harmful to your health. Coconut water is your best bet because it has the same amount of electrolytes as a bottle of your favorite sports drink without the unnatural additives.
- Ginger and honey tea: Ginger is a well-known antinausea remedy. So if you are feeling uneasy, drink some ginger ale or tea. You can add the lemon juice and honey to make it taste better. Honey has an added benefit because it contains fructose, which aids in the metabolization of alcohol and prevents headaches.
- Bananas: Alcohol causes your urine output to increase, which can deplete your body's potassium stores. Bananas are high in potassium, so eating one or two can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover. It can also help get your blood sugar levels up, which may be lowered due to the alcohol coming out of your system.
- Carbs: When recovering from a hangover, not everyone feels like eating, but it may help to keep your energy levels up. Begin slowly with something bland that will not upset you. Easily digested foods such as toast, rice, or porridge are ideal. These carbohydrate-rich foods can dilute the effects of alcohol in your body.
- Protein: High-protein, amino acid-rich foods may help calm a racing mind and an upset stomach. Eggs are a fantastic source of nutrition and are high in cysteine, an amino acid that aids in the breakdown of toxins in the body. They are also high in vitamin B, which helps alleviate hangover symptoms.
- Soup: Pho soup is widely regarded as a great hangover remedy. The high water content helps with rehydration, and the protein and sodium content can help fight hangover symptoms.
- Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that aid in the recovery and repair of your liver. It may help the body recover from headaches and nausea.
- Coffee: Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and help with headache as well as energy. However, since coffee is also a diuretic, it is important to increase your water intake along with it.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen may not cure the hangover, but they will help with many of the symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and pain.
- Sleep: Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce sleep quality and duration, which can contribute to irritability and weakness the next day. Getting plenty of sleep after a night of heavy drinking can aid in recovery.
What to avoid when it comes to hangovers
Some people suggest drinking more alcohol may help relieve hangover symptoms. However, it only adds to the problem of having too much alcohol in your system.
Though exercise is a great way to lift your mood, it can also further lower your blood sugar levels and dehydrate you more if you are experiencing a hangover.
Studies have suggested that darker colored beverages may cause more severe hangovers. So avoiding whiskey, red wine, and tequila may help reduce the risk of bad hangover symptoms.
What causes a hangover?
Alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is further broken down by glutathione and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. When consuming large amounts of alcohol, the liver cannot keep up.
As a result, toxic acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood while the liver attempts to produce more glutathione. Acetaldehyde levels that are elevated over time may cause oxidative stress, liver damage and cancer.
Genetics can affect how quickly and efficiently you can metabolize alcohol, which can cause problems for those who metabolize alcohol more slowly.
When should you worry about a hangover?
Hangover symptoms typically begin the next day and include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Sensitivity or irritation to light and sound
- Rapid heartbeat
- Depression
- Anxiety
Severe hangover symptoms may be a sign of alcohol poisoning. Worrying symptoms include:
- Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
- Low body temperature
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Continuous vomiting
- Confusion
- Fits or seizures
- Unconsciousness
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowCleveland Clinic. Hangover. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
Harvard Health Publishing. 7 steps to cure your hangover. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/7-steps-to-cure-your-hangover-and-ginkgo-biloba-whats-the-verdict
Healthdirect. Hangover ‘cures’. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hangover-cures
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