How do hangovers affect your body. What are the most effective natural remedies for hangover relief. Which foods and drinks can help reduce hangover symptoms. How can you prevent hangovers before drinking alcohol. What lifestyle changes can minimize hangover severity.

Understanding Hangovers: Causes and Symptoms

A hangover is a collection of unpleasant symptoms that develop after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. As blood alcohol levels start to drop, hangover symptoms begin to set in, typically reaching peak intensity when blood alcohol returns to zero. The severity and duration of a hangover can vary widely between individuals.

Common hangover symptoms include:

• Headache and muscle aches
• Nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea
• Dehydration and excessive thirst
• Poor concentration and memory
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Irritability, anxiety, and depression
• Rapid heartbeat and excessive sweating

The primary cause of a hangover is overconsumption of alcohol, but other factors can influence its severity:

• Drinking on an empty stomach
• Consuming darker colored alcoholic beverages
• Dehydration from increased urination
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Hormonal imbalances affecting biological rhythms

Hydration: The Foundation of Hangover Relief

Dehydration is a major contributor to hangover symptoms. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose more fluids than usual. How can you combat dehydration effectively? Start by drinking plenty of water before bed and continue hydrating throughout the next day. Electrolyte-rich drinks can be particularly beneficial in replenishing lost minerals.

Optimal Hydration Strategies

To maximize hydration and alleviate hangover symptoms:

1. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water during consumption
2. Drink a large glass of water before sleeping
3. Consume electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks
4. Sip on herbal teas such as ginger or peppermint to soothe nausea

Nutrient Replenishment: Eating Your Way to Recovery

Alcohol consumption can deplete essential nutrients in the body. Replenishing these nutrients through a balanced diet can significantly aid in hangover recovery. Which foods are particularly effective for hangover relief?

• Bananas: Rich in potassium, which helps restore electrolyte balance
• Eggs: Contain cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism
• Oatmeal: Provides complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar levels
• Leafy greens: High in vitamins and minerals to combat nutrient deficiencies
• Ginger: Helps alleviate nausea and reduce inflammation

Incorporating these foods into your post-drinking meal plan can help mitigate hangover symptoms and support your body’s recovery process.

Natural Remedies: Harnessing the Power of Herbs and Supplements

Several natural remedies have shown promise in alleviating hangover symptoms. How can these supplements and herbs help your body recover?

Herbal Allies for Hangover Relief

• Milk Thistle: Supports liver function and helps detoxify alcohol byproducts
• Ginger: Reduces nausea and inflammation
• Peppermint: Soothes digestive discomfort
• Borage: May help relieve hangover symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties

Beneficial Supplements

• B-complex vitamins: Help metabolize alcohol and support overall energy levels
• Vitamin C: Aids in alcohol metabolism and supports immune function
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Helps break down acetaldehyde, reducing hangover severity
• Magnesium: Supports relaxation and may help alleviate headaches

While these natural remedies can be helpful, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Sleep and Rest: The Healing Power of Downtime

Quality sleep is crucial for hangover recovery. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, often leading to poor quality rest. How can you improve sleep after drinking to aid in hangover recovery?

• Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Consider taking a short nap during the day to combat fatigue

Prioritizing rest and allowing your body time to recover can significantly reduce the duration and intensity of hangover symptoms.

Exercise: Boosting Recovery Through Movement

While intense exercise is not recommended when hungover, gentle physical activity can aid in recovery. How does exercise help alleviate hangover symptoms?

• Increases circulation, helping to eliminate toxins
• Releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing pain
• Promotes deeper breathing, increasing oxygen intake
• Stimulates metabolism, potentially speeding up alcohol processing

Consider light activities such as yoga, stretching, or a leisurely walk to reap these benefits without overexerting yourself.

Preventative Measures: Minimizing Hangover Risk

While knowing how to treat a hangover is important, prevention is always better than cure. What steps can you take to reduce the likelihood and severity of a hangover before drinking?

Pre-Drinking Strategies

• Eat a substantial meal before drinking to slow alcohol absorption
• Choose lighter colored alcoholic beverages, which tend to have fewer congeners
• Pace yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Set a limit on your alcohol consumption and stick to it
• Consider taking B vitamins or milk thistle before drinking

During and After Drinking

• Continue to hydrate throughout the night
• Avoid mixing different types of alcohol
• Eat a nutrient-rich snack before bed
• Take electrolytes or a rehydration solution before sleeping

By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing severe hangover symptoms.

The Role of Time in Hangover Recovery

While various remedies can help alleviate hangover symptoms, time remains a crucial factor in recovery. How long does it typically take for a hangover to subside?

Hangover duration can vary widely depending on factors such as:

• Amount of alcohol consumed
• Individual metabolism and tolerance
• Hydration status
• Nutritional state
• Sleep quality

On average, hangover symptoms peak when blood alcohol levels return to zero and can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. However, some individuals may experience symptoms for up to 72 hours in severe cases.

Understanding that time is a necessary component of hangover recovery can help manage expectations and encourage patience during the healing process. While remedies can provide relief, allowing your body the time it needs to process alcohol and restore balance is crucial.

When to Seek Medical Help

While most hangovers resolve on their own, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention. When should you consider seeking professional help for hangover-related issues?

Warning Signs

• Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Pale or blue-tinged skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Extremely low body temperature

These symptoms may indicate alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after drinking, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Chronic Hangover Issues

If you find yourself experiencing frequent or severe hangovers, it may be time to discuss your alcohol consumption with a healthcare professional. Chronic hangovers can be a sign of underlying health issues or problematic drinking patterns that require attention.

Long-term Strategies for Reducing Hangover Frequency

While occasional drinking and subsequent hangovers may be a part of social life for some, frequent hangovers can have significant impacts on health and well-being. What long-term strategies can help reduce the frequency and severity of hangovers?

Lifestyle Changes

• Moderation: Set and stick to personal limits on alcohol consumption
• Mindful drinking: Pay attention to why, when, and how much you drink
• Alcohol-free days: Incorporate regular breaks from alcohol into your routine
• Stress management: Find healthy ways to cope with stress that don’t involve alcohol
• Social alternatives: Explore social activities that don’t center around drinking

Health-focused Habits

• Regular exercise: Improves overall health and may reduce alcohol cravings
• Balanced diet: Supports your body’s ability to process alcohol efficiently
• Adequate sleep: Promotes better decision-making and stress management
• Hydration: Make drinking water throughout the day a habit

By implementing these long-term strategies, you can not only reduce the frequency and severity of hangovers but also improve your overall health and well-being.

The Science Behind Hangover Remedies

Understanding the scientific basis for hangover remedies can help in choosing the most effective strategies for relief. How do various hangover remedies work on a physiological level?

Hydration and Electrolytes

Replenishing fluids and electrolytes addresses the dehydration caused by alcohol’s diuretic effect. This helps restore blood volume, alleviating symptoms like headache and dizziness.

Nutrient Replenishment

Alcohol depletes essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming nutrient-rich foods and supplements helps restore these deficiencies, supporting the body’s recovery processes.

Antioxidants

Alcohol metabolism produces harmful free radicals. Antioxidants from foods and supplements help neutralize these compounds, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Liver Support

Supplements like milk thistle and NAC support liver function, potentially aiding in the more efficient processing of alcohol and its byproducts.

Pain Relief

Natural anti-inflammatories like ginger and curcumin can help alleviate hangover-related pain and discomfort without the potential side effects of over-the-counter pain medications.

While these scientific principles underpin many hangover remedies, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary. What works best for one person may not be as effective for another, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to hangover management.

Cultural Perspectives on Hangover Remedies

Hangover remedies vary widely across cultures, reflecting diverse traditions and beliefs about alcohol consumption and recovery. How do different cultures approach hangover relief?

Traditional Remedies from Around the World

• Japan: Umeboshi (pickled plums) are believed to aid liver function and alleviate nausea
• Russia: Drinking pickle juice is a popular remedy, providing electrolytes and hydration
• Mexico: Spicy foods like menudo (tripe soup) are thought to “sweat out” the toxins
• South Korea: Haejangguk, or “hangover soup,” is a hearty broth believed to aid recovery
• Germany: Rollmops (pickled herring wrapped around pickled vegetables) are a traditional cure

While some of these remedies may have scientific merit (e.g., electrolyte replenishment from pickle juice), others may be more rooted in cultural tradition than empirical evidence. Nonetheless, exploring diverse approaches to hangover relief can provide interesting insights and potentially effective strategies.

The Future of Hangover Research and Treatment

As our understanding of alcohol’s effects on the body continues to evolve, so too does the field of hangover research and treatment. What emerging trends and innovations are shaping the future of hangover management?

Promising Areas of Research

• Genetic factors influencing hangover susceptibility and severity
• Development of more effective anti-hangover supplements
• Exploration of the gut-brain axis in alcohol metabolism and hangover symptoms
• Advanced hydration technologies for rapid recovery
• Personalized approaches to hangover prevention and treatment based on individual physiology

While a “cure-all” for hangovers remains elusive, ongoing research in these areas holds promise for more effective and tailored approaches to hangover management in the future.

As we conclude our exploration of hangover remedies and management strategies, it’s crucial to remember that the most effective approach to avoiding hangovers is moderation in alcohol consumption. By understanding the science behind hangovers, implementing preventative measures, and utilizing evidence-based remedies when needed, you can minimize the impact of alcohol on your health and well-being.

How to Get Rid of a Hangover: 9 Home Remedies

Fact Checked

This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.

Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

By Kathleen McCoy, BS

December 2, 2017

If you’ve ever spent an evening overindulging in alcohol, chances are you’ve experienced the group of unpleasant symptoms known as a hangover. Headaches, nausea, vertigo and abdominal pain are just a few of the troublesome symptoms associated with consuming alcohol to excess. When you awaken, your first thoughts may center around how to get rid of a hangover and if there is a magic cure!

There is no magic cure, but there are natural hangover remedies that will help lessen some of the symptoms. The challenge with finding a cure for a hangover is that there are so many underlying processes affected by alcohol. Dehydration, low blood sugar and exhaustion stem from separate issues. Dehydration comes from excess urine production; the alcohol causes low blood sugar; and a lack of food and exhaustion is brought on by poor sleep quality.

That’s why multiple natural hangover remedies must be employed. Of course, the best way to never have to wonder how to get rid of a hangover is to never drink alcohol in excess. Binge drinking, common on college campuses, can lead not only to hangovers but to a serious, life-threatening condition known as alcohol poisoning. If you ever see anyone experience a loss of consciousness or turn blue after drinking, call 911 immediately.

What Is a Hangover?

A hangover is a group of symptoms that develop after drinking too much alcohol. The more alcohol you consume, the more likely you are to experience a hangover. While symptoms typically abate within 12 hours, they can last up to 24 hours and finding out how to get rid of a hangover becomes more and more critical.

Hangover symptoms actually begin as blood alcohol levels start to drop — meaning after you’ve had your last drink. And they continue to worsen, reaching their most intense when blood alcohol levels return to zero. (1)

Hangover Symptoms

Everyone experiences a hangover differently. Symptoms depend on your personal chemistry, the amount of alcohol consumed, food in your system and other factors. Each person is different and must learn personal symptoms and strategies in how to get rid of a hangover. Common symptoms of a hangover include:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Rolling stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration and excessive thirst
• Poor concentration
• Poor balance
• Poor memory
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Vertigo  
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Excessive sweating or clamminess

Hangover Causes & Risk Factors

Of course, the basic cause of a hangover is drinking too much, but according to the Mayo Clinic, there are other factors that also play a role: (2)

• Consuming excess alcohol
• Drinking on an empty stomach
• Drinking darker-colored alcoholic beverages like bourbon, scotch, tequila, brandy, dark beer or red wine
• Alcohol causes the body to produce more urine, which causes dehydration
• Drinking interferes with brain activity during sleep causing exhaustion
• Drinking scrambles hormones that regulate biological clocks

Dangers of a Hangover

Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly on a regular basis, can lead to alcoholism, liver disease and a wide range of other severe health conditions. However, the real danger is when symptoms are mistaken for being drunk or hungover when they are really a sign of a life-threatening condition called alcohol poisoning.

Signs of alcohol poisoning include: (3)

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow breathing
• Irregular breathing
• Blue-tinged skin
• Pale skin
• Low body temperature
• Unconsciousness and can’t be awakened

If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence.

In addition, hangovers often cause sufferers to miss work and school and not perform optimally. As poor balance and vertigo are common symptoms while blood alcohol levels are dropping, falls and accidents are also a danger.

Quick Tips on How to Get Rid of a Hangover

DO:

• Rehydrate.
• Eat a healthy meal with protein and complex carbohydrates.
• Replenish electrolytes by drinking kefir, drinking coconut water or eating fresh watermelon. Also try electrolyte drinks.
• Take a nap.
• Take a walk or go to the gym.
• Call 911 if you see someone who is unconscious after drinking.

DON’T:

• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can cause severe liver problems when it mixes with alcohol.
• Drive or operate machinery or tools as balance and coordination are diminished.
• Rehydrate with conventional sports drinks.
• Don’t load up on a heavy, greasy meal.

Conventional Treatment

Physicians typically don’t treat hangovers. However, in cities across the nation “hangover clinics” and even buses are popping up. In these clinics, technicians insert an IV and provide hydration and vitamin therapy to ease the symptoms of a hangover. While a quick fix for a hangover may be tempting, it is important to note that this type of treatment is controversial and may be dangerous. In short, it may not be the best solution if you’re wondering how to get rid of a hangover safely. (4)

How to Get Rid of a Hangover: 9 Home Remedies

When considering how to get rid of a hangover, it is important to address all of the underlying issues causing the symptoms. Dehydration, low blood sugar, exhaustion and digestive upset all require different treatments. Use the following hangover home remedies in concert with one another for best results.

1. Magnesium
2. Coconut water
3. Ginger tea
4. Eggs
5. Complex carbohydrates
6. Vitamin B6
7. Bone broth
8. Milk thistle
9. Siberian ginseng

1. Magnesium. For a headache, taking 400 milligrams of magnesium may help relieve the pressure and the pain. If you regularly drink alcohol or have diabetes, you may have a magnesium deficiency. In that case, before going to bed, take 400 milligrams of magnesium and then when you awake, another dose to prevent a headache from occurring.

2. Coconut Water. Dehydration from excessive urine production and vomiting requires drinking plenty of liquids. There is research showing that coconut water is easier to consume than plain water or sports drinks and is not associated with nausea or stomach upset. Coconut water is high in electrolytes, including potassium, which your body sorely needs after overindulging in alcoholic beverages. (5)

3. Ginger Tea. To settle the stomach and stave off vomiting, sip ginger root tea sweetened with just a touch of raw honey. In addition to helping with digestive upset, it can help to stabilize blood sugar levels, which are adversely affected by alcohol consumption and poor eating. (6)

4. Eggs. Eating eggs for breakfast may just help your body release the after-effects of the alcohol that lurk in your system. In fact, eggs contain L-cysteine, an amino acid that is responsible for breaking down toxins and releasing them. Of course, they are also a great source of protein and will help you rebuild energy reserves. (7)

5. Complex Carbohydrates. As drinking alcohol lowers blood sugar in many people, boosting energy with healthy carbs may help to relieve hangover symptoms. Sweet potatoes are a perfect choice; they are loaded with beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6. For brunch, when nursing a hangover have a couple of eggs alongside this nutrient dense and satisfying Sweet Potato Hash.

6. Vitamin B6. Decades ago a study found that taking 1,200 milligrams of vitamin B6 before, during and after drinking is associated with fewer hangover symptoms and today vitamin B6 is still associated with being an effective treatment. (8)

However, high doses of vitamin B6 can interact with prescription medications including antidepressants, antibiotics, certain asthma drugs, medications for high blood pressure or tuberculosis and chemotherapy drugs. Before taking vitamin B6, speak to your doctor if you take any of these medications.

7. Bone Broth. For an upset stomach and to help restore electrolyte balances, sipping on bone broth can help to relieve hangover symptoms. A bonus is that it contains minerals that are easy to absorb. Select a high-quality bone broth from grass-fed beef or make your own in the days before you know you may overindulge on alcohol.

8. Milk Thistle. Used for thousands of years because of its ability to draw out toxins and support of liver health, milk thistle can relieve common symptoms including indigestion and digestive distress while supporting healthy liver function, according to researchers. Take up to 150 milligrams when hungover. To support healthy liver function take 50 to 100 milligrams daily. (9, 10)

9. Siberian Ginseng. For nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and tiredness, take 500 milligrams of Siberian ginseng. According to a study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology, Siberian ginseng is shown to provide significant improvement of some hangover symptoms. As ginseng can interact with certain medications, if you are taking drugs for diabetes or depression or a blood thinner such as warfarin, do not take ginseng. (11)

5 Hangover Prevention Strategies

1. Don’t smoke while drinking — nicotine and alcohol together increase hangover symptoms.
2. Have a glass of water (or other non-alcoholic drink) in between each alcoholic drink consumed.
3. Drink a large glass of water before going to bed.
4. Eat while you are drinking; food in your stomach reduces how high your peak blood alcohol concentration can get, by up to one-third. While tempting, don’t gorge on typical bar food. Instead opt for high-protein foods and complex carbohydrates to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
5. Take a prickly pear supplement four hours before drinking. In a study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, participants received either a placebo or a prickly pear supplement prior to dinner and drinking. The results show that those who took the prickly pear supplement had less severe hangovers. In the following weeks, the same groups were tested again. This time the original placebo group got the prickly pear and the prickly pear group received the placebo. The findings remained constant — prickly pear recipients experienced fewer hangover symptoms. (12)

Key Points on How to Get Rid of a Hangover

• Hangovers are a group of symptoms that arise after overindulging in alcoholic drinks.
• From mild to severe, common symptoms include nausea, memory loss, vertigo, changes in mood and a loss of coordination.
• Finding relief takes a multi-pronged approach; treat the headache, nausea and other symptoms separately for best results.
• Hangovers are not dangerous, but many of the symptoms mimic the life-threatening condition alcohol poisoning. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.
• Moderate alcohol consumption or abstinence is the only way to prevent a hangover.
• Never take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for a hangover; alcohol and acetaminophen taken together can cause dangerous and long-term liver problems.

How to Get Rid of a Hangover Naturally

• For a headache, take 400 milligrams of magnesium. If you are a diabetic or drink alcohol regularly, you may be deficient in magnesium; supplement daily for best results.
• Have a hearty and healthy breakfast featuring eggs and a complex carbohydrate. The L-cysteine in eggs helps to break down and release toxins.
• Take vitamin B6 before, during and after drinking to reduce hangover symptoms.
• To speed detoxification and support a healthy liver, take 150 milligrams of milk thistle.
• For nausea and vomiting, sip ginger root tea throughout the day. In addition to helping with nausea and digestive distress, it will help to stabilize blood glucose levels.

Read Next: Dangers of Low Body Temperature + 5 Ways to Prevent Hypothermia

Remedies for a Migraine Hangover — Migraine Again

Go Ahead, Nurse Your Migraine Hangover. Your Brain Will Thank You.

A migraine attack isn’t over until you say it is. Many people with migraine experience lingering symptoms after the worst of the attack seems to be over — all the burden of a rough night without a party to blame. These community-backed remedies for migraine hangover symptoms will help.

The last thing you want after a bad attack are migraine aftereffects or that hangover feeling. We know it’s not fun, but you can try to look at your migraine hangover or postdrome symptoms as your brain’s way of asking you to take it easy.

Addressing a migraine hangover is an important part of a migraine postdrome treatment plan. There are four stages of the migraine pathophysiology:

1. Prodrome (or warning signs) phase
2. Aura phase (for those who experience it)
3. Pain or acute phase
4. Postdrome or hangover phase

The migraine postdrome comes after the pain of the migraine attack has subsided. However, during this phase, which can sometimes last days, you’re technically still experiencing a migraine attack. Symptoms vary but most commonly include difficulty thinking, head or body pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and sensitivity to light.

You’re More Susceptible to Triggers During the Migraine Hangover

The most important thing to remember during the migraine hangover phase is that your brain is still dealing with the effects of migraine, and you’re at a greater risk of triggering another attack. Try to avoid migraine triggers that exacerbate your symptoms like skipping meals, not drinking enough water, or going too long without stretching or moving.

More from Migraine Again

If you want to experiment with new remedies for a migraine hangover, explore the great ideas below. Just remember that things will work differently for each person.

It’s okay if a soda helps your friend but doesn’t do squat for you. Everyone experiences different migraine symptoms. Determining your best individual remedies for a migraine hangover is more of an art than a science. The American Migraine Foundation recommends “healthy and careful experimentation” when looking for something to help you cope with postdrome symptoms such as headache pain or brain fog.

How Do You Take Care of Yourself During the Migraine Hangover?

We asked our readers from around the world to tell us their favorite remedies for a migraine hangover and postdrome mood. We got more than 50 thoughtful responses. The tips below are just a snapshot of the conversation around the best remedies for a migraine hangover.

Rest, Rest, and More Rest

Chances are you feel drained and exhausted. Your body needs ample rest and sleep to fully recover from a migraine attack. Try to avoid stressful activities and be patient with your healing. If you can, take the time you need to recuperate before resuming your usual routine.

Take it as easy as possible because hangover days are also tipping point days for me. I can easily slip back into a migraine. —Nicole

Order takeaway (takeout) because I’m usually starving and drink loads of water. I just have a nice cozy night in and enjoy not being in pain or feeling sick! —Paula

Spend the day being super careful not to retrigger another one. —Nicole

Try not to push my brain too much, not that it will let me anyways. Feel so dumbed down. Tend to just sit and veg. Hoping my brain will recover. It feels bruised and like someone has hit you round the head. —Anne

Bed. Movies. WATER!! Support from fam. Love of kids. Snuggles of animals! —Allie

I find myself being a bit groggy and tired. Resting and relaxing works for me. —Declan

Salt and a Fizzy Drink

Hydration is an important part of recovering from a migraine attack. Water, electrolyte drinks, juice, or even some sodas are all good remedies for a migraine hangover to help replenish your brain and relieve your head pain.

I get so thirsty and crave salt after a migraine. Then sleep. —Cathy

Just rest and sip a little ginger ale. —Olivia

Yoga or Gentle Movement

While rest is a tried-and-true remedy, regular exercise is helpful for preventing another attack. Some people find that fresh air and gentle movement during the migraine hangover phase helps:

I had one today, so I rested in aircon, drank lots of water and coffee, took painkillers, and slept. Tomorrow I’m going to do yoga to try and work out some kinks. —Natasha

Rest and don’t expect anything of myself. If I can, I take a short walk and get fresh air. —Lana

Keeping Things Dark

Don’t be afraid to close the curtains or pull on a pair of specs if you’re dealing with photophobia. Light sensitivity is a struggle for a lot of people during all phases of a migraine attack — and sometimes in between.

I used to get those — horrible! Luckily, I outgrew them. The only remedy I had was to sleep in a dark room with no noise. —Carol

Work Can’t Wait for Some

Life moves too fast for a lot of people to carve out enough time to fully recover from a migraine hangover. A few people in our community share how they try to be gentle with their mental health, even if they have to struggle through a workday with postdrome symptoms:

Most of the time I have to go to work. It’s really hard. —Ipek

I minimize my talking. Hard to do as a teacher, so I usually have a plan of pulling pages from the assigned text to give my students to review. —Sue

Carbs, lots of water, and push on through as I have to go to work.  —Fern

I’m a manager at a glass shop. Fast-paced environment. When it comes on, I pray my meds work that day. If not I Pepsi through it and crash like heck when I get home. Pray to God nobody needs anything till the next day. —Robert

Push through and try not to make decisions. —Beth

More Remedies for a Migraine Hangover

Rest, water, salt, movement, and darkness; they are all excellent remedies. Here are a few more suggestions for coping with this headache phase:

Take an Over-the-Counter NSAID

If you can take them, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen sodium (such as Aleve), or ibuprofen (such as Advil) can help with postdrome symptoms. These medications can be a migraine hangover headache cure, alleviating mild pain for people with migraine just as they do for people with flu and “regular” hangovers. However, it is important to be aware that NSAIDs are not without medical risks just because they are available over-the-counter. Some headache specialists also warn of the risk of medication overuse headache, or “rebound headache,” with frequent use of some medications, including NSAIDs. You may want to talk to your doctor about a prescription migraine medication.

Supplement Your Healing

An Epsom salts bath or a few nutritional supplements like magnesium and B2 have good evidence to suggest they help with migraine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing or adding anything, though.

Eat Nutritious Meals Frequently

Even if your appetite isn’t fully back, your body needs nutrients to recover the day after migraine attacks. Try to eat nutritious meals and don’t let your blood sugar drop too low between meals.

Try Herbs and Plants

If you’re still experiencing migraine aftereffects like nausea, natural remedies like ginger and peppermint may be helpful. These herbs are known to be effective without causing further discomfort.

Take Care of Yourself

If you’re experiencing postdrome symptoms, take this time to focus on yourself. You owe it to yourself and the people around you to treat yourself well. If that means spending a few more hours lying down, calling in sick, or spending a whole afternoon soaking in a bath, you’re worth it.

Try to cut yourself some slack if you have to cancel obligations or you start to feel guilty. Resting is not a waste of time, nor is it a weakness. It is an important part of how you manage life with migraine.

We hope these remedies for a hangover help you cope with this disabling phase of a migraine, but working with a good headache specialist can help even more. If you don’t have one already, find one here.

What to drink with a hangover from the head – how to help?

Contents

• Causes and factors of the pathological condition
• Prescribing medicines for headaches
• Special drugs for hangovers
• Which drugs are recommended to avoid
• How to prevent hangovers 900 06

Often after a long meal and alcohol consumption a person feels weakness, general fatigue, nausea, he is irritated by bright light and extraneous noise. What pills to drink with a hangover from the head to alleviate the unpleasant state after “fun” cocktails, eliminate intoxication and quickly restore clarity of thought.

Causes and factors of the pathological condition

If you have a headache in the morning after alcohol, dry mouth is felt – these are the first signs of a hangover. Nausea occurs due to the removal from the body of a large number of useful elements and substance B6, which is responsible for the full functioning of the digestive tract. Due to dehydration, dryness appears in the oral cavity, and migraine attacks are a consequence of dilated brain vessels.

Hangover headache for the following reasons:

• impaired metabolic functions in the body,
• lost nerve fibers,
• there is not enough glucose, the liver cannot fully synthesize it,
• the body is dehydrated due to frequent urination, bouts of vomiting,
• haunted by excruciating insomnia,
• edema of cerebral vessels.

There are many ways to get rid of a hangover, some people eliminate unpleasant symptoms with a new dose of alcohol, but you should not take it in the hope of improving your condition. Otherwise, constant drinking can lead to the fact that you have to fight alcohol addiction.

Hangover syndrome factors:

1. Intoxication of the body. When alcohol breaks down, poisonous substances are produced. Drinks such as rum, whiskey, vermouth are especially dangerous for humans. They force the liver, along with alcohol, to synthesize various impurities.
2. Dehydration – inadequate distribution of water in the human body, some of it rushes to the face, bags and swelling appear under the eyes.
3. Violation of the “gray matter”. It is observed under the influence of acetaldehyde, which is formed during the breakdown of alcoholic beverages after drinking. The central nervous system becomes overly sensitive, light, extraneous sounds irritate the patient. A person can be tormented by feelings of shame, guilt and powerlessness.

A large number of useful elements will help get rid of a hangover. The body is trying to restore vital functions, bring them back to normal, for this he just needs vitamins.

Prescribing medicines for headaches

Modern drugs after drinking will help to cope with migraines. Medicines contain a certain amount of useful elements, minerals necessary for every living organism during the intake of alcoholic beverages.

Taking hangover headache medications will:

• free the gastrointestinal tract from substances poisoning the body,
• normalize the balance of salts and water,
• reduce the intensity of migraine attacks,
• get rid of thirst, dizziness,
• prevent limb tremor, joint weakness.

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Certain medications related to non-steroidal analgesics help to get rid of a headache after alcohol as effectively as possible. It is these remedies that really help with a hangover.

The most effective and most commonly used are:

• Citramon P,
• “Ketorol”,
• “Ibuprofen”.

The “pops” – painkillers – have proven themselves to be excellent. Such a tablet does not irritate the gastric mucosa, does not cause allergies, instantly dissolves in water, is quickly absorbed into the blood plasma – half an hour after the drug enters the stomach.

Drugs recommended by pharmacists for hangovers often include aspirin and paracetamol. Both drugs do an excellent job with migraines, but can provoke a negative reaction – a stomach ulcer.

With a single dose of the drug, a similar effect should not be expected. You can drink aspirin from the head once. If a person takes alcohol systematically, it is not recommended to use drugs based on paracetamol or aspirin. The same applies to Ibuprofen.

Special preparations for hangover syndrome

After drinking, the patient often suffers from severe headaches, irritability and other unpleasant symptoms. Trying to regain mental clarity and recover, people begin to randomly take various drugs, not realizing that some of them can cause serious harm to health.

It is better to ask your doctor what pill to take when you have a hangover syndrome before you sit down at the table and drink alcohol. Many doctors prefer the following drugs:

1. “Zorex” eliminates migraine attacks, helps to remove toxic substances from the body. By reducing intoxication, other symptoms of the pathological condition are also neutralized.
2. “Alka-Seltzer” is very popular among people who constantly drink and suffer from a hangover. The action of the drug is based on the restoration of water balance, neutralization of toxins. Using these pills, you can get rid of not only a headache, but also stop vomiting, reduce nausea, and restore normal well-being.
3. “Alka-Prim” – an analogue of “Alka-Seltser”. This medicine is taken in certain pathological conditions that are a contraindication to the use of other drugs against a hangover. The drug can be drunk with an allergic reaction to the analogue. The tool restores the efficiency of the central nervous system, water-salt balance in the human body. “Alka-Prim” quickly, effectively eliminates toxic substances from the body.
4. “Vega Plus”. The tool is able to quickly bring a person to his senses through the accelerated neutralization of the decay products of ethanol from the human body. At the same time, the signs of a hangover are eliminated, significantly facilitating the patient’s condition.
5. “Piel-Alco” is recommended for headaches caused by alcohol. This drug refers to potent drugs that help in the fight against severe hangover. It not only reduces the intensity of migraine attacks, but also reduces the manifestations of the pathological condition, such as aches, vomiting, nausea, weakness and tremor.
6. “Antipohmelin”. Drink this medicine immediately after a feast, then it will quickly remove ethanol and aldehyde, which has not yet poisoned the body. In the morning, neither a hangover nor a migraine will disturb. This is an excellent preventive measure.
7. “Bizon” is the best antioxidant containing succinic acid and soda, which quickly removes toxic substances from the body. The drug helps to fully work the liver, accelerates the neutralization of aldehyde and ethanol. For a drinker, “Bizon” is a real find, because it helps to eliminate the most common hangover symptoms.
8. “Guten Morgen” – the drug acts as a substitute for brine. Supplies magnesium, restores water-soy balance, eliminates signs of a hangover.
9. “Aspirin” is also taken for headaches after drinking alcohol. But it is recommended to drink it only 6 hours after the feast or a few hours before it.

When taking Guten Morgen, you should not abuse it, you must adhere to the exact dosage according to the instructions, otherwise this may lead to the development of unwanted side effects.

The network of pharmacies presents drugs for a hangover and a migraine attack on a natural basis. Among them are the Zenalk tool, Korda additive and Security Feel Better. These dietary supplements can be taken immediately after drinking alcohol to prevent a hangover in the morning or the next day for severe headaches.

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Due to the mild action, drugs in this group rarely irritate the stomach lining, cause allergies, and also have a small list of possible contraindications.

What to drink from a morning hangover from the head should be determined by the symptoms accompanying the pathological condition. But it is better not to neglect the intake of simple activated charcoal.

Which medicines are recommended to avoid

Many pharmacists will be able to tell you what drugs to take for headaches and other unpleasant symptoms that accompany a hangover syndrome. But not many people know which medicines it is better to refuse.

It is not recommended to use the following medicines after taking the “fun” cocktails:

• Paracetamol,
• “Efferalgan”,
• “Tsefekon”,
• Citramon.

It is better not to take pills for a headache from a morning hangover based on a component such as paracetamol. In a simple state, this remedy does not cause a negative effect on the liver, but after alcohol it can slow down the removal of toxic elements from the body, aggravate the pathological condition.

Before taking this or that drug, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions, drugs of a certain group have some contraindications and can provoke the development of allergies.

How to prevent a hangover syndrome

Following simple recommendations will help you not get sick after a long feast. It is better to try to prevent a pathological condition than to deal with its consequences.

A few tips to help avoid a hangover:

1. When consuming a large number of “fun” cocktails, you should eat a lot, food will not allow alcohol to settle in the body.
2. Alcoholic cocktails are best taken with juice or plain water.
3. Tobacco products should be abandoned, they aggravate the morning state after a feast.
4. Before going to visit it is recommended to take 2-3 Mezim tablets, it helps to digest carbohydrates, fats, proteins, facilitating their absorption into the intestines, as a result protecting from intoxication.
5. You can not mix different types of alcoholic beverages: you should not take beer and wine together, cognac with vodka.
6. Red wine drink provokes migraine attacks, you should not get carried away with it.
7. It is permissible to mix alcohol, but not with a decrease, but with an increase in the degree, you can first drink beer, after vodka.
8. Move more, can’t just sit and eat and drink.
9. Before drinking “pleasure” drinks, it is better to eat first, alcohol should enter a full stomach.
10. It is better to eat alcoholic drinks with sour, fatty dishes (in the morning the gastrointestinal tract will function fully).
11. When alcohol is abused, it is better to empty the stomach with vomiting, this will help to avoid a hangover.

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After a long feast, it is better to sleep in a well-ventilated cool room to ensure free air flow. Adhering to simple recommendations, you can avoid unpleasant morning symptoms.

Get rid of a hangover that will help, because many lovers of fun feasts suffer from it. In order to quickly overcome the pathological condition, you should increase fluid intake, eat only light food, take a walk in the fresh air, take a cool shower.

Thanks to simple procedures, you can speed up the removal of ethanol breakdown products from the body, get rid of spasms, weakness and dizziness attacks. This technique not only has a positive effect, but is also safe, unlike the use of painkillers.

But you shouldn’t expect a quick result. It is best to give up excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and know when to stop even during a long feast, so not only will the head not hurt in the morning, but the sobriety of the mind will also be preserved.

How not to deal with a hangover

There are many “folk” ways to prevent a hangover, or at least alleviate its symptoms. However, not every popular folk wisdom passes the test of an impartial scientific experiment. Gazeta.Ru warns about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and dispels popular myths about dealing with its consequences.

Drink oils before a feast

To avoid a hangover, it is recommended to drink a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil 30-60 minutes before the upcoming libations. According to the supporters of the method, it envelops the walls of the stomach, preventing the absorption of alcohol. For the same purpose, it is sometimes suggested to drink a raw egg.

If in the second case, drinkers risk catching salmonellosis, then the first is simply useless.

The fact is that only about 20% of alcohol is absorbed in the stomach, the rest of it is absorbed in the intestines. As one of 9 shows0219 analyzes popular methods to avoid a hangover, any foods containing fats, proteins or carbohydrates only slightly reduce the rate of absorption.

The same amount of alcohol that a person consumed will eventually enter the bloodstream. However, the slowdown of intoxication, on the contrary, increases the risk of “too much” up to death – after all, more time will pass before the effect of drinking alcohol appears and, probably, several additional glasses will be drunk during this period.

Don’t downgrade

Studies show that neither the number of types of alcohol consumed nor the order in which drinks are consumed by strength have a significant effect on hangover symptoms. The severity of symptoms depends to a greater extent on the speed of drinking – the body of a healthy adult can easily cope with the intake of 10 g of ethanol per hour. A higher dose increases the likelihood of a hangover.

However, it is still not recommended to use different drinks for one simple reason – it is more difficult to remember how much and what drinks you have drunk, and to calculate whether it is time to stop.

And the more alcohol gets into the body, the more people underestimate the amount of alcohol they drink.

Eat a hearty breakfast

Popular belief says that a hearty breakfast in the morning after drinking will help to get rid of hangover symptoms that have already appeared. Thus, a survey of 2000 Britons showed that after excessive drinking they prefer to start the day with a good portion of fried food. In 26% of cases, dishes containing eggs are used to relieve symptoms.

Eggs may have a rational grain – study conducted on rats shows that the amino acid cysteine ​​found in eggs helps to reduce the toxic effects of acetaldehyde, which is formed during the oxidation of ethanol. Cysteine ​​supports the next stage of metabolism, in which acetaldehyde is converted into a relatively harmless acetic acid. With the use of lethal doses of acetaldehyde together with cysteine, 80% of rats survived, with the additional use of thiamine – 100%. In the control group, which received no support, only 10% of the rats survived.

However, such studies have not been conducted on humans, and it is rather difficult to judge how well cysteine ​​from scrambled eggs will help relieve hangover symptoms.

Well, heavy, fatty, fried food will only additionally load the liver, which is already going through hard times.

Drink coffee

A mug of strong black coffee is another popular way to deal with a hangover, and it is also widely disseminated by cinema. However, in the real world, drinking coffee in the morning after drinking significant amounts of alcohol is useless. Alcohol is a depressant, a substance that depresses the central nervous system. Coffee, on the other hand, is a stimulant. It will put the nervous system on alert, but will not help with dizziness, nausea, memory problems.

Caffeine after alcohol, in particular, will not affect the reaction rate in any way. In one of studies, 127 participants were asked to try their hand at a driving simulator. All of them had consumed beer before, some of them also received a dose of caffeine.

“Alcohol significantly impairs driving ability and reduces concentration and reaction time. However, caffeine use did not have any significant effect on the results,”

, the authors found.

Drinking caffeine at the same time as alcohol is especially not worth it – as another study shows, this combination can double the risk of injury.

Drink some water

It all depends on which hangover symptom to fight. Water will not save , for example, from a headache, but at least it will help restore the balance of fluid in the body and relieve dry mouth.

And how then?

However, there are still ways to avoid a hangover or at least improve your well-being.