How can you prevent a hangover before drinking. What are the most effective ways to cure a hangover. Which foods and supplements can alleviate hangover symptoms. How does hydration impact hangover severity. Why does sleep quality affect hangover recovery. What role does breakfast play in hangover relief.

Understanding Hangovers: Causes and Common Symptoms

Hangovers are a collection of unpleasant symptoms that occur after excessive alcohol consumption. But what exactly causes these dreaded aftereffects? The primary culprit is ethanol, the main type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol is a diuretic, leading to increased urine production and subsequent dehydration. It also disrupts sleep patterns, irritates the stomach lining, and triggers an inflammatory response in the body.

Common hangover symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Mood disturbances (irritability, anxiety)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle aches

While the intensity and duration of hangovers can vary among individuals, understanding the underlying causes can help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The Role of Congeners in Hangover Severity

When it comes to hangover prevention, not all alcoholic beverages are created equal. The severity of a hangover can be influenced by compounds called congeners, which are byproducts of the fermentation process. But what exactly are congeners, and how do they affect your hangover experience?

Congeners are toxic chemical substances produced in small amounts during the fermentation of alcohol. These compounds contribute to the flavor and aroma of alcoholic beverages but can also exacerbate hangover symptoms. Research suggests that drinks high in congeners may increase the frequency and severity of hangovers.

Low Congener vs. High Congener Alcoholic Beverages

To minimize the risk of a severe hangover, it’s beneficial to choose drinks that are low in congeners. Here’s a comparison:

• Low congener drinks: Vodka, gin, rum
• High congener drinks: Tequila, whiskey, cognac (with bourbon whiskey containing the highest levels)

A study involving 95 young adults found that those who consumed bourbon (high in congeners) experienced worse hangovers compared to those who drank vodka (low in congeners), despite reaching the same blood alcohol concentration.

Why do congeners worsen hangovers? It’s believed that these compounds may slow down the metabolism of alcohol, prolonging the duration of hangover symptoms. By opting for drinks low in congeners, you might be able to reduce the severity of your hangover and potentially speed up your recovery time.

Hydration: A Key Factor in Hangover Prevention and Relief

One of the most effective strategies for both preventing and alleviating hangovers is maintaining proper hydration. But why is hydration so crucial when it comes to alcohol consumption and recovery?

Alcohol is a potent diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to fluid loss. This dehydration contributes to many common hangover symptoms, including:

• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness

How can you stay hydrated while drinking alcohol? A good rule of thumb is to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water. For every alcoholic beverage you consume, drink a glass of water. This practice not only helps maintain hydration but also naturally slows down your alcohol intake.

Hydration Tips for Hangover Prevention and Relief

1. Drink water before, during, and after alcohol consumption
2. Consume electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost minerals
3. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can further dehydrate you
4. Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
5. Consider drinking coconut water, which is naturally high in electrolytes

Remember, while proper hydration can significantly reduce hangover symptoms, it’s not a magical cure-all. The best way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol altogether.

The Impact of Sleep on Hangover Recovery

Quality sleep plays a crucial role in hangover recovery, yet alcohol consumption often disrupts our normal sleep patterns. How exactly does alcohol affect our sleep, and why is good sleep so important for hangover relief?

Alcohol can have a significant impact on both sleep quality and duration. While small amounts of alcohol might initially make you feel drowsy, moderate to high amounts can severely disrupt your sleep cycle. Alcohol consumption has been associated with:

• Reduced REM sleep
• Increased sleep disruptions
• Altered sleep architecture
• Snoring and sleep apnea

These sleep disturbances can exacerbate hangover symptoms, particularly fatigue, irritability, and headaches. A lack of quality sleep impairs the body’s ability to recover from the effects of alcohol, prolonging the hangover experience.

Strategies for Improving Sleep After Drinking

1. Avoid drinking close to bedtime
2. Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
3. Limit screen time before bed
4. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
5. Consider taking a short nap the next day if needed, but limit it to 20-30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep

By prioritizing sleep and taking steps to improve its quality, you can give your body the best chance to recover from the effects of alcohol and minimize hangover symptoms.

The Power of a Hearty Breakfast in Hangover Recovery

One of the most popular hangover remedies is eating a substantial breakfast. But is there any scientific basis to this age-old advice? Let’s explore how a nutritious morning meal can help alleviate hangover symptoms and speed up recovery.

A hearty breakfast can be beneficial for hangover recovery in several ways:

• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Replenishes lost vitamins and minerals
• Provides energy to combat fatigue
• Helps settle an upset stomach

Alcohol consumption can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may worsen hangover symptoms such as nausea, weakness, and fatigue. By eating a balanced breakfast, you can help regulate your blood sugar levels and potentially mitigate these symptoms.

Ideal Breakfast Foods for Hangover Relief

When choosing your post-drinking breakfast, opt for foods that are:

1. Rich in complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grain toast, oatmeal)
2. High in protein (e.g., eggs, Greek yogurt)
3. Containing healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts)
4. Hydrating (e.g., fruits with high water content)
5. Packed with vitamins and minerals (e.g., leafy greens, berries)

A balanced breakfast might include whole grain toast with avocado and eggs, accompanied by a side of fresh fruit and a glass of water or coconut water. This combination provides a mix of nutrients that can help replenish your body and ease hangover symptoms.

While a nutritious breakfast can certainly help, it’s important to remember that the best cure for a hangover is prevention through moderate alcohol consumption and proper hydration.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Hangover Relief

While there’s no magic cure for hangovers, certain natural remedies and supplements may help alleviate symptoms. Let’s explore some evidence-based options that could potentially ease your hangover discomfort.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting, two common hangover symptoms. How does ginger work? It contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols that can help reduce inflammation and soothe an upset stomach. You can consume ginger in various forms:

• Fresh ginger tea
• Ginger supplements
• Candied ginger
• Ginger ale (look for versions made with real ginger)

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear, a type of cactus fruit, has shown promise in reducing hangover symptoms. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that participants who took prickly pear extract before drinking experienced less severe hangover symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. The fruit’s high antioxidant content may help combat the oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption.

B Vitamins and Zinc

Alcohol can deplete your body’s stores of B vitamins and zinc, both of which play crucial roles in metabolism and brain function. Supplementing with a B-complex vitamin and zinc before or after drinking may help replenish these nutrients and potentially reduce hangover severity. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

NAC is an amino acid that supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body. Some studies suggest that NAC may help protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage and potentially reduce hangover symptoms. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed in this area.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used for centuries to support liver health. While there’s limited scientific evidence specifically for hangover relief, its potential liver-protective properties may be beneficial for those who consume alcohol regularly. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

While these natural remedies and supplements may offer some relief, it’s crucial to remember that the most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol altogether. Additionally, always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

The Importance of Moderation in Alcohol Consumption

While we’ve explored various methods to prevent and alleviate hangovers, it’s crucial to address the most effective strategy: moderation in alcohol consumption. Understanding the concept of moderate drinking and its benefits can help you make informed decisions about your alcohol intake.

What is Moderate Drinking?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, moderate drinking is defined as:

• Up to 1 drink per day for women
• Up to 2 drinks per day for men

It’s important to note that these guidelines refer to the amount consumed on any single day and are not intended as an average over several days. A standard drink is typically defined as:

• 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol)
• 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)

Benefits of Moderate Drinking

Practicing moderation in alcohol consumption offers several benefits:

1. Reduced risk of hangovers
2. Lower likelihood of alcohol-related health problems
3. Better sleep quality
4. Improved mental clarity and cognitive function
5. Maintenance of a healthy weight (alcohol contains empty calories)
6. Reduced risk of alcohol dependence

Strategies for Moderate Drinking

If you choose to drink alcohol, here are some strategies to help you maintain moderation:

• Set a drink limit before you start and stick to it
• Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water
• Choose lower alcohol content beverages
• Eat before and while drinking to slow alcohol absorption
• Avoid drinking games or competitions
• Learn to say no to peer pressure
• Consider alcohol-free days or weeks

Remember, while moderate drinking may be acceptable for some, it’s not recommended for everyone. Certain individuals, such as pregnant women, those with certain medical conditions, or individuals taking specific medications, should avoid alcohol altogether. Always consult with your healthcare provider about what’s appropriate for your individual circumstances.

By practicing moderation, you not only reduce your risk of hangovers but also promote overall health and well-being. It’s the most effective “cure” for hangovers because it prevents them from occurring in the first place.

The 6 Best Ways to Prevent (and Cure) a Hangover

Certain foods, supplements, and over-the-counter products can help get rid of a hangover. Some practices may even help prevent you from getting one in the first place.

From pounding headaches to stomach pain, fatigue, and irritability, many of us are all too familiar with the long list of hangover symptoms that often follow a night of heavy drinking.

Although there’s no shortage of purported hangover cures — such as chugging a glass of pickle juice or rubbing a lemon in your armpit before drinking — only a few are backed by science.

Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve symptoms of a hangover, as well as steps you can take to prevent or limit it.

This article looks at 6 easy, evidence-based ways to prevent or relieve a hangover.

1. Avoid drinks with congeners

Through the process of ethanol fermentation, sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and ethanol, also known as alcohol.

Congeners are toxic chemical byproducts that are also formed in small amounts during this process. Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts (1).

Some studies have found that consuming drinks high in congeners could increase the frequency and severity of hangovers. Congeners may also slow the metabolism of alcohol, which can prolong your symptoms (1).

Drinks that are low in congeners include vodka, gin, and rum (1).

Meanwhile, tequila, whiskey, and cognac are all high in congeners, with bourbon whiskey containing the most (1).

In one older study, 95 young adults drank enough vodka or bourbon to reach a breath alcohol concentration of 0.11%. Those drinking high congener bourbon experienced worse hangovers than those drinking low congener vodka (2).

According to another small study in eight people, higher rates of alcohol elimination could be associated with decreased hangover severity. In other words, the faster your body can process the alcohol you drink, the fewer hangover symptoms you may experience (3).

Choosing drinks that are low in congeners could help speed up the metabolism of alcohol and therefore reduce the incidence and severity of hangovers. However, more recent, high quality studies are still needed.

summary

Choosing drinks that are low in congeners, such as vodka, gin, and rum, could decrease the severity and frequency of hangovers, but more research is needed.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration in a few different ways.

First, alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning that it increases the production of urine. This can lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes that your body needs in order to function properly (4, 5).

Second, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, causing further loss of fluids and electrolytes (6).

Although dehydration is not the only cause of a hangover, it contributes to many common hangover symptoms, including increased thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness (7).

As such, increasing your water intake may alleviate some symptoms of hangovers — or potentially even prevent them altogether.

When drinking alcohol, a good rule is to alternate between a glass of water and an alcoholic drink. Though this won’t necessarily prevent dehydration, it can help you moderate your alcohol intake.

Stay hydrated throughout the following day by drinking water whenever you feel thirsty.

summary

Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which may worsen certain hangover symptoms. Staying hydrated could reduce hangover symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

3. Get plenty of sleep

Alcohol can cause sleep disturbances and may be associated with decreased sleep quality and duration for some people (8).

Though low to moderate amounts of alcohol may initially promote sleep, studies show that higher amounts and chronic use can disrupt sleep patterns (9).

While a lack of sleep doesn’t cause a hangover, it can make one worse. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability can become worse as a result of a lack of sleep (10).

Getting a good night’s sleep and allowing your body to recover may alleviate your symptoms and make a hangover more bearable.

summary

Alcohol consumption may interfere with your sleep. A lack of sleep could then contribute to hangover symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and headaches.

4. Eat a good breakfast

Eating a hearty breakfast is one of the most well-known remedies for a hangover.

One reason is that a good breakfast can help you maintain steady blood sugar levels. Although low blood sugar levels are not necessarily the cause of a hangover, they’re often associated with it (1).

Low blood sugar could also worsen certain hangover symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and weakness (11).

In fact, some research suggests that maintaining adequate blood sugar levels could mitigate some of the bodily changes that occur with alcohol consumption, such as the buildup of acid in the blood (12).

Excessive drinking can throw off the balance of the chemicals in your blood and cause metabolic acidosis, which is characterized by increased acidity. It’s often associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue (13).

In addition to helping reduce certain hangover symptoms, eating a healthy breakfast can provide important vitamins and minerals that may become depleted with excessive alcohol intake.

Though studies evaluating the effects of specific foods on hangover symptoms are limited, some studies suggest that L-cysteine — a type of amino acid found in eggs, yogurt, and oats — may be beneficial (14).

Eating more zinc-rich foods — such as nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy products, and whole grains — may also be associated with decreased hangover severity (12).

summary

Eating a good breakfast can help maintain your blood sugar levels, provide important vitamins and minerals, and reduce the symptoms of a hangover.

5. Try certain supplements

Though research is limited, some studies suggest that certain supplements could ease a hangover.

The following supplements have been researched for their ability to reduce hangover symptoms:

• Red ginseng. One older study found that supplementing with red ginseng reduced blood alcohol levels and hangover severity (15).
• Prickly pear. Some research suggests that this type of cactus could help treat hangovers. A 2004 study found that prickly pear extract decreased hangover symptoms. It even halved the risk of experiencing severe symptoms (16).
• Ginger. An older study found that a ginger, brown sugar, and tangerine extract improved certain hangover symptoms. According to test-tube and animal studies, compounds found in ginger may also protect against alcohol-induced liver damage (17, 18, 19).
• Borage oil. One study found that a supplement containing both prickly pear and borage oil, an oil derived from the seeds of starflower, reduced hangover symptoms in 88% of participants (20).
• Eleuthero. One study found that supplementing with eleuthero extract — also known as Siberian ginseng — alleviated several hangover symptoms and decreased the overall severity (21).

Keep in mind, though, that research in humans is lacking and that most available studies are outdated. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate how effectively supplements may reduce hangover symptoms.

summary

Some supplements, including red ginseng, prickly pear, ginger, borage oil, and eleuthero, have been studied for their ability to decrease hangover symptoms. Still, more research is needed.

6. Take a pain reliever

Over-the-counter pain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), could help relieve certain symptoms associated with hangovers.

In fact, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are often used to reduce pain and treat issues that frequently accompany hangovers, such as headaches and muscle aches (22).

What’s more, one small study found that a medication made with a type of NSAID called naproxen and a type of antihistamine called fexofenadine significantly reduced hangover severity compared with placebo (23).

However, you should not use these medications if you’re experiencing symptoms such as nausea or stomach pain, because they could irritate your digestive system and worsen your symptoms (24).

Additionally, keep in mind that pain relievers containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, could increase the risk of liver damage when combined with alcohol. Do not use these to treat a hangover (25).

summary

NSAIDs may help treat certain hangover symptoms and could reduce the severity. However, never use acetaminophen to treat a hangover, and avoid NSAIDs if you’re experiencing digestive symptoms such as nausea or stomach pain.

While there are many well-known hangover cures out there, few are backed by science.

Still, there are several evidence-based ways to avoid or limit the unpleasant symptoms that typically follow a night of drinking.

Strategies include staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, eating a good breakfast, drinking in moderation, limiting high congener drinks, and taking certain supplements or medications.

Just one thing

Try this today: Pairing alcohol with a hearty meal and plenty of water is a great way to moderate your alcohol consumption. It can also help you stay hydrated and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals to help prevent or limit a hangover.

Was this helpful?

Read this article in Spanish

The 6 Best Ways to Prevent (and Cure) a Hangover

Certain foods, supplements, and over-the-counter products can help get rid of a hangover. Some practices may even help prevent you from getting one in the first place.

From pounding headaches to stomach pain, fatigue, and irritability, many of us are all too familiar with the long list of hangover symptoms that often follow a night of heavy drinking.

Although there’s no shortage of purported hangover cures — such as chugging a glass of pickle juice or rubbing a lemon in your armpit before drinking — only a few are backed by science.

Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve symptoms of a hangover, as well as steps you can take to prevent or limit it.

This article looks at 6 easy, evidence-based ways to prevent or relieve a hangover.

1. Avoid drinks with congeners

Through the process of ethanol fermentation, sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and ethanol, also known as alcohol.

Congeners are toxic chemical byproducts that are also formed in small amounts during this process. Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts (1).

Some studies have found that consuming drinks high in congeners could increase the frequency and severity of hangovers. Congeners may also slow the metabolism of alcohol, which can prolong your symptoms (1).

Drinks that are low in congeners include vodka, gin, and rum (1).

Meanwhile, tequila, whiskey, and cognac are all high in congeners, with bourbon whiskey containing the most (1).

In one older study, 95 young adults drank enough vodka or bourbon to reach a breath alcohol concentration of 0.11%. Those drinking high congener bourbon experienced worse hangovers than those drinking low congener vodka (2).

According to another small study in eight people, higher rates of alcohol elimination could be associated with decreased hangover severity. In other words, the faster your body can process the alcohol you drink, the fewer hangover symptoms you may experience (3).

Choosing drinks that are low in congeners could help speed up the metabolism of alcohol and therefore reduce the incidence and severity of hangovers. However, more recent, high quality studies are still needed.

summary

Choosing drinks that are low in congeners, such as vodka, gin, and rum, could decrease the severity and frequency of hangovers, but more research is needed.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration in a few different ways.

First, alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning that it increases the production of urine. This can lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes that your body needs in order to function properly (4, 5).

Second, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, causing further loss of fluids and electrolytes (6).

Although dehydration is not the only cause of a hangover, it contributes to many common hangover symptoms, including increased thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness (7).

As such, increasing your water intake may alleviate some symptoms of hangovers — or potentially even prevent them altogether.

When drinking alcohol, a good rule is to alternate between a glass of water and an alcoholic drink. Though this won’t necessarily prevent dehydration, it can help you moderate your alcohol intake.

Stay hydrated throughout the following day by drinking water whenever you feel thirsty.

summary

Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which may worsen certain hangover symptoms. Staying hydrated could reduce hangover symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

3. Get plenty of sleep

Alcohol can cause sleep disturbances and may be associated with decreased sleep quality and duration for some people (8).

Though low to moderate amounts of alcohol may initially promote sleep, studies show that higher amounts and chronic use can disrupt sleep patterns (9).

While a lack of sleep doesn’t cause a hangover, it can make one worse. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability can become worse as a result of a lack of sleep (10).

Getting a good night’s sleep and allowing your body to recover may alleviate your symptoms and make a hangover more bearable.

summary

Alcohol consumption may interfere with your sleep. A lack of sleep could then contribute to hangover symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and headaches.

4. Eat a good breakfast

Eating a hearty breakfast is one of the most well-known remedies for a hangover.

One reason is that a good breakfast can help you maintain steady blood sugar levels. Although low blood sugar levels are not necessarily the cause of a hangover, they’re often associated with it (1).

Low blood sugar could also worsen certain hangover symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and weakness (11).

In fact, some research suggests that maintaining adequate blood sugar levels could mitigate some of the bodily changes that occur with alcohol consumption, such as the buildup of acid in the blood (12).

Excessive drinking can throw off the balance of the chemicals in your blood and cause metabolic acidosis, which is characterized by increased acidity. It’s often associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue (13).

In addition to helping reduce certain hangover symptoms, eating a healthy breakfast can provide important vitamins and minerals that may become depleted with excessive alcohol intake.

Though studies evaluating the effects of specific foods on hangover symptoms are limited, some studies suggest that L-cysteine — a type of amino acid found in eggs, yogurt, and oats — may be beneficial (14).

Eating more zinc-rich foods — such as nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy products, and whole grains — may also be associated with decreased hangover severity (12).

summary

Eating a good breakfast can help maintain your blood sugar levels, provide important vitamins and minerals, and reduce the symptoms of a hangover.

5. Try certain supplements

Though research is limited, some studies suggest that certain supplements could ease a hangover.

The following supplements have been researched for their ability to reduce hangover symptoms:

• Red ginseng. One older study found that supplementing with red ginseng reduced blood alcohol levels and hangover severity (15).
• Prickly pear. Some research suggests that this type of cactus could help treat hangovers. A 2004 study found that prickly pear extract decreased hangover symptoms. It even halved the risk of experiencing severe symptoms (16).
• Ginger. An older study found that a ginger, brown sugar, and tangerine extract improved certain hangover symptoms. According to test-tube and animal studies, compounds found in ginger may also protect against alcohol-induced liver damage (17, 18, 19).
• Borage oil. One study found that a supplement containing both prickly pear and borage oil, an oil derived from the seeds of starflower, reduced hangover symptoms in 88% of participants (20).
• Eleuthero. One study found that supplementing with eleuthero extract — also known as Siberian ginseng — alleviated several hangover symptoms and decreased the overall severity (21).

Keep in mind, though, that research in humans is lacking and that most available studies are outdated. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate how effectively supplements may reduce hangover symptoms.

summary

Some supplements, including red ginseng, prickly pear, ginger, borage oil, and eleuthero, have been studied for their ability to decrease hangover symptoms. Still, more research is needed.

6. Take a pain reliever

Over-the-counter pain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), could help relieve certain symptoms associated with hangovers.

In fact, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are often used to reduce pain and treat issues that frequently accompany hangovers, such as headaches and muscle aches (22).

What’s more, one small study found that a medication made with a type of NSAID called naproxen and a type of antihistamine called fexofenadine significantly reduced hangover severity compared with placebo (23).

However, you should not use these medications if you’re experiencing symptoms such as nausea or stomach pain, because they could irritate your digestive system and worsen your symptoms (24).

Additionally, keep in mind that pain relievers containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, could increase the risk of liver damage when combined with alcohol. Do not use these to treat a hangover (25).

summary

NSAIDs may help treat certain hangover symptoms and could reduce the severity. However, never use acetaminophen to treat a hangover, and avoid NSAIDs if you’re experiencing digestive symptoms such as nausea or stomach pain.

While there are many well-known hangover cures out there, few are backed by science.

Still, there are several evidence-based ways to avoid or limit the unpleasant symptoms that typically follow a night of drinking.

Strategies include staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, eating a good breakfast, drinking in moderation, limiting high congener drinks, and taking certain supplements or medications.

Just one thing

Try this today: Pairing alcohol with a hearty meal and plenty of water is a great way to moderate your alcohol consumption. It can also help you stay hydrated and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals to help prevent or limit a hangover.

Was this helpful?

Read this article in Spanish

which effective tablets are better to use

11/28/2022

Author: Serchenko Olga Gennadievna

Pharmacist (experience 14 years)

Reading time — 3 min.

|

454  297

At 20 years of age, a healthy young body gives a wonderful ability to walk with friends or colleagues all night long, and it does not matter how much alcoholic drinks were drunk. At 9 o’clock in the morning you, fresh as a cucumber, smile at the leadership at the planning meeting. But with age, it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to keep fit after stormy parties and look cheerful the next morning.

People who clearly know their “norm” can be envied, because many people find it difficult to stop in the courage of a feast, especially if alcohol flows like water and toasts follow one after another. So that in the morning, with difficulty getting to the bathroom, you do not see the revived portrait of Dorian Gray in the mirror, it is better to purchase effective hangover pills in advance.

Contents

1. What is a hangover?
2. What should be avoided with a hangover?
3. How to avoid a hangover?
4. Recommended medicines

What is a hangover?

From a philosophical point of view, a hangover is a heavenly punishment for an excessive amount of cheerful drinks the day before, and from a medical point of view, these are only the consequences of poisoning the body, post-intoxication syndrome. This condition can last up to 3 days, depending on the age, condition of the body and the fact of taking conventional or effervescent hangover pills.

Hangover symptoms:

• headache;
• puffiness;
• sweating;
• disorientation;
• tachycardia;
• dry mouth;
• depressed state (yes, when alcohol is abused, it turns into the strongest depressant).

What should you avoid when you have a hangover?

1. Alcohol. The term “hangover” must be forgotten, like a bad dream. The fact that like cures like is a myth in this case!
2. Strong coffee and tea. Do not overload your heart even more.
3. Heavy food. Sometimes an uncontrollable feeling of hunger becomes a companion of alcohol intake. It is important to avoid overeating, especially heavy meals, which can greatly harm an already weakened liver.
4. Hot tub. An increase in temperature leads to a sharp jump in blood pressure. The heart, already working in an enhanced mode, may not be able to cope with this. Better take a contrast shower.
5. Active physical activity. No gyms and pools – the best alternative would be a quiet walk in the fresh air.
6. Paracetamol. If you have a headache, stop taking any medicines containing paracetamol (for example, Citramon) to avoid additional damage to the liver.

How to avoid a hangover?

Given: On Wednesday evening, a colleague calls you to celebrate the award, and on Thursday morning, an inspection by the authorities is planned.

Required: Don’t offend your colleague and don’t scare away the management with your appearance and hangover amber.

Solution:

1. Of course, you can refuse to go to a party, but in this case, a colleague may simply not call you next time, and you will lose confidence and a fair dose of compromising information on employees.
2. There is another option: when you come to a party, abstain from alcohol. Then you will fully feel like a black sheep and receive the honorary title of “snack destroyer”.
3. Another proven way is to drink hangover pills in the morning before the feast. They should be washed down with plenty of water. Be sure to check with the pharmacy that you need an anti-hangover drug just before drinking alcohol.
4. And the most common option is to deal with the consequences: healthy sleep, contrast showers, brine and hangover pills are among the most effective (better to take them with you).

Let’s give some more tips on how to behave at the party itself so that the hangover in the morning is minimal:

• go in for sports the day before (but don’t overdo it) and have a hearty dinner;
• give preference only to high-quality and proven alcohol, because not only the concentration of alcohol affects the state of health, but also various dyes, flavor enhancers and other preservatives;
• As an addition to alcohol, choose light snacks so as not to create additional stress on the stomach and liver. Refuse heavy food: fried meat, spicy and spicy dishes, sweets and coffee, as well as energy drinks.

Recommended medicines

Before you buy the first remedy that comes across, decide whether you want to protect yourself from a hangover preventively or deal with its consequences later. This information must be reported to the pharmacist when buying the drug.

Fortunately, most of these products are sold without a prescription, so getting them at a pharmacy is not the slightest problem. We will tell you in detail which are the most effective pills to help with a hangover.

1. Alka-Seltzer – A dietary supplement aimed at stimulating metabolism, suitable for moderate hangovers. It perfectly tones, improves blood flow in the tissues and copes with swelling, malaise and headache. Effectively fights gastrointestinal disorders and normalizes liver function. The main active ingredient is aspirin, additional ones are baking soda and citric acid. Accepted after the fact.
2. Antipohmelin – dietary supplement in the form of fruit-flavored chewable lozenges. The combination of ascorbic acid, glucose, glutamine and succinic acid prevents ethanol from entering the bloodstream and perfectly unloads the liver. Recognized as one of the most effective and safe hangover pills. It is taken both for preventive purposes and for hangovers of varying severity.
3. Limontar is a dietary supplement that combines citric and succinic acids and is an excellent antioxidant. One of the main advantages is the high rate of reduction in the manifestations of alcohol poisoning. It can also be used to prevent a hangover, and in case of its occurrence.
4. Alka-Prim is another effective hangover effervescent tablet based on aspirin, soda and glycine. Aspirin eliminates the manifestations of intoxication, soda fights heartburn and increases pH, and glycine stimulates brain activity and protects brain cells. This remedy is drunk after the fact.
5. Alcomed – dietary supplement in the form of fast-dissolving tablets with a rich fruity taste, has an antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect. A significant plus is getting rid of the hangover amber from the mouth. You can use this tool before the party, at any time and after, on a sore head.
6. AlcoClean – dietary supplement based on glutargin is effective in the prevention of alcohol poisoning. It stimulates the body in several directions at once: reducing the manifestations of hangover intoxication, protecting the liver and relieving psycho-emotional stress, preventing the onset of depression.
7. Acidum C – dietary supplement in the form of drops to get rid of the effects of a hangover. It is recommended to keep it in the mouth longer before swallowing, then the speed of onset of symptom relief will increase several times. It normalizes the psycho-emotional background and the nervous system as a whole, regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, relieves nausea and vomiting, relieves tachycardia.
8. Zorex Morning – the perfect combination of aspirin, soda and citric acid will help to cope with the signs of a hangover in half an hour. Effervescent hangover pills will return to normal: the headache and aching joints will go away, the stomach will stop twisting in a knot, nausea will pass. The metabolism is normalized, the decay products of ethanol are excreted from the body.
9. Drink Off – is a storehouse of natural ingredients: ginseng, eleutherococcus, guarana, succinic acid, ginger, mate, licorice and many others. It has a complex effect: it removes the symptoms of intoxication, improves the emotional background, gives a boost of energy. Effectively eliminates the smell of fume. The most convenient form is jelly sticks.
10. Aminosorb is a natural sorbent based on chitosan, which is obtained from the chitin of bees and crustacean shells, is an odorless white powder. An effective antioxidant provides quick and easy relief from hangover symptoms by preventing toxins from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It is permissible to use both before and after drinking alcohol.
11. Bizon is a dietary supplement that does not allow the very fact of a hangover. It is a real salvation for those who are prone to rapid intoxication. Succinic acid will maintain a normal level of metabolism and protect the body from lack of oxygen.
12. Guten Morgen – you may not believe it, but this is … pickle! Dried cucumber and so desired in the morning. There are no restrictions on the amount used, but the package contains only 12 sachets. As such, this drug is not a drug, but the effect of taking it is simply magical: protection against dehydration, restoration of physical energy and mental activity, normalization of magnesium and potassium levels. And yet – a wonderful taste and zero side effects.
13. Enterosgel – paste or gel in a convenient package does not have a pronounced smell and taste. It is based on organic silicon. Effectively copes with most manifestations of alcohol poisoning, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, stopping nausea and vomiting. Works great for odor control. It is possible to take it in advance or at the onset of a hangover.

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

Sources

• Severin E. S. Biochemistry // M.: GEOTAR-MEDIA // 2009;
• Sivolap Yu. P. // Liver damage in patients with alcoholism // Narcology.

The information is presented for informational purposes only and is not medical advice or a guide to treatment by uteka.ru.

What to take for a hangover – All pharmacies

What to take for a hangover – All pharmacies

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