How to Ease a Hangover: Effective Home Remedies and Prevention Tips
What causes a hangover. How can you alleviate hangover symptoms at home. What are the most effective ways to prevent future hangovers. How long do hangovers typically last. When should you seek medical attention for a hangover.
Understanding Hangovers: Causes and Symptoms
A hangover is a collection of unpleasant symptoms that occur after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. But what exactly happens in your body to cause these effects? Let’s explore the science behind hangovers and their common symptoms.
What Causes a Hangover?
Hangovers result from several factors related to alcohol consumption:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urination and fluid loss.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Excessive drinking can disrupt the body’s balance of essential minerals.
- Low blood sugar: Alcohol consumption can interfere with glucose regulation.
- Stomach inflammation: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to nausea and discomfort.
- Alcohol withdrawal: As your body processes alcohol, you may experience mild withdrawal symptoms.
Common Hangover Symptoms
While hangover experiences can vary from person to person, some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and muscle aches
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Mood disturbances
- Disrupted sleep patterns
How long do hangovers typically last? Most hangover symptoms resolve within 24 hours, though some individuals may experience effects for up to 72 hours in severe cases.
6 Effective Home Remedies to Ease Hangover Symptoms
While there’s no magical cure for a hangover, several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. Here are six effective strategies to try:
1. Replenish with Food
Eating the right foods can help absorb remaining alcohol and boost energy levels. Which foods are best for hangover recovery?
- Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide steady energy.
- Protein-rich foods: Eggs, lean meats, and legumes support liver function and blood sugar regulation.
- Bananas: High in potassium, they help restore electrolyte balance.
- Salty snacks: They can help replenish lost sodium and stimulate thirst.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Proper hydration is crucial for hangover recovery. What should you drink to rehydrate effectively?
- Water: Plain water is always a good choice for rehydration.
- Sports drinks: They can help replace lost electrolytes.
- Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes and minerals.
- Herbal teas: Ginger or peppermint tea can help settle an upset stomach.
3. Avoid the “Hair of the Dog”
Despite popular belief, drinking more alcohol (the “hair of the dog”) is not an effective hangover cure. Why is this approach counterproductive?
Consuming more alcohol may temporarily alleviate symptoms by dulling your senses, but it ultimately prolongs the hangover and can lead to unhealthy drinking patterns. Instead, focus on hydration and rest to allow your body to recover naturally.
4. Try Natural Supplements
Certain natural supplements may help alleviate hangover symptoms. Which supplements show promise for hangover relief?
- Red ginseng: May reduce blood alcohol levels and hangover severity.
- Prickly pear extract: Could help reduce inflammation and nausea.
- Korean pear juice: Consumed before drinking, it may lower blood alcohol levels.
- B-complex vitamins: Help support liver function and energy metabolism.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
5. Use Over-the-Counter Medications Wisely
Certain over-the-counter medications can help manage specific hangover symptoms. Which medications are safe to use, and what precautions should you take?
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or aspirin can help with headaches and body aches.
- Antacids: Can provide relief for stomach discomfort and nausea.
- Anti-nausea medications: Such as Pepto-Bismol, may help settle your stomach.
Important: Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) when alcohol is in your system, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Always follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
6. Take a Revitalizing Shower
A shower can be surprisingly effective in alleviating hangover symptoms. How does a shower help with hangover recovery?
- Increases circulation: Warm water can boost blood flow, helping your body process toxins more efficiently.
- Promotes sweating: This can help eliminate toxins through the skin.
- Refreshes and energizes: The sensation of water on your skin can help you feel more alert and awake.
- Relieves muscle tension: Warm water can soothe sore or tense muscles.
Try alternating between warm and cool water to stimulate circulation and invigorate your senses.
Preventing Future Hangovers: Strategies for Responsible Drinking
While knowing how to manage a hangover is useful, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk of experiencing a hangover:
Moderation is Key
The most reliable way to prevent hangovers is to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol altogether. What constitutes moderate drinking?
- For men: Up to 2 standard drinks per day
- For women: Up to 1 standard drink per day
Remember, a standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
Prepare Before You Drink
Taking certain precautions before drinking can significantly reduce your hangover risk. What steps can you take before a night out?
- Get adequate sleep: Being well-rested can help your body better process alcohol.
- Eat a substantial meal: Food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after consuming alcohol.
- Choose your drinks wisely: Opt for drinks with lower congener content (e.g., vodka over whiskey).
Practice Safe Drinking Habits
How you drink can impact your hangover risk. What habits should you adopt for safer alcohol consumption?
- Pace yourself: Limit yourself to one drink per hour.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water: This helps maintain hydration and slows consumption.
- Avoid mixing different types of alcohol: This can increase the severity of hangovers.
- Know your limits: Be aware of your personal tolerance and stop drinking when you feel the effects.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Hangover Symptoms
While most hangovers resolve on their own, certain symptoms may warrant medical attention. When should you consider seeking professional help for hangover-related issues?
- Symptoms persisting beyond 24 hours
- Severe dehydration (dark urine, extreme thirst, dizziness)
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Low body temperature
If you experience any of these symptoms or are concerned about your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
The Science Behind Hangover Recovery
Understanding the physiological processes involved in hangover recovery can help you make informed decisions about managing symptoms. How does your body recover from a hangover?
Liver Function and Alcohol Metabolism
The liver plays a crucial role in processing alcohol. How does the liver metabolize alcohol, and what impact does this have on hangover recovery?
- Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH): This enzyme breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound.
- Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH): Converts acetaldehyde into acetate, which is less harmful.
- Rate of metabolism: The liver can process about one standard drink per hour.
As your liver works to metabolize alcohol, the accumulation and subsequent breakdown of acetaldehyde contribute to many hangover symptoms. Supporting liver function through hydration and proper nutrition can aid in this process.
Hormonal Changes and Sleep Disruption
Alcohol consumption affects various hormones in your body, which can impact your hangover experience. What hormonal changes occur during a hangover?
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Alcohol suppresses ADH, leading to increased urination and dehydration.
- Cortisol: Alcohol can increase cortisol levels, affecting stress response and inflammation.
- Glutamate: Alcohol initially suppresses glutamate, but levels rebound as alcohol wears off, contributing to hangover symptoms.
Additionally, while alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to poor quality rest and contributing to fatigue during a hangover.
Long-Term Health Implications of Frequent Hangovers
While occasional hangovers may seem harmless, frequent occurrences can have serious long-term health consequences. What are the potential risks associated with recurrent hangovers?
Cognitive Function and Brain Health
Repeated episodes of heavy drinking and subsequent hangovers can impact cognitive function. How does frequent alcohol consumption affect the brain?
- Memory impairment: Both short-term and long-term memory can be affected.
- Reduced cognitive flexibility: The ability to adapt to new situations may decline.
- Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases: Heavy drinking is associated with a higher risk of conditions like dementia.
Cardiovascular Health
Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, can have significant effects on heart health. What cardiovascular risks are associated with frequent drinking and hangovers?
- High blood pressure: Alcohol can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure.
- Irregular heartbeat: Heavy drinking can lead to arrhythmias.
- Increased risk of stroke: Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risks are elevated with heavy alcohol use.
Liver Function and Disease
The liver bears the brunt of alcohol metabolism, and frequent heavy drinking can lead to liver damage. What liver-related conditions are associated with chronic alcohol use?
- Fatty liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause fat accumulation in liver cells.
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse.
- Cirrhosis: Severe scarring of the liver, which can be life-threatening.
Alternative Approaches to Hangover Management
While traditional remedies are helpful, some people explore alternative approaches to managing hangovers. What are some less conventional methods for hangover relief?
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine techniques may offer relief for some hangover symptoms. How might acupressure or acupuncture help with hangovers?
- Nausea relief: Stimulating the P6 (Nei Kuan) point on the inner wrist may alleviate nausea.
- Headache reduction: Targeting specific points on the head and neck might ease tension headaches.
- Overall well-being: Some people report feeling more balanced and energized after acupuncture sessions.
Herbal Remedies
Various herbs have been traditionally used to address hangover symptoms. Which herbs show promise for hangover relief?
- Milk thistle: May support liver function and detoxification.
- Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties.
- Ginkgo biloba: Potentially improves blood flow and cognitive function.
- Kudzu: Some studies suggest it may reduce alcohol cravings and hangover symptoms.
Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before trying new herbal remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mental strategies can help manage the psychological aspects of a hangover. How can mindfulness and relaxation techniques aid in hangover recovery?
- Meditation: Can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Deep breathing exercises: May alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Can help relieve tension and physical discomfort.
- Gentle yoga: Improves circulation and can help with physical symptoms.
While these techniques may not directly address the physiological causes of a hangover, they can help manage stress and discomfort associated with hangover symptoms.
How to Cure a Hangover
Almost everyone over the age of 21 who recreationally drinks alcohol has struggled with a hangover at some point in their lives. If you’ve had a hangover before, you most likely understand how uncomfortable and inconvenient the symptoms can be. You’ve also probably wished that you could cure what you’re feeling without having to move from your bed.
We created this guide to help you cope from a night of partying from the comfort of your own home. Keep reading to learn about what a hangover does to your body and how you can prevent or manage certain side effects.
What It Means To Have A Hangover
A hangover is a set of symptoms that typically affects a person’s body the day after they drink alcohol. As you may know, alcohol has a negative impact on many parts of the body, from the liver to the stomach lining. In fact, the body considers alcohol to be a toxin. So when you have excessive amounts of alcohol in your body, your system will work hard to remove the toxin from your body and get you back to normal. That adjustment period is known as a hangover. How bad your hangover will be depends on what you drink, your sex, your age, your body type, biological factors, and more.
You can get a hangover from drinking heavily, mixing different types of alcohol, not eating before drinking, and more. People usually experience hangovers because of the after-effects that alcohol has on the body, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, stomach inflammation, and alcohol withdrawal.
Hangovers: What Do They Feel Like?
As we mentioned above, hangovers are different for everyone who experiences them. Symptoms may differ from person-to-person, but there are general side effects to look out for.
Here are some of the most common side effects of a hangover:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
- Shakiness
- Brain fog
- Low mood
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Disrupted sleep
While these symptoms are extremely uncomfortable, they are usually not dangerous or life-threatening and will go away in about 24 hours. Hangovers cannot be cured, but symptoms of a hangover can be managed and alleviated at home.
Can You Manage A Hangover From Home?
Yes, you can manage a hangover at home. In most cases, all side effects of a hangover should pass after about one full day. If your hangover symptoms last longer than 24 hours or become too much to handle at home, it may be necessary to seek emergency medical attention.
6 Ways To Ease A Hangover At Home
The symptoms of a hangover can be taxing, but they can be managed if treated properly. Below are some ways to successfully ease hangover symptoms from home:
- Eat, eat, eat – Eating carbs, salty foods, eggs, and bananas can help absorb the alcohol in your body and give you some more energy.
- Stay hydrated – Drink lots of liquids including water and sports drinks to rehydrate and replace any lost electrolytes.
- Avoid the hair of the dog – Obviously, you should not drink alcohol while nursing a hangover.
While the “hair of the dog” rumor is a popular one, drinking does not lessen any hangover symptoms.
- Try some supplements – Natural supplements like red ginseng, prickly pear, and Korean pear may help revitalize your body after a night of drinking.
- Take medications – Over-the-counter drugs may help with symptoms like headaches and nausea. However, you should avoid Tylenol if you have alcohol in your system.
- Take a shower – Taking a hot shower will help you sweat out any toxins and gain energy.
Of course, these methods are not guaranteed to make you feel better if you have a hangover. However, your symptoms are likely to subside if you practice all of these strategies.
Preventing Future Hangovers
If you don’t want to deal with a hangover, you can try your best to prevent it from happening. The most obvious way to prevent getting a hangover is to drink in moderation and give yourself a drink limit when you enjoy a night out. But of course, we all like to let loose every now and then. If you’re prepping for a night of partying but don’t want to suffer from the side effects of a hangover the next day, try to practice a few things before going out. First, you’ll want to make sure you get a full night’s rest before drinking heavily. You also want to be sure to eat a large meal with lots of carbs and have a glass or two of water before you drink alcohol. You should also continue drinking water while drinking alcohol to prevent dehydration.
If you are struggling with getting hangovers often from drinking too much, maybe it is time for you to look into alternatives to stop drinking. Give us a call to talk about alcohol addiction treatment options 267.719.8528.
Sources
https://www.insider.com/hangover-cure
https://www.webmd.com/balance/hangover-cure
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-hangover-cures
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/symptoms-causes/syc-20373012
https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324178#which-factors-affect-a-hangover
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-causes-of-a-hangover-67348
https://www.grove.co/blog/natural-hangover-remedies-that-work
Best Post-Hangover Recovery Drink, Supplements – Rolling Stone
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You’re not alone if your idea of relaxation involves responsibly imbibing in craft cocktails, bubbly or hops. Maybe you’ve found yourself suffering after a night out, or you’ve indulged at home with the convenience of on-demand alcohol delivery or your vino subscription. Whatever the case, chances are you might have gone overboard and had a drink or two or five too much last night — and you’ve paid the price in the form of a hangover.
Some people swear by anecdotal solutions such as chugging coffee as a morning-after hack, taking some Liquid I.V. electrolyte power, or even a little hair of the dog post-bender. Ultimately, there really isn’t a guaranteed way to “cure” a hangover besides avoiding that cocktail or swapping it with a non-alcoholic beverage, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
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What Causes Hangovers?
If you haven’t figured it out by now, you can blame your excessive alcohol consumption for causing your hangover, which usually starts when your blood alcohol levels begin to decrease, says Harvard. As the NIAA notes, drinking alcohol can result in dehydration, poor sleep, irritation of the stomach lining and increased acid release, and inflammation, to name a few factors. Those are to blame for your morning-after symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches, vertigo, fatigue, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise.
What Are the Best Ways to Treat a Hangover?
Though there’s no magic concoction that’ll make your hangover completely disappear, there are ways to alleviate some of the above-mentioned symptoms with some tried-and-true tips.
Eat a hearty meal: We know that drinking alcohol causes blood sugar levels to drop — and mix in our forgetfulness to take a bite or two with every sip, and that can lead to next-day headaches and fatigue. Foods rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals can help bring those levels back up; think toast, pancakes, and fruit juices, to name a few.
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Drink more water and electrolytes: Alcohol is known to be a diuretic, so balance your bottoms-ups with an equal amount of water. Gulping down drinks that are rich in electrolytes (minerals such as calcium, potassium and sodium) can also help, as those ingredients are key to boosting hydration, which is why they’re popular in sports drinks.
Get some sleep: When all else fails, try the old-fashioned “sleep it off” trick. If you’ve ever had a jet lag-like hangover, it’s because alcohol disrupts our brain activity during sleep, says Harvard. Getting more shut-eye can help your body recover.
Looking for other ways to treat that hangover? There are plenty of hangover recovery drinks and products to try, but it’s worth noting that these nutritional supplements haven’t been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration.
1. Molly J Revive Hangover CBD Gumdrops
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If you don’t want to down a disgusting concoction or rely on greasy takeout to “soak up” the booze, why not turn to CBD? It may seem counter-intuitive at first, but Molly J’s Revive Hangover Gumdrops were developed by a team of certified nutritional scientists and licensed medical professionals, with 50mg of high-quality CBD to combat the inflammation and nausea that comes on post-night out. The Revive Gumdrop is also infused with vitamins like potassium, magnesium, and DHM, a rare Japanese tree root historically used to aid in hangover recovery.
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Blowfish for Hangovers
Blowfish’s fizzy effervescent tablets contain pharmaceutical-grade caffeine (which is easier on stomachs) and maximum-strength aspirin to relieve hangover symptoms such as headaches and other pain.
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3. Health-Ade Kombucha Glow-Up
If you want the probiotic benefits of kombucha and the plus-side of ingredients that target your gut health (which can help your hungover stomach the next morning), then down a bottle of booch brand Health-Ade’s drinks from its organic wellness-focused Glow-Up line. The Ginger Pineapple Belly Reset flavor’s got six times more living probiotics than other Health-Ade kombucha, zesty ginger and sweet pineapple to give you a tasty boost of morning-after digestive help.
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4. Liquid I.
V. Hydration Multiplier
For on-the-go hydration, stash a few of Liquid I.V.’s electrolyte powder mixes in your pocket. Hangover or not, the company’s popular Hydration Multiplier is great for anyone who’s dehydrated, and works faster than water alone.
The mix uses cellular transport technology (“a specific ratio of potassium, sodium, and glucose,” says the brand) to deliver nutrients and water to your bloodstream faster and more efficiently. The concoction also contains more than your daily value of vitamins B and C. We like the individual packets, which are easy to stash in your bag for a night out or to travel with on your next tip (try their new “Seaberry” flavor too, which takes its name from a so-called “superfruit” from foothills of the Himalaya and Siberia).
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5. The Plug
Made using a “high-tech distillation process” with the help of researchers in South Korea, The Plug’s plant-based drink contains ingredients that increase the production of the enzymes ADH and ALDH (which the brand notes helps to break down toxins quicker and relieve the liver from doing all of the work). According to the company, that process helps to alleviate nausea and headaches, and it recommends taking its caffeine-free, low-calorie shot before, during or within two hours of drinking alcohol.
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Real talk though: chug one of these before you go to bed at night and you’ll wake up without that sickly, groggy feeling. As the company says right on its packaging, make this your “last shot of the night” and avoid that dreaded morning-after fog.
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6. Elements by Lokai Vitality
Wellness-minded drinkers swear by Elements’ adaptogens-powered Vitality drink, which is concocted with “clinically-effective levels” of ginseng and rhodiola for a mid-hangover boost of energy and stress relief. The non-carbonated beverage is also non-GMO, vegan, caffeine-free and keto-friendly with no added sugars.
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11 ways to relieve a hangover: effective and safe methods
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A hangover is a condition that occurs after drinking large amounts of alcohol. It can be very unpleasant and even dangerous to health.
If you’re experiencing a hangover, here are some tips to help you manage and prevent it in the future:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Drinking alcohol makes you go to the toilet more often, which can lead to dehydration. Drink a glass of water before bed and a few more glasses in the morning.
- Avoid sports drinks as they are not effective in restoring electrolytes after drinking alcohol. Instead, try drinking plain water or drinks that contain electrolytes, which you can buy at the store.
- Eat light snacks to reduce stomach acid. If the acidity in the stomach is too high, it can lead to nausea and vomiting. Try eating a light snack like toast or a banana.
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve headaches. These medications can help manage pain in the head.
- Avoid coffee as it dehydrates the body. Coffee can make your condition worse because it is also a diuretic and can make you more dehydrated.
- Take vitamin C, which helps the liver process alcohol faster. As a source of vitamin C, you can use citrus fruits, kiwi fruit or fresh berries.
- Drink tomato juice to restore your blood sugar levels. Tomato juice contains sugar, which can help restore blood sugar levels. If you do not like tomato juice, you can try other juices, such as apple or orange.
- Do not take activated charcoal after drinking alcohol as it can be dangerous and cause diarrhea and dehydration.
- Take vitamin B6 to reduce hangover symptoms. Vitamin B6 helps the liver process alcohol. Bananas, nuts, or shellfish can be used as a source of vitamin B6.
- Take magnesium to calm the nervous system. Magnesium can help manage the nervous tension that can come with drinking alcohol. You can use nuts, legumes, or whole grains as a source of magnesium.
- Rest and sleep enough to allow the body to recover. Sleep helps the body recover and rest, especially after a long night of celebration.
Try to get more sleep so that your body can fully recover.
Remember that the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or no alcohol at all. If you are unable to control your drinking, seek help from a doctor or addiction treatment specialist. It is important to take care of your health and stay safe.
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- Alcohol dependence formation, course, anti-relapse therapy Eryshev O.F., Rybakova T.G., Shabanov P.D
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5 Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve a Hangover
The only guaranteed way to avoid a hangover is to give up alcohol altogether. But if the effects of New Year’s Eve have already caught up with you, here are a few products that will help make the festive morning bearable.
We’ve all been there: throbbing headache, dry mouth, stomach discomfort. Even if the “last glass of sparkling” seemed like a good idea last night, your body won’t thank you for it tonight. And while the only real way to avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol, there are several scientifically proven life hacks that can help ease the symptoms of alcohol intoxication and make the next day a little more tolerable.
Coconut water
One of the biggest hangover culprits is dehydration. Alcohol is a strong diuretic that removes water and some electrolytes from the body. And coconut water, according to research, is one of the most life-giving liquids for a dehydrated body. This is why many athletes use coconut water for rehydration during workouts instead of water or electrolyte drinks. Coconut water contains an excellent balance of water and electrolytes, which helps to “hydrate” the body from the inside and break down alcohol.
Lime
Alcohol is a poison for the body. When it enters the stomach and then into the blood, the body tries to break it down with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase . Lime will help speed up this process.
If you experience nausea, eating lime by itself is not recommended as it may cause vomiting. But you can mix a little lime juice with coconut water: you get the perfect liquid helper for the body.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve nausea, and modern scientific research confirms the effectiveness of ginger in this regard. And some experiments have shown that it can have not only short-term (relieve nausea here and now), but also long-term effects on the body, such as curing alcoholic fatty liver disease. To all these benefits of ginger, you can safely add its anti-inflammatory properties, which also help to relieve a hangover.
It is best to grate a small piece of ginger (the size of a thumbnail) and drink it with a little water.
Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach or kale are another type of food that helps the body break down alcohol by increasing the production of alcohol dehydrogenase . In addition, they contain quite a lot of magnesium and potassium, the levels of which usually decrease after drinking alcohol.
Studies also show that leafy greens help prevent liver disease in the long term. That is, if you introduce leafy greens into your diet on an ongoing basis, then the liver, as the main organ responsible for this, will be more efficient in removing alcohol from your body.
Pears
Animal studies show that the juice of Asian pears (they look more like apples) is also excellent at stimulating the production of alcohol dehydrogenase , helping to break down alcohol.