How to get through hangover. 11 Effective Hangover Remedies: Science-Backed Solutions for Quick Relief
How can you alleviate hangover symptoms quickly. What are the most effective home remedies for hangovers. Which scientifically-supported methods provide the best hangover relief. How do different hangover cures target specific symptoms.
Understanding Hangovers: Causes and Symptoms
Hangovers are the unpleasant aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption. They occur when the body processes alcohol, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Common hangover symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
These symptoms stem from various physiological effects of alcohol on the body. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, leading to grogginess and fatigue. It also causes blood vessels to dilate, potentially triggering headaches. The irritation of the stomach lining by alcohol can result in nausea and digestive discomfort.
Hydration: The Foundation of Hangover Relief
One of the most crucial steps in combating a hangover is addressing dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to fluid loss. This dehydration contributes significantly to hangover symptoms.
Why is hydration so important for hangover recovery?
Proper hydration helps alleviate several hangover symptoms:
- Reduces headache intensity
- Combats dry mouth
- Supports overall recovery
To maximize hydration benefits:
- Drink water before going to bed after consuming alcohol
- Continue hydrating upon waking
- Consider electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost minerals
While some advocate for IV hydration therapies, these are generally unnecessary and can be risky. A simple glass of water is a safe, effective, and cost-free alternative.
Korean Pear Juice: A Proactive Approach to Hangover Prevention
An intriguing remedy gaining scientific attention is Korean pear juice. This traditional hangover cure has shown promise in recent studies.
How does Korean pear juice work against hangovers?
Research suggests that consuming about 7.5 ounces of Korean pear juice before drinking alcohol can:
- Lower blood alcohol levels
- Reduce the intensity of hangover symptoms
The key to this remedy lies in its timing – it must be consumed before alcohol intake to be effective. Scientists hypothesize that compounds in Korean pear juice may enhance the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol more efficiently.
While more extensive research is needed to fully validate these claims, incorporating Korean pear juice into your pre-drinking routine could be a low-risk strategy for mitigating hangover effects.
Ginseng: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Ginseng, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, is emerging as a potential hangover remedy backed by scientific research.
What types of ginseng show promise for hangover relief?
Two varieties of ginseng have demonstrated potential in alleviating hangover symptoms:
- Red ginseng
- Siberian ginseng (eleuthero)
A small study found that a beverage made from red ginseng reduced hangover symptoms. Similarly, Siberian ginseng extract showed efficacy in improving various hangover-related discomforts, including headaches, dizziness, and stomach pain.
It’s important to note that while ginseng is generally safe for most individuals, those with certain medical conditions should exercise caution. Consult with a healthcare provider before using ginseng supplements, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, as ginseng may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Phyllanthus Amarus: The Tropical Hangover Helper
Phyllanthus amarus, a medicinal herb native to tropical coastal regions, has traditionally been used to treat various ailments affecting the liver, kidneys, and stomach. Recent research suggests it may also offer benefits for hangover relief.
How can Phyllanthus amarus extract help with hangovers?
A small-scale study investigated the effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on regular drinkers. The findings revealed that taking the extract twice daily for ten days resulted in:
- Lower blood alcohol levels
- Reduced hangover symptom severity
- Improved mood
This herb, sometimes referred to as “stone breaker” due to its potential to reduce kidney stone risk, can be found in various forms, including extracts and supplements, in health food stores and online retailers.
While these initial results are promising, it’s essential to approach this remedy with caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Carbohydrates: Fueling Recovery and Stabilizing Blood Sugar
The role of carbohydrates in hangover recovery is often overlooked, but it can be crucial in alleviating certain symptoms and supporting overall recovery.
Why do carbohydrates help with hangover symptoms?
Alcohol consumption can lead to lowered blood sugar levels, contributing to hangover symptoms such as dizziness and shakiness. Consuming carbohydrates can help by:
- Raising blood sugar levels
- Providing energy to the brain
- Reducing fatigue and weakness
Opt for complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy release. Good options include:
- Whole grain toast
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Whole grain crackers
These foods not only help stabilize blood sugar but also provide essential nutrients that support overall recovery. Additionally, some people find that consuming carbohydrates before bed after drinking can help mitigate hangover severity the next morning.
Pain Relievers: Cautious Use for Symptom Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief from hangover-related headaches and body aches. However, it’s crucial to use them judiciously and be aware of potential risks.
Which pain relievers are safe to use for hangover relief?
When choosing a pain reliever for hangover symptoms, consider the following:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with headaches but may irritate the stomach
- Acetaminophen should be avoided due to increased risk of liver damage when combined with alcohol
- Aspirin can also irritate the stomach and should be used cautiously
If opting for an NSAID, take it with food to minimize stomach irritation. Always follow the recommended dosage and avoid combining pain relievers with alcohol or using them as a preventive measure before drinking.
For those with sensitive stomachs or a history of gastrointestinal issues, consider alternative pain relief methods such as cold compresses for headaches or gentle stretching for body aches.
Debunking the “Hair of the Dog” Myth
The notion of drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover, often referred to as “hair of the dog,” is a persistent but misguided approach to hangover relief.
Why is the “hair of the dog” method ineffective and potentially harmful?
Despite its popularity, consuming more alcohol to alleviate hangover symptoms is problematic for several reasons:
- It delays the body’s natural recovery process
- It can lead to further dehydration
- It may contribute to unhealthy drinking patterns
- It doesn’t address the underlying causes of hangover symptoms
While drinking more alcohol might temporarily mask some hangover symptoms, it ultimately prolongs the recovery period and can exacerbate the overall impact on your health. Instead of reaching for another alcoholic beverage, focus on hydration, rest, and nutrient-rich foods to support your body’s natural healing processes.
If you find yourself regularly considering the “hair of the dog” method or struggling with hangovers that significantly impact your daily life, it may be worthwhile to reflect on your drinking habits and consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your alcohol consumption.
The Importance of Sleep in Hangover Recovery
Quality sleep plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to recover from the effects of alcohol consumption. However, alcohol can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, making restorative rest challenging during a hangover.
How does alcohol affect sleep, and why is sleep important for hangover recovery?
Alcohol’s impact on sleep includes:
- Disruption of normal sleep cycles
- Reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
- Increased likelihood of sleep disturbances and early waking
Prioritizing sleep during hangover recovery can:
- Allow the body time to process remaining alcohol
- Help restore normal cognitive function
- Support the immune system
- Alleviate fatigue and irritability
To improve sleep quality during a hangover:
- Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment
- Avoid screens before bedtime
- Stay hydrated, but limit fluid intake close to bedtime to prevent sleep interruptions
- Consider relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help fall asleep
While it may be tempting to sleep excessively during a hangover, aim for a balanced approach. Getting adequate rest is important, but oversleeping can sometimes lead to grogginess and disrupted sleep patterns in the following days.
Nutrition and Supplements for Hangover Recovery
Proper nutrition and targeted supplementation can play a significant role in mitigating hangover symptoms and supporting the body’s recovery process.
Which nutrients and supplements can help alleviate hangover symptoms?
Consider incorporating the following into your hangover recovery routine:
- B-complex vitamins: Alcohol depletes B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism
- Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant
- Magnesium: May help reduce headaches and muscle cramps
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Potentially supports liver function and detoxification
- Milk thistle: Traditional herb used to support liver health
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and easily digestible carbs
- Eggs: Contain cysteine, which may help break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism
- Ginger: Can help alleviate nausea
- Bone broth: Provides hydration and essential minerals
While supplements can be helpful, they should not be relied upon as a cure-all for hangovers. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Exercise and Fresh Air: Gentle Ways to Boost Recovery
While intense exercise is not recommended during a hangover, light physical activity and exposure to fresh air can have beneficial effects on recovery and overall well-being.
How can gentle exercise and outdoor time help with hangover symptoms?
The benefits of light exercise and fresh air during hangover recovery include:
- Increased oxygen flow to the brain and body
- Stimulation of endorphin release, which can improve mood
- Promotion of sweating, which may help eliminate toxins
- Potential reduction in fatigue and grogginess
Consider these gentle activities to support your recovery:
- A slow, easy walk in a park or quiet neighborhood
- Light stretching or gentle yoga
- Deep breathing exercises in an outdoor setting
- Sitting in a sunny spot (with proper sun protection) to boost vitamin D production
Remember to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Stay hydrated during any physical activity, and stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience increased discomfort. The goal is to gently support your body’s natural recovery processes, not to push through intense exercise.
Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Future Hangovers
While understanding effective hangover remedies is valuable, the best approach is to prevent severe hangovers from occurring in the first place. Implementing smart drinking strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood and intensity of hangovers.
What are effective ways to prevent or minimize hangover symptoms?
Consider adopting these preventive measures:
- Pace yourself: Limit alcohol consumption and alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Eat before and while drinking: Food in the stomach slows alcohol absorption
- Choose drinks wisely: Clear liquors may lead to less severe hangovers than darker ones
- Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the night and before bed
- Set limits: Decide on a maximum number of drinks before the evening begins
- Avoid mixing different types of alcohol
- Get enough sleep: Ensure you have time for adequate rest after drinking
Remember that individual tolerance and reactions to alcohol can vary. Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your drinking habits accordingly. If you find that hangovers are significantly impacting your life or that you’re struggling to control your alcohol consumption, don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals or support groups.
By combining these preventive strategies with the remedies discussed earlier, you can work towards minimizing the negative impacts of alcohol consumption on your health and well-being. Always prioritize responsible drinking and listen to your body’s needs.
7 Effective Home Remedies (Supported by Science)
Written by Stephanie Watson
- Water
- Korean Pear Juice
- Ginseng
- Phyllanthus Amarus
- Carbs
- Pain Relievers
- ‘Hair of the Dog’
- Sleep
- More
If you’ve ever had a few too many drinks on a night out, you know what the next morning can bring. The nausea, headache, parched mouth, and fatigue are telltale signs you’ve got a serious hangover.
Each of these symptoms stems from a different cause. Alcohol disrupts sleep and leaves you groggy in the morning. Drinking widens your blood vessels, which can trigger headaches. Alcohol also irritates the lining of your stomach, leading to nausea and sometimes diarrhea.
For almost as long as humans have had hangovers, we’ve tried to cure them with remedies that run the gamut from vitamin B to pickle juice. Some hangover treatments work better than others, but none is an actual cure. The only way to avoid a hangover is to limit how much you drink or avoid alcohol entirely. And if you find that hangovers are affecting your work or relationships, talk to your doctor about your drinking.
That said, a few hangover remedies can bring you relief from at least some of your symptoms. Here are a few tips to try.
A big glass of water might be the easiest hangover solution. Alcohol dehydrates you by increasing the amount of urine your kidneys make. You also lose fluid when you sweat, vomit, or have diarrhea after a night of bingeing. Dehydration causes symptoms like a dry mouth and headache.
If you drink alcohol, drink water before you go to bed. It will curb the effects of the booze in the morning. Another drink of water when you wake up will help keep you hydrated. Have a sports drink to replace the sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes you’ve lost from vomiting or diarrhea.
Some people say that getting fluids through an IV can help ease hangover symptoms. This method has the informal name of “drip bar.” It can be pricey, and health insurance doesn’t cover the bill. But there’s no need to pay for IV fluids when you can drink a glass of water for free. IVs also carry risks like infection.
Korean pear (Asian pear) juice is an old-school hangover remedy. Research shows that drinking about 7 1/2 ounces helps lower blood alcohol levels and makes hangovers less intense. The catch is, you need to drink it before you have alcohol. Drinking it afterward won’t work.
Researchers say Korean pears might work with your body’s chemistry to break down alcohol faster. Only a couple of studies have been done, which is far from proof that this hangover remedy works. But if you can find Korean pear juice at your local supermarket, it doesn’t hurt to try a glass before you go out drinking.
This root has been a feature of Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Herbalists use it to treat ailments ranging from stress to asthma. In one small study, a drink made from red ginseng cut down hangover symptoms.
An unrelated herb that goes by a similar name, Siberian ginseng extract, also improved hangover symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache. But the Siberian type isn’t the ginseng used in Chinese medicine.
Ginseng is safe for most people. Check with your doctor before using it if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Some evidence suggests it might affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
This medicinal herb grows along tropical coasts. It treats liver, kidney, and stomach ailments. In one small study, taking Phyllanthus amarus extract twice a day for 10 days helped lower blood alcohol levels, ease hangover symptoms, and improve mood in regular drinkers.
You can find extracts made from this herb online and in health food stores. Some of these products go by the name “stone breaker” herb. That’s because it may help reduce risk for kidney stones.
Alcohol lowers your blood sugar. That may explain the dizziness and shaking some people get with a hangover. Your brain needs carbs for fuel. Have a couple of slices of wheat toast or a few whole-grain crackers to bring those blood sugar levels back up to normal. You’ll give yourself an energy boost, too.
An over-the-counter pain reliever will calm a pounding headache. Just be careful how much you take. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin irritate the stomach, which could make nausea worse. Avoid acetaminophen when you have a hangover. It can worsen the bad effects of alcohol on your liver.
The idea behind this popular hangover remedy is that taking another drink will relieve the effects of the last few you had. The name comes from an old folk tale that says the way to treat a dog bite is to cover the wound with hair taken from the dog that bit you.
But the truth is drinking again will just throw your body back into the same destructive cycle without giving it time to heal. Experts don’t recommend trying this method.
When it comes to getting over a hangover, time and rest may be the best medicine. Alcohol disrupts sleep. Even if you go to sleep for a few hours after a night of heavy drinking, it won’t be restful. Once you’ve had a glass of water and popped a pain reliever, slip back under the covers and catch up on more restorative sleep.
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How to “cure” a hangover?
What is a hangover and what are the symptoms?
Hangovers vary from person to person, but usually involve a headache, nausea, tiredness and dehydration. Dehydration is one of the main causes of your hangover symptoms.
A hangover can leave you struggling to concentrate, feeling irritable and sensitive to light – not a good combination if you were planning to make the most of the day and not spend it in bed.
The main cause of a hangover is the effect of ethanol – the alcohol in your drinks.
It’s a toxic chemical that works in the body as a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more and you can become dehydrated as a result.
How to prevent a hangover
To avoid recurrence of hangovers, keep track of what you’re drinking and stay within the low risk drinking guidelines by not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. If you do choose to drink as much as this, spread your drinking evenly over three or more days and take several drink-free days during the week. The Drinkaware app can help you keep track how much you’re drinking in terms of units and provide support to help you cut down.
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach as it increases the risk of experiencing hangover symptoms. Food helps slow down the rate your body absorbs alcohol.
Try not to get into rounds. They make it harder to control how much you drink.
Drink plenty of water or soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks to avoid dehydration, one of the main causes of a hangover.
Depending on your weight and other factors, it takes about one hour for a healthy liver to process a unit of alcohol. Consider stopping drinking well before the end of the evening, so the process can begin before you go to bed.
Drink plenty of water before going to sleep and keep a glass by the bed.
Tips to cut down how much you drink
How can you cure a hangover?
- The only hangover cure is prevention, either through drinking moderately, or not at all.
- Drink plenty of water and if you really need it, take a painkiller and an antacid to settle your stomach. You could also try a rehydration treatment sachet – they replace lost minerals and salt.
- Avoid hair of the dog – it only delays the problem. And routine ‘hair of the dog’ drinking can lead to increased tolerance of alcohol and this could lead to alcohol dependence.
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How to survive a hangover at home?
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How to survive a hangover at home?
1. Pickle – recognized as the best remedy that can get rid of a hangover at home.
2. Drink milk, even better when combined with honey. Whatever it was, but milk is better to use purchased. The body is now very vulnerable, and processing and assimilating milk from under a cow will become an impossible task for it. Most likely, you will begin to feel nauseous.
3. If you are tormented by the question: what to do with a severe hangover – gastric lavage or an enema will help. There is nothing funny, the procedures, of course, are not pleasant, but with a severe hangover, this is the best remedy that can remove all toxic substances from the body.
4. If the pain in the head gets worse and can no longer be tolerated, a cold compress can be used.
5. Pure, preferably boiled water or sweet weak tea will help to get rid of a hangover.
6. A hangover is tantamount to poisoning, so a hangover disrupts the work of the gastrointestinal tract. It will not be superfluous to drink a liter of kefir during the day.
7. If you are caught by a severe hangover and clearly do not want to let go, you can drink 2-3 tablets of activated charcoal during the day with a break of a couple of hours.
And super tips on how to drink properly.
✔ Alcohol is not recommended to be consumed with sweets, cakes and sweets due to the fact that sugar has a slowing effect on the breakdown of alcohol, and this in turn leads to an increase in the time of toxic effect on the body.
✔ Do not mix different types of alcohol. It’s a very bad idea to start the evening with a glass of champagne under the chiming clock, and end it with a glass of vodka. Or beer with wine, and rum with cognac? according to your health. Drink one type of alcohol in the evening and you will not suffer a hangover in the morning.
✔ Do not drink marinade with alcohol and do not eat marinated foods. The fact is that the vinegar contained in the marinade slows down the processes associated with the breakdown of alcohol. Such a slow action adversely affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
✔ The combination of alcohol with energy drinks leads to a rapid increase in blood pressure, and this can cause a hypertensive crisis and kidney failure, vasospasm, heart attack.
✔ In almost any annotation to drugs, contraindications include the use of drugs with alcohol.
✔ Mixing drugs with alcohol is life threatening! Not only does alcohol neutralize the effects of drugs, it also enhances the toxic effects of drugs and at best will lead you to a severe hangover, at worst to death.
✔ Never drink alcohol while taking a course of antibiotic pills, sleeping pills, sedatives, heart medication, and insulin.
Doctor Profi team
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There are contraindications, consultation of a specialist is necessary.
Named effective ways to survive a hangover – Gazeta.
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Everyone understands that alcohol is harmful. However, if a person consciously chooses just such a vacation option for himself, it is important to know what will help you recover faster and reduce the consequences of the negative effects of alcohol on the body. Veronika Ochirova, an endocrinologist at the FSCC FMBA of Russia, told Gazeta.Ru about this.
“Try to get a good night’s sleep, at least eight hours. And never get drunk, even with a small amount of weak alcohol. This will indeed bring a short-term positive effect, but over time, the state of health will only worsen. A healthy breakfast is important – opt for light foods, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Porridges on the water, steamed chicken or fish, baked vegetables are suitable. Hot khash and fish broth will also help, but their use should be timed to dinner. It is better to drink water in its pure form,” the doctor recommends.
Veronika Ochirova emphasizes the importance of fresh air, which helps to quickly remove decay products from the blood through breathing: “If it is not possible to get together and go for a short walk, open the windows and ventilate the room well.”
To alleviate the hangover situation, the doctor recommends the use of an oral intestinal adsorbent, for example, in the form of a gel.
The endocrinologist notes that if necessary, you can take aspirin: “The body loses fluid from alcohol and, as a result, the blood thickens, which can cause a headache. The main thing is not to take the drug on an empty stomach. The dosage of aspirin for a hangover should not exceed 100 mg.
To restore water and electrolyte balance, the doctor recommends an isotonic drink (drink for athletes). Among other suitable drinks, the expert named brine, mineral water, natural fruit drinks and juices without added sugar, green tea, tan, ayran.