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How to recover from hangover quickly: 7 Effective Home Remedies (Supported by Science)

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.

Top Picks

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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step-by-step instructions with expert advice

The suffering that is a hangover can be radically cured by only one method – the rejection of alcohol in large doses. In addition, there are many methods of “treating” a hangover, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

According to experts, in the fight against a hangover, it is most advisable to combine several different tips that will be most effective for a specific problem. We discuss the problem of dealing with a hangover from different angles to help you feel better as soon as possible.

Of course, the surest way to avoid a hangover is not to drink too much. Organizations such as the WHO, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the US Department of Health recommend that men drink no more than 2 drinks per day and women no more than 1.

A serving is 14 grams of pure alcohol: strong alcohol;

  • glass of wine;
  • 0.33l of beer.
  • What is a hangover

    Scientists and doctors have tried to figure out what exactly causes a hangover, but it’s more complicated than one might think. The effects of alcohol on the body are, at least in part, inflammatory in nature and are related to the chemical effects it has on the brain.

    Experts explain three factors that often cause next day side effects from too much alcohol:

    Dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it increases the production of urine. And if you drink alcohol, then you don’t drink water.

    Bad sleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep at first, but studies show that metabolic products cause sleep disturbance and an inability to fall asleep at night. We know that sleep is our body’s natural reset. So if we can’t sleep well and our body is busy getting rid of alcohol and its by-products, it won’t be able to perform its normal reset routine. This may be one of the reasons why the next morning we feel bad and do not look good.

    Accumulation of toxins. Alcohol is broken down in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde (acetone). Acetaldehyde is further cleaved by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and glutathione.

    When drinking a lot of alcohol, the liver does not have time to neutralize all the toxins. Thus, toxic acetaldehyde builds up in the blood while the liver tries to make extra glutathione.

    Elevated levels of acetaldehyde can lead to oxidative stress, liver damage and possibly cancer over time. Genetic variations in the detox process can determine how quickly and efficiently you are able to metabolize alcohol, which can later cause problems for those who metabolize alcohol slowly.

    Step-by-step hangover guide

    In addition to limiting the number of drinks, experts offer several more options for dealing with a hangover before and after drinking in a bar.

    Choose light alcohol

    Drink organic vodka or light-colored, high-quality drinks. Light spirits contain fewer toxins than dark ones.

    Do not stir drinks

    Avoid mixtures with sugar, cocktails and lowering degrees.

    Drink more water

    Seems easy, but it’s the best way to avoid a hangover. Alternating alcoholic beverages with a glass of water not only helps you stay hydrated, but also slows down your overall drinking.

    Drinking alcohol prevents the body from producing a chemical called vasopressin. This means that the kidneys send water directly to the bladder and not to the tissues of the body. This is another reason why you need to go to the toilet so many times while you are having fun and drinking alcohol. Frequent urination also leads to dehydration, since the body can excrete four times as much water, which is probably why you will have a severe headache and dry mouth in the morning.

    The best solution is to place a large bottle (or two) of water in front of the bed. So you won’t forget to drink it when you get ready for bed. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water when you wake up the next morning. In any case, we should drink 8 glasses a day, and with a hangover – 2 times more.

    We should drink 8 glasses of water a day, and with a hangover – 2 times more. Photo: Pixabay

    Eating a hearty meal

    Eating a wholesome meal with good quality protein and healthy fats before drinking helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

    If you can and want to eat a large plate of white or high fat food in the morning to cure a hangover, this is an option that can work for many people. Fat in foods contains a lot of calories, so you get an energy boost, while eggs and meat are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which is considered to be a good detoxifier.

    However, if you’re feeling sick, experts recommend that a bland breakfast help restore blood sugar levels without causing more stomach problems. Crackers, toast, or thin vegetable broth are some of the options.

    Alcohol can also lower potassium levels, so eating one or two bananas can help you feel better.

    Hangover cures

    Eggs. Your liver is working to its limits to neutralize the acetaldehyde toxin with an amino acid called L-cysteine. Help your liver by eating eggs for breakfast, which are a source of L-cysteine.

    Coconut water. Alcohol is a diuretic that prevents the pituitary gland from producing vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which then causes the kidneys to reabsorb less water and excrete it instead. This loss of water can also cause electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration, as well as loss of electrolytes, can cause headaches, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle spasms. Fight dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Coconut water supplies the body with potassium, so it hydrates you and helps replenish electrolyte balance at the same time.

    Make your own anti-hangover drink: mix water, freshly squeezed juice, a pinch of sea salt and honey (optional).

    Bananas. They are famous for their high content of electrolyte potassium, which is also a good idea if you suffer from indigestion. Alcohol can have an inflammatory effect on the stomach lining and digestive system, which is a common cause of nausea and indigestion.

    Ginger. Cut fresh ginger root and add it to water. Ginger can be effective for nausea and vomiting.

    Can of sweet lemon soda. A can of lemon-based sweet soda (Sprite or Seven-Up) might be just what you need. A Chinese study of 57 different drinks found that lemon and lime helped flush alcohol out of the body faster, making you feel better faster.

    Sprite was one of the drinks that accelerated the process the most, causing the alcohol to break down faster, shortening the duration of the hangover. The experts explain: It’s high in water for rehydration and high in sugar for instant rejuvenation, but the simple sugars mean the tone won’t last long and you need to eat afterward.

    Plus, lemon and lime juice is alkaline and helps to balance the acid in the intestines, suppressing the feeling of nausea.

    Painkillers and other drugs

    Paracetamol. It can help relieve discomfort. This is another obvious choice – especially when you wake up feeling like your head is in a vise. Experts recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers. They can help with headaches and muscle spasms, but avoid taking aspirin as it can further irritate your stomach and make you feel more nauseated. Instead, opt for a paracetamol or ibuprofen based product.

    Soluble tablets with vitamins. A great way to make up for the loss of nutrients due to alcohol. They contain vitamin C, B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium.

    Popular questions and answers

    neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin answered our questions about a hangover.

    Why is a hangover dangerous?

    In people who have chronic diseases, exacerbation and worsening of the condition is possible. And in itself, a severe hangover is a day, or even more, that practically falls out of life. In the state of a hangover, attention is scattered, coordination is impaired, and accidents, accidents and injuries are possible.

    When should a doctor be called?

    Any hangover disorder, severe symptoms that do not improve during the day – this is a reason to call a doctor.

    What are the consequences of a hangover?

    Many people use the “wedge by wedge” method to get rid of a hangover and hangover. It is worth emphasizing that the use of alcohol to overcome a hangover increases the burden on alcohol metabolism, increasing toxicosis and damage to the body. You are delaying the inevitable hangover and doing even more damage to your body. And if you drink more than a day in a row, you may develop a binge.

    How to quickly get rid of a hangover at home: pills and folk methods

    TOMSK, January 1 – RIA Tomsk. Hangovers are not fatal, they say
    doctors. However, why does this condition occur precisely after the alcohol has been released?
    from the body, science is unknown. How to survive January 1 with the least consequences and in what cases medical help is needed, associate professor told RIA Tomsk
    Siberian Medical State University (SibGMU) Daria Podchinenova.

    Fun fun – hard hangover

    Alcohol hangover manifests itself
    feeling unwell, which can last up to a day. At present
    while experts do not know exactly why this condition occurs exactly when
    when alcohol and its decay products are no longer left in the body.

    “A hangover is
    headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sometimes sweating,
    irritability, nausea, diarrhea and feeling tired. Presence of alcohol
    hangovers and their symptoms vary widely among people, and it is not clear which factors
    determine its development and severity,” the expert notes.

    Although large doses
    alcohol leads to more severe symptoms, hangovers are not related to the amount
    drunk. In addition, there is such a category of people who almost always
    experience a hangover, despite the fact that they drink very little.

    “Of course, hangover
    adversely affects not only physical health, but psychological,
    however, this condition, unlike alcohol poisoning, is not fatal.
    says Podchinenova.

    Time heals

    The only reliable
    The cure for a hangover is time. However, there are several methods that
    can be used to help yourself.

    “Drink more water.
    Alcohol inhibits the action of a hormone that is responsible for the regulation of water
    balance in the body. As a result, a person begins to lose more fluid. Chicken
    decaffeinated broth or sports drinks will restore the mineral balance.
    Fruit juices, herbal teas, brine will also help,” the interlocutor advises.
    agencies.

    © RIA Tomsk. Olga Trepova

    What to eat to lose weight: Tomsk expert on New Year’s menu

    Will also be helpful
    foods rich in complex carbohydrates: bread, crackers. They level up
    blood sugar and soothe the stomach.

    “Avoid taking funds
    for hangovers that contain paracetamol. Such drugs after taking
    Alcohol puts extra stress on the liver and can damage it. AND
    Resist the temptation to “treat” your hangover with more alcohol.
    Not only will this make you feel worse, it may also
    become a stepping stone to alcohol addiction,” warns Podchinenova.

    Alternative
    There are a lot of “folk” remedies for a hangover, but researchers have not found one that universally and safely eliminates all symptoms.
    hangover from any drink.

    “Required
    talk to a specialist doctor before trying these types of drugs. Bear
    Keep in mind that natural doesn’t always mean safe.”
    expert.

    When do you need medical help?

    Most funds
    against a hangover, only one or two symptoms of this condition will be removed, and drugs,
    that will instantly put you on your feet does not exist. However, sometimes
    feeling unwell after a stormy evening can develop into a threat to life – this
    associated with alcohol poisoning.

    Medical Team
    must be called when a person is “lost in space”,
    for example, can’t figure out where he is. The help of specialists is needed in case
    vomiting, convulsions, slow breathing (less than eight breaths per minute), lowering
    body temperature, fainting and blanching of the skin,” says the expert.

    How to prevent the consequences of a stormy evening?
    The most effective way to avoid a hangover. But on New Year’s holidays
    not everyone can refuse feasts.

    © press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Tomsk region

    More than 10 tons of burnt alcohol in bottles of cool brands seized in Tomsk

    “Choose
    quality alcohol. A fake can be deadly. Yes, methanol
    which cannot be distinguished from ethanol by improvised methods, annually leads to
    dozens of deaths,” notes Podchinenova.

    When choosing a drink
    pay attention to the place of purchase: no dubious “stalls” and
    delivery via taxi. Look at the price – good drinks can’t cost
    cheap. “Tightly closed cork, dispenser neck, good paper for
    labels are signs of quality alcohol,” says the interlocutor
    agencies.

    Give preference
    light drinks. Responsible for the dark color and aroma of alcoholic beverages
    congeners – these are associated with more severe and longer hangovers. Least of all
    congeners in clear drinks such as vodka or gin.

    To minimize
    consequences of a stormy evening, before drinking alcohol you need to
    be sure to eat a hearty meal – for example, pasta, rice or dishes rich in fats,
    such food will slow down the absorption of alcohol.

    “Don’t forget
    have a snack. Drink a glass of water or any other non-carbonated drink
    decaffeinated between each drink. This will help reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
    and reduce dehydration. Do not smoke,
    because smoking in combination with alcohol increases the risk of hangovers,” says the expert.

    Drink slowly. Healthy
    speed – no more than one drink per hour. One drink means
    approximately 350 milliliters (ml) 5% proof beer, 100 ml fortified wine, 150 ml
    dry wine or 45 ml of vodka, cognac, whiskey or other drink with a strength of 40
    degrees.