How can you effectively recover from a hangover. What are the best expert-recommended remedies for hangover relief. Which strategies help alleviate common hangover symptoms like headache and nausea. What foods and drinks provide the most hangover relief. How long does it typically take to recover from a hangover.

Understanding Hangovers: Causes and Symptoms

Hangovers result from excessive alcohol consumption and can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The primary factors contributing to hangovers include:

• Inflammation in the body
• Dehydration due to increased urination
• Sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep patterns

Common hangover symptoms include nausea, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, and stomach discomfort. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on the amount of alcohol consumed and individual factors.

How does alcohol affect the body during a hangover?

Alcohol impacts the body in several ways during a hangover:

1. It alters chemical processes in the body, leading to inflammation
2. It acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and fluid loss
3. It disrupts normal sleep patterns, leading to poor quality rest

Understanding these effects can help in developing effective strategies for hangover prevention and recovery.

Preventing Hangovers: Moderation and Preparation

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a hangover, certain precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of hangover symptoms:

What are the recommended alcohol consumption limits?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• For women: One drink per day
• For men: Two drinks per day

One standard drink is defined as 1.5 ounces of liquor, 12 ounces of regular beer, or 5 ounces of wine. Adhering to these guidelines can help minimize the risk of hangovers and other alcohol-related health issues.

How can you prepare your body before drinking?

To reduce the likelihood of a severe hangover, consider the following preparation strategies:

1. Eat a full meal before drinking to slow alcohol absorption
2. Stay well-hydrated before and during alcohol consumption
3. Consider consuming foods rich in amino acids and minerals, such as asparagus, which may support liver function

These preventive measures can help your body better handle the effects of alcohol and potentially reduce hangover severity.

Hydration: The Key to Hangover Recovery

One of the most effective and accessible remedies for hangover relief is proper hydration. Alcohol’s diuretic effect leads to significant fluid loss, contributing to many hangover symptoms.

Why is hydration crucial for hangover recovery?

Replenishing lost fluids is essential for hangover recovery because it:

• Helps restore the body’s fluid balance
• Supports blood circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues
• Aids in flushing out toxins from the body

Drinking water or other hydrating fluids, even in small sips if nausea is present, can significantly improve hangover symptoms.

Are there specific drinks that can aid hangover recovery?

While water is the primary recommendation for rehydration, some other beverages may offer additional benefits:

1. Electrolyte-rich sports drinks to replenish lost minerals
2. Coconut water for natural electrolytes and hydration
3. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint to soothe nausea

It’s important to note that while some sources suggest fermented drinks like kombucha for hangover relief, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. However, kombucha’s potential benefits for overall health, such as providing antioxidants and supporting gut health, may indirectly aid in recovery.

Nutritional Strategies for Hangover Relief

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in hangover recovery. Certain foods and nutrients can help alleviate symptoms and support the body’s detoxification processes.

Which foods are beneficial for hangover recovery?

Consider incorporating these foods into your post-drinking recovery plan:

• Bananas: Rich in potassium to help restore electrolyte balance
• Eggs: Contain cysteine, which may help break down toxins
• Oatmeal: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties
• Leafy greens: High in vitamins and minerals to support liver function

These nutrient-dense foods can help replenish what the body has lost and support overall recovery.

How does alcohol affect nutrient absorption?

Alcohol can impact nutrient absorption and utilization in several ways:

1. It can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the intestines
2. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to deficiencies in B vitamins and zinc
3. Alcohol can affect the liver’s ability to store certain nutrients

Focusing on nutrient-rich foods during hangover recovery can help counteract these effects and support the body’s healing processes.

Sleep and Rest: Essential Components of Hangover Recovery

Adequate sleep and rest are crucial for hangover recovery, as alcohol significantly disrupts sleep patterns and quality.

How does alcohol affect sleep quality?

Alcohol impacts sleep in several ways:

• It can reduce the amount of REM sleep, which is crucial for cognitive function
• It may increase sleep disruptions and awakenings during the night
• It can exacerbate sleep-disordered breathing and snoring

These sleep disturbances contribute to the fatigue and cognitive impairment often experienced during a hangover.

What are effective strategies for improving sleep after drinking?

To enhance sleep quality and promote recovery:

1. Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
2. Avoid screens and blue light before bedtime
3. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
4. Consider taking a short nap during the day, but limit it to 20-30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep

Prioritizing sleep and rest can significantly aid in hangover recovery and overall well-being.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Hangover Relief

While scientific evidence is limited for many natural remedies, some may offer relief from hangover symptoms when used in conjunction with proper hydration and nutrition.

Which natural remedies show promise for hangover relief?

Several natural remedies have been traditionally used or studied for their potential hangover-relieving properties:

• Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea effects
• Prickly pear extract: May reduce inflammation and symptoms of alcohol toxicity
• Red ginseng: Potentially aids in alcohol metabolism
• Milk thistle: Supports liver function and may help with alcohol-related liver damage

While these remedies may offer some benefits, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and their effectiveness can vary among individuals.

Are there any supplements that can help with hangover recovery?

Some supplements may support hangover recovery:

1. B-complex vitamins: Help replenish vitamins depleted by alcohol
2. Magnesium: May help reduce headaches and muscle cramps
3. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Supports liver function and detoxification
4. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that may help combat oxidative stress caused by alcohol

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially when combined with alcohol or medications.

Exercise and Physical Activity: A Controversial Hangover Remedy

The role of exercise in hangover recovery is debated, with potential benefits and risks to consider.

Can exercise help alleviate hangover symptoms?

Exercise may offer some benefits for hangover recovery:

• It can increase circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body
• Physical activity may boost endorphin production, potentially improving mood
• Light exercise can promote sweating, which some believe may help eliminate toxins

However, it’s crucial to approach exercise cautiously when hungover, as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may increase the risk of injury or further discomfort.

What are safe exercise options during a hangover?

If you choose to exercise while hungover, consider these safer options:

1. Gentle yoga or stretching to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension
2. A short, easy walk in fresh air to boost oxygen intake and clear the mind
3. Light swimming, if well-hydrated, to engage in low-impact movement

Always prioritize hydration and listen to your body when exercising during a hangover. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or excessively fatigued, it’s best to rest and focus on recovery through other methods.

Medical Considerations and When to Seek Help

While most hangovers resolve on their own, certain situations may require medical attention or additional precautions.

When should you seek medical help for a hangover?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Confusion or difficulty staying conscious
• Seizures or severe tremors
• Signs of alcohol poisoning, such as slow or irregular breathing
• Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours

These symptoms may indicate more serious alcohol-related complications that require professional medical intervention.

How do certain medications interact with alcohol?

Alcohol can interact with various medications, potentially causing harmful effects:

1. Antidepressants: May increase drowsiness and impair coordination
2. Anxiety medications: Can enhance sedative effects and increase risk of overdose
3. Pain relievers: May increase risk of liver damage or stomach bleeding
4. Diabetes medications: Can affect blood sugar control

Always consult with a healthcare provider about potential interactions between alcohol and any medications you’re taking. It’s crucial to understand these risks to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and medication use.

In conclusion, while there’s no foolproof cure for hangovers, a combination of preventive measures, proper hydration, nutrition, rest, and mindful recovery strategies can significantly alleviate symptoms and support overall well-being. Remember that moderation is key, and if you choose to drink, doing so responsibly can help minimize the likelihood and severity of hangovers.

9 Expert Tips for Recovering From a Hangover

Looking for relief from a night of too much partying? There’s no foolproof way to make a hangover disappear, but these home remedies will make you feel a whole lot better.

By Leslie BarrieMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD

Reviewed: February 10, 2023

Medically Reviewed

Hangovers are no fun, but fortunately, several do-it-yourself methods can ease the discomfort.

Vera Petrunina/Getty Images; Tatiana Volgutova/Getty Images; Adobe Stock

If you’ve ever had too much to drink, you know some of the morning-after consequences can be less than pleasant: queasiness, tiredness, a splitting headache, dry mouth, stomach upset, and a fuzzy memory, to name just a few.

“There are three big complications to a hangover: inflammation, because it binds to different chemical enzymes in the body and changes the way they act; dehydration, because it causes you to urinate a lot; and sleep deprivation, because it interrupts your sleep architecture so you’re not really getting a good night’s rest,” explains Deep Bhatt, MD, an internist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

The good news is you can take certain steps to prevent those symptoms if you’re planning to drink.

First, to prevent a hangover, keep in mind that drinking in moderation is half the battle. For women, that means one drink a day, and for men, it’s two drinks a day, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One drink equals 1.5 ounces (oz) of liquor or spirits, 12 oz of regular beer, or 5 oz of wine. Drink in moderation to limit hangover symptoms, as well as all the other negative health effects of booze. Those include both short- and long-term damage, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes. (Whether any amount of booze at all is safe for your health is debatable.)

When you’re drinking alcohol, be aware that it can interact with certain medications and cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, and an increased chance of overdose, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). These medications include antidepressants, stimulants, and certain medications that treat anxiety. Allergy medications may negatively interact with alcohol as well. Check with your doctor to make sure what you’re taking doesn’t have a harmful interaction with alcohol, the NIAAA advises.

And understand that what you eat before you start drinking matters. You’ll want to make sure you have a full stomach before you drink, because as Mayo Clinic notes, alcohol is absorbed faster on an empty stomach. Scientists are finding some interesting foods that may help too, like asparagus. Research has found that extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots contain amino acids and minerals that may help liver cells better metabolize alcohol and reduce inflammation. Those components may also provide liver-protective effects, which could help your body recover faster, the research suggests — but no studies have yet been done in humans.

In addition, make sure you’re well hydrated before you indulge, as alcohol causes you to urinate more than normal and depletes your body of fluids, per Cleveland Clinic.

What should you do if a hangover does strike? So far, science has not come up with a single magic natural cure that will solve the misery of having had one too many cocktails. But experts have pinpointed several practical remedies that may shorten the symptoms. Here, discover a few hangover hacks.

21

Drink Lots of Water to Replenish Lost Fluids

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One of the easiest home remedies for a hangover? Drink water. “Alcohol itself is a diuretic, meaning that it causes you to urinate more,” says Shilpi Agarwal, MD, a family medicine physician in Washington, DC. “It does this by suppressing certain hormones that help the body hold on to fluid, and therefore you are losing fluids by urinating.” The Cleveland Clinic notes you can lose up to a quart of urine in the hours after you’ve had four alcoholic drinks.

While it won’t completely prevent the aftereffects, hydrating with water or other fluids — even if you can only get down a few sips at a time — will help. “Drinking water helps restore necessary fluids and can help the bloodstream and circulatory system carry nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and remove the wastes from a night of excessive consumption,” says Pete McCall, an American Council on Exercise–certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist in Carlsbad, California.

Some articles purport that fermented drinks like kombucha can be an antidote for hangovers, but the concept is just theoretical. Kombucha is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and good-for-you-gut bacteria, according to Colorado State University, and research shows that it might be energizing and aid a depressed immune system. If you drink to excess, a review of research found that your immune system may already be weaker than normal.

What not to drink? More booze. Scientists have debunked one of the most popular hangover cures — the “hair of the dog,” or a hefty swig of alcohol the next morning. “Hair of the dog will make you feel better temporarily because you feel that euphoria,” Dr. Bhatt says. “You’ll basically forget you’re hungover, but that’s going to lead to a cumulative effect where you’ll actually feel worse in the long run.”

6 Hangover Cures That Actually Work

22

Guzzle Sports Drinks to Hasten Rehydration

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Want to gain an edge over plain old water to treat your hangover? Consider reaching for Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade, or a similar nonfizzy sports drink. This recommendation comes courtesy of Kelly Kennedy, RDN, the staff nutritionist at Everyday Health.

These sports drinks contain minerals called electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — and are designed to help you replenish lost nutrients and quickly rehydrate, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Sports drinks will elevate blood glucose and can elevate sodium levels, which help muscle cells uptake and use water, leading to quicker rehydration,” explains McCall. Some research backs this up, showing that drinking electrolytes after long periods of dehydration can significantly restore important minerals, like sodium, potassium, and calcium.

No sports drink in sight? Fall back on plain water and foods that are naturally packed with electrolytes, such as pretzels, which have 488 milligrams (mg) of sodium per oz, or a medium banana (422 mg of potassium), cooked spinach (157 mg of magnesium per cup), and almonds (385 mg of calcium per cup), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can also reach for water-rich foods. “They can definitely replenish fluids and decrease the dehydration that contributes to a hangover,” says Kennedy, who recommends watermelon and cucumbers, which both have a high water content. “A sprinkle of salt on either can replenish electrolytes if someone has vomited,” Kennedy adds.

23

Restore Energy With Vitamin B and Protect Immunity With Vitamin C

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Some hangover symptoms result from nutrient deficiencies, and vitamin B12 is particularly affected by alcohol use, according to a study.

B vitamins are responsible for energy, brain function, and keeping the immune system and nervous system acting properly, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Depletion of B vitamins has been associated with fatigue and low energy levels, though other factors may also or alternatively be in play. If you can’t get your mind off breakfast sandwiches, Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, a food blogger based in Chicago, suggests eating eggs — a great source of the energy-producing B vitamins that alcohol flushes out — with lean protein like turkey bacon and a whole-grain English muffin.

Another vitamin to potentially add to your hangover self-care routine is vitamin C. Research shows a connection between alcohol use and a weakened immune system, impairing the body’s ability to defend itself. To help prevent colds, viruses, and potential alcohol-related illness, load up on vitamin C with fruits and vegetables like broccoli, which is an excellent source, according to the USDA. Also reach for oranges, red bell peppers, kiwis, and strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C, notes the National Institutes of Health.

24

Boost Your Blood Sugar With Carbohydrates

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Alcohol can interfere with your blood sugar levels, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which may contribute to the fatigue, irritability, and weakness that are often consequences of intoxication. It also may explain why breakfasting on toast and honey has long been touted as a natural hangover cure. “Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the metabolism of glucose, so having a snack like this that is high in carbs and sugars (the fructose in the honey) can elevate blood sugar and provide some immediate energy,” says McCall.

Contrary to popular belief, greasy foods will not help you combat a hangover. That grease is not going to absorb the alcohol — which has already made its way through your liver. “It might sound good at the moment, but it won’t actually make your body feel better,” Michalczyk adds.

Insead, Michalczyk suggests a bowl of chicken noodle soup. “Chicken noodle soup is hydrating and salty, which will help satisfy that craving. Plus, you’ll get some protein to help keep you satisfied, and the vitamins and minerals from celery and carrots will replenish those lost through drinking as well,” says Michalczyk. Not to mention, the noodles provide those aforementioned carbs for energy.

25

Have Chamomile to Reduce ‘Hangxiety’

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For some people, hangover-induced anxiety can be as taxing emotionally as some of the physical symptoms of a hangover.

If this doesn’t sound familiar, it may be because hangxiety affects us all differently. In one study, researchers discovered that shy people had greater anxiety levels the day after drinking alcohol.

Although high-quality studies on the use of chamomile for hangover recovery are lacking, Michalczyk says some people report that chamomile calms overwhelming feelings brought on by drinking. After all, alcohol can leave you feeling rotten, mental healthwise, because of dehydration, low blood sugar, and out-of-whack hormone production, as the charity Alcohol Change UK notes. Research supports using this flowering plant to soothe those jitters, although study participants were given chamomile extract rather than tea.

As a bonus, chamomile may aid sleep and relieve an upset stomach, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

26

Calm Your Immune System With an Anti-Inflammatory Medication

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In pain after a night of drinking? That’s probably your immune system at work. Research suggests that a bout with the bottle produces a clear immunological response, triggering the release of cytokines, which are proteins intended to help your body recover but that also contribute to post-drinking symptoms. Consider taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or aspirin for temporary help with a headache and that overall achy feeling, according to Harvard Health Publishing. NSAIDs may irritate the stomach, so skip them if you have a stomachache. You should also avoid NSAIDs if your doctor has advised you to do so.

Steer clear of acetaminophen (Tylenol), however, says Bhatt. Like alcohol, it’s metabolized in the liver and, in rare instances, could have toxic effects if you take a high dose and there is enough alcohol lingering in your system.

27

Try Ginger to Ease Nausea

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Not sure how to cure hangover nausea? Many doctors and nutritionists alike agree that ginger is one of the best natural remedies for soothing an upset stomach, which is often a common symptom of a hangover.

“Ginger can aid digestion and in this way can ease stomach upset,” says Kennedy, who credits alcohol irritating the lining of the stomach as one of the reasons for hangover-related nausea.

The chemical compounds in ginger are believed to help ease stomach pain and aid digestion. A meta-analysis found that ginger reduced vomiting by 60 percent and fatigue by 80 percent in people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy treatment. Another review found that ginger had potential antioxidant and liver-protective effects.

You can enjoy this superfood in many ways. For soothing an upset stomach, try brewing ginger tea or simply eating fresh ginger, suggests the Cleveland Clinic.

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Sweat Away Your Hangover Symptoms (if You’re Up for It)

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Of all the possible and popular hangover home remedies, experts say that exercise is one of the best because it ramps up oxygen flow to the brain and increases mood-boosting hormones that support energy levels. It also “increases the clearance of toxins from the body,” notes Bhatt.

If you can muster the strength to work out, McCall has this advice: “Exercising during a hangover should be limited to low- to moderate-intensity exercise, since the hangover will negatively impact cognitive ability, motor control, and coordination.” Bhatt also recommends low to moderate activity for young, healthy people (and if you’re unhealthy or not feeling well enough, skip it and rest). A review of studies on the effects of a hangover on the brain validated McCall’s caution regarding a hungover person’s potentially impaired attention, decision-making, and muscle coordination. So pass on a high-intensity workout and go for a walk instead.

And, even more than usual, it’s essential to drink water before, during, and after your post-bacchanal sweat session, since the body is already dehydrated from overindulgence in alcohol.

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Go Back to Bed to Restore Circadian Rhythm

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One of the most restorative hangover remedies you can try is simply to get more sleep. It’s believed that many hangover symptoms are due to poor sleep after drinking alcohol, the Mayo Clinic notes. “Alcohol initially can make you feel sleepy; however, it affects sleep because those who consume a lot of alcohol do not get into a deep sleep that is restorative,” says Dr. Agarwal.

The Sleep Foundation further explains that alcohol disrupts your circadian rhythm and prevents some of our crucial REM sleep; it’s unlikely that you’ll fall into a deep, restful sleep after drinking in excess. Poor sleep, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, is linked to irritability and depression, and alcohol, which is a depressant, can exacerbate these effects, notes the American Addiction Centers.

The best way to feel better sooner? Hydrate; eat a meal rich in complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and protein; and sleep as much as possible, says Agarwal. Just know that if you’re often drinking heavily and then sleeping in, this may amount to a problem, Cleveland Clinic notes, as you may start disrupting your day and night sleeping patterns. Bottom line? Try to avoid drinking to excess.

Additional reporting by Wyatt Myers and Brianna Majsiak.

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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What to drink from a hangover and how to drink so that there is no hangover – December 30, 2022

Doctors advise to give up alcohol altogether

org/Person”> Photo: Daria Selenskaya / 74.RU

, which are followed by days off, people often have feasts with lots of food and alcohol. As a result – a buzzing head in the morning, weakness and other unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. Of course, it is better to give up alcohol altogether, because even a small dose harms the body. But if you still want to celebrate the New Year with champagne and other alcoholic drinks, then read our material on how to avoid serious consequences. Novosibirsk general practitioners Elena Obut and Victoria told our colleagues from NGS.RU about the basic rules Varvarich .

Elena Obut – head of the therapeutic department of the Zdravitsa family medicine center.

Hangover is manifested by symptoms of intoxication: headache, excessive sweating, hand tremors, nausea, for some it may end in vomiting. Possible heaviness in the head and general malaise, the so-called “brokenness”, when a person is not able to concentrate, make decisions.

There are some ways to prevent or slightly reduce the symptoms of intoxication. But they won’t help if you drink or mix a lot of alcohol. First, do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. It is best to eat porridge before the celebration, as it contains a lot of complex carbohydrates. It will break down for a long time and protect against the effects of alcohol. It is worth adding a little oil to the porridge, which will also slow down the absorption of alcohol.

– You can eat jelly. It contains both protein, which breaks down for a long time, and fat, which has an enveloping property. You can even sandwiches made from whole grain bread with a little butter or cream cheese, fish or cheese. The basis of the basics is not to drink on an empty stomach, says doctor Elena Obut.

At the same time, before drinking alcohol, you should not snack on spicy foods, because they aggressively affect the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Also, before and during the feast, you should not eat sweets. They enhance the toxic effect of alcohol.

Elena Obut recommends snacking on alcohol with protein foods – cold cuts of meat or cheese. Vegetables are also good, as they contain fiber. At the same time, it is better not to season vegetable salads with mayonnaise, but to prefer olive oil or sour cream to it.

Sorbents, according to Elena Obut, should be taken during a feast, when a person already understands that his health begins to deteriorate. The most effective are Polysorb, Enterosgel, Smekta. If they are not available, activated charcoal can be used, but it neutralizes less harmful substances than other drugs.

If a hangover does start, it is worth drinking a large amount of liquid – water with lemon, fruit drinks, tea with honey or sugar. Those who have experienced severe dehydration can use saline solutions, such as Regidron.

– Remember – there is no harmless dose of alcohol. At any dosage, it will have a toxic effect, so it is best to avoid it.

Viktorija Varvarich – therapist at the Clean clinic.

According to Viktoria Varvarich, each person should know his measure of alcohol, which will not affect his well-being. It depends on age, weight, health status. But it’s better to just not abuse it and stop at a couple of glasses of a drink.

The specialist also noted that before the feast, you can take sorbents, the simplest of which is activated carbon.

— It is undesirable to drink on an empty stomach. You can have a snack with lemon, because it speeds up the metabolism of alcohol, light food, salads. Fatty, sweet food should be in moderation. No need to mix alcoholic drinks throughout the evening, stick to one. If you start to alternate drinks, also with different “degrees”, then it will not be good. It is better not to abuse and stick to one drink, the specialist explained.

If a person does wake up with a hangover, the doctor recommends drinking more water, taking a sorbent, and eating light meals, such as chicken soup. She also noted that you can turn to specialists to make drips that contain electrolytes and also help to remove toxins from the tissues.

No matter how much doctors talk about the dangers of alcohol, people still continue to buy it. One of the most popular drinks before the New Year is champagne. The editors of the NGS blindly tested several brands. We tell you which one turned out to be the most favorable in terms of price-quality ratio.

the most effective ways to help yourself after a feast and not go into a binge: Society: Russia: Lenta.ru

A hangover the next morning after a feast is often the subject of jokes, but the victims of this “ailment” are not laughing. The severity of pain after a feast can sometimes be very serious. At the same time, many do not know how to properly “treat” a hangover and what to do is definitely not worth it. “Lenta.ru” studied the issue and collected recommendations from experts on how to prevent a hangover and what to do if it does suddenly come.

What is a hangover and why does it occur?

A hangover is a special kind of poisoning. The state of intoxication provokes a number of symptoms: headache, nausea, dry mouth, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, depression of the nervous system, and others.

The cause of a hangover is an increase in the concentration of toxic substances in the body due to the use of alcoholic beverages. They are formed after the breakdown of alcohol, which takes an average of 8 to 12 hours.

Among the main causes of a hangover are the following:

• Poisoning by alcohol breakdown products – the liver often does not have time to fully process alcohol, because of this, acetic acid and acetaldehyde remain in the body – the latter, by the way, is several times more toxic than ethyl alcohol;

• disruption of the nervous system – under the influence of the same acetaldehyde, a hangover sufferer experiences discomfort due to any little things, for example, due to soft lights or weak sounds;

• leaching of vitamins and magnesium – the lack of the latter is especially noticeable, because without it calcium penetrates the cells, causing them to become overexcited and provoking nervousness, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia and chills in a person;

• dehydration – this symptom is due to the diuretic properties of alcohol, causing dry mouth, lethargy and headache.

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Types of hangovers

There are several types of hangovers depending on the severity of the symptoms. It is necessary to distinguish between them because the decision on the need to seek medical help depends on this.

So, the following types of hangover are distinguished.

• Mild (up to 1 ppm of ethanol in the blood) Hangover usually goes away on its own. It can be distinguished by symptoms such as slightly elevated blood pressure, rapid pulse, and hand tremors. Folk remedies will help speed up the “recovery”.

• The average degree of (up to 2.5 ppm) is a much more unpleasant condition with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, in which a person needs help.

• Severe alcohol poisoning (more than 2.5 ppm) causes convulsions, confusion, vomiting, slow breathing and requires urgent medical attention.

At the same time, a severe hangover after binge drinking in alcoholics is associated with a direct refusal to take alcoholic beverages, the components of which have become full-fledged participants in metabolism, turning into substances vital for the normal functioning of the body.

How to get rid of a hangover at home

For this, it is necessary not only to overcome the symptoms, but also to eliminate the root causes – dehydration and intoxication of the body. It is recommended to start with the restoration of the water-salt balance, the level of sugar and oxygen in the blood. In severe cases, you can not do without seeking medical help, however, if everything is not so serious, you can cope on your own. This will help both medicines and folk remedies.

To get rid of a hangover, the first thing you need to do is sleep well. If you’ve had too much alcohol, don’t plan on waking up early, as this will only exacerbate your hangover symptoms. Drinking alcohol in itself worsens the quality of sleep, but a good rest will give the body time and energy to return to normal functioning.

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Then you need to re-hydrate the body, because alcohol contributes to the active dehydration of the body, as a result of which the morning after the party, a person is very thirsty. Herbal teas, broth, mineral water, as well as pure water, natural kvass and such a well-known remedy as vinegar-free brine will help restore the water balance.

Yes, pickle is good for a hangover. But instead of brine, you can use rehydron, which is used for poisoning. But if you like brine, then you can take it in small doses, as it contains salt. It must be a salted brine, not pickled, because the latter contains vinegar, which is an intermediate product of the breakdown of alcohol. On the contrary, it increases intoxication. And non-pickled brine contains a number of components that will help the body, because alcohol removes trace elements – potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium. They need to be replenished0003

Aleksey KazantsevHead Physician of the Narcology Clinic “Dependence-24”

After taking initial measures, you can continue your “treatment”, for this:

• Have a good breakfast – but only if you want to. A balanced breakfast, especially if it contains vitamins and minerals, alleviates hangover symptoms by lowering acid levels in the body and normalizing blood sugar levels. It will also help to cope with weakness and nausea. Any porridge on the water (especially oatmeal, which envelops the walls of the stomach), low-fat broth, steamed chicken and fish, baked vegetables are well suited;

• take a shower — water treatments have an invigorating effect, speed up the elimination of toxins;

• take a painkiller – if your head hurts badly, there is no point in enduring it. Choose proven, familiar remedies that your doctor has prescribed. But remember that drugs affect the liver, which has already undergone serious stress. In addition, sorbents will help remove toxins from the body. Glycine-containing products are suitable for restoring brain function. Also, vitamin complexes with magnesium content will not be superfluous;

• take a walk in the fresh air – this will speed up the metabolic processes in the body and help to quickly remove decay products from the blood. As a result, you should feel better. If there is no way to go outside, you can at least ventilate the room.

What not to do with a hangover

In an attempt to get rid of a hangover, you can, on the contrary, aggravate it. To avoid this:

• do not eat heavy fatty foods – remember that alcohol is broken down in the same place as fat. Therefore, fatty foods will only additionally load the liver and slow down the process of removing toxins;

• avoid strong tea and coffee, which can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, which will increase the already increased risk of stroke. In addition, these drinks reduce the level of oxygen in the blood, which adversely affects the work of the heart muscle;

• refrain from visiting the bath – despite the popular belief that ethanol breakdown products come out in the steam room, one must not forget that profuse sweating increases dehydration, which already accompanies a hangover syndrome;

• do not drink new portions of alcohol – this is fraught with increased intoxication and the development of binge drinking.

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“If you are “sick” in the morning, a contrast shower is good, but in no case a bath or a hot bath. A walk in the fresh air will also help – you can go to the skating rink, take a walk in the park, near the house. And, of course, sleep is the main recommendation for post-intoxication syndrome. In no case should you treat like with like, as people say, because intoxication will increase, and the New Year holidays will turn into a New Year’s binge, ”said Alexei Kazantsev, head physician of the Addiction-24 drug treatment clinic.

Signs of a severe hangover

After excessive alcohol consumption, the concentration of toxic substances in the body goes too far. Because of this, there are a number of painful symptoms characteristic of a severe hangover. Among them are the following:

• nausea and vomiting . Usually, after emptying the stomach, a person begins to feel better, since this is a protective mechanism that speeds up the excretion of decay products. However, if the stomach is empty and vomiting does not stop, medical attention should be sought;

• severe headaches due to dehydration, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins. With a strong hangover, blood pressure rises, and blood circulation in the brain tissues is disturbed;

• pain in the stomach and intestines may be due to alcohol itself or due to overeating;

• high fever is also a frequent companion of severe alcohol poisoning. If it does not go away for a long time, it is better to consult a doctor;

• feeling of anxiety and shaking hands . Alcohol has a strong effect on the nervous system, first stimulating it, and then sharply depressing it.

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“You need to seek medical help for a hangover when you are really very ill, when your blood pressure is high, when your heart is tachycardic, your heart is racing, your heart hurts, when you have severe headache, chills, severe sweating, shaking hands when you can’t even take anything. The same symptoms in case of poisoning are possible if you took low-quality alcohol and there is a risk of poisoning with methyl alcohol, ”explained the narcologist Kazantsev.

Medical treatment for severe hangovers

If drinking was less than three hours old, the contents of the stomach must be emptied. To do this, drink a liter of water and press on the root of the tongue.

In severe alcohol poisoning, it is best to seek medical attention. A narcologist will remove toxins using a dropper, which includes saline solution, hepatoprotectors, vitamins and a number of other components

In case of a single poisoning, the dropper acts quickly, allowing you to completely get rid of a hangover in a couple of hours.

How to avoid a hangover

You can fight a hangover with preventive measures. Even if they do not exclude all the negative consequences the next morning, they will significantly smooth them out. To mitigate the hangover syndrome, you need to follow the following rules:

• reduce the number of servings of alcohol – it is logical that the less ethanol enters the stomach, the less harm will be caused by its decay products;

• monitor the quality of the alcohol you drink — in addition to “scorched” drinks, various preservatives, flavor enhancers and other additives increase hangovers;

• It would be better if you had a hearty meal a few hours before the party. Physical activity will not be superfluous – just make sure that the body does not remain dehydrated by the beginning of the feast;

• Eat light meals – this will relieve unnecessary stress on the liver and stomach;

• Before going to bed after a party, drink a glass of water – this will reduce the feeling of thirst when you wake up and alleviate a headache.

The primary, most important thing is not to get drunk. It is necessary to strictly observe the dose – these are three or four glasses of the same champagne, three or four glasses of strong alcohol, which are not more than 30 milliliters. This is for the whole party. For women, respectively, two times less than

Aleksey KazantsevHead physician of the addiction clinic “Dependence-24”

In addition, Kazantsev advised to move more during the party and take longer breaks between drinking alcohol. “Someone has long toasts, someone has charades, go outside, set off fireworks and so on,” he said.

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The snack, according to the narcologist, should consist of carbohydrates.