5 Realistic Ways to Cure a Hangover
Hangovers: We’ve all been there. A fantastic evening filled with laughter, revelry, and perhaps one too many libations can lead to a morning that’s anything but joyful. Sometimes it’s nausea, sometimes it feels like you’ve been kicked in the head. Either way it’s not a great way to wake up. But what exactly is a hangover and why does it make us feel so dreadful?
What is a hangover?
A hangover, medically known as veisalgia, is a collection of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur after drinking alcohol. These can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and a general sense of feeling unwell. Hangovers occur as a result of alcohol’s effects on the body, which include dehydration, disturbance of the body’s biological rhythms, alteration of the immune system, and drops in blood sugar. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means it promotes urination and can lead to dehydration, a significant contributor to the hangover’s infamous headache.
Understanding the root causes of a hangover can lead to better strategies for preventing and treating them. Here, we share five realistic methods to help cure a hangover, featuring a balance of home remedies and scientific insight.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is arguably the most straightforward and essential strategy for battling a hangover. Alcohol dehydrates your body, which can lead to headaches and feelings of thirst and fatigue. Make sure you drink water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to help counteract these effects. Aside from fighting off the hangover feelings, being properly hydrated means your body can more easily fight off illness, and recover muscles and injuries.
2. Replenish with Electrolytes
Drinking alcohol not only dehydrates you but also flushes vital electrolytes like sodium and potassium from your body. These electrolytes are crucial for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. You can restore your body’s electrolyte balance by drinking sports drinks, coconut water, or eating foods high in these minerals like bananas or sweet potatoes. The best option is an electrolyte drink like PREGAME by Vitaliboost which contains all of the essential electrolytes without sugar and other additives. It’s best to drink an electrolyte drink the night of drinking rather than wait til the morning after. Get a head start on hydration!
3. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
After a night of drinking, your body will appreciate nourishment from a balanced breakfast. Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates can help to boost your blood sugar levels, while protein-rich foods can provide essential amino acids. Foods high in healthy fats can also slow the absorption of alcohol, reducing hangover symptoms. Eating a reasonable amount of salt can also be a good idea, as salts help your body retain water.
4. Get Some Rest
One of the best cures for a hangover is simply time and rest. Your body works hard to metabolize the alcohol you’ve consumed, and giving it time to recover is essential. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take it easy the day after heavy drinking.
5. Use Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers Wisely
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help to manage hangover symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches. Be careful with what you choose. Aspirin or ibuprofen can be effective, but avoid acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol. Naproxen can be another great option.
Conclusion
Hangovers can be an unwelcome reminder of a night of excess, but they don’t have to ruin your day. By staying hydrated, replenishing electrolytes, eating a balanced breakfast, getting plenty of rest, and using OTC pain relievers wisely, you can help to mitigate hangover symptoms and get back to feeling your best.
Remember, though, that the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation and understand your limits. Stay safe and enjoy responsibly.
