How to cure a hangover fast – a list of hangover cures
When it comes to curing a hangover, the bad news is, there is no foolproof remedy. But there are a few things that might help you alleviate some of the symptoms. Just bear in mind that your response to each can vary, and the best way to cure a hangover is… well, to avoid excessive drinking.
Here are some commonly suggested hangover cures:
Tip 1: Drinking Water
One of the things that you should know is that alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes us to urinate more which can lead to dehydration. It’s because it inhibits hormones that allow our bodies to retain fluid. So, the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become.
You won’t be surprised if we tell you that to avoid or cure a hangover you need to drink water. It will do two things to your body:
- Help you replenish some of the fluids that you lost
- Support your bloodstream and circulatory system in carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, which will aid with removing toxins
If you want your body (and mind) to regain balance after excessive drinking, drink water.
Tip 2: Electrolytes
The fact that you dehydrate after having too many bubbles (or too many “on-the-rocks”, for that matter) means that you also wash out a ton of electrolytes from your system. This can worsen hangover symptoms like vertigo or headache. If you’re one of the unlucky folks who also vomit the day after, then your electrolyte deprivation could get quite severe.
Don’t have an electrolyte beverage or tablets, and can’t stomach the idea of leaving your bed, let alone home? You might not have to! All you need to make a DIY electrolyte drink is water, lemon, salt, and honey.
Tip 3: Starchy snacks
Craving high-carbohydrate snacks while hungover isn’t uncommon. Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar levels during the first 12 hours post-drinking. So, if you’re feeling very weak and have a rather irrationally strong need to reach those crisps, it might be a sign that your body needs to up your glucose levels quickly. Don’t beat yourself for it – it might be worth giving in, and you might feel better in a matter of minutes.
Tip 4: Gentle exercise
“Exercise” and “hangover” seem like two contradictory terms, don’t they? And yet, some doctors recommend mild physical activity when you’re experiencing that post-alcohol fatigue.
But it’s not because you can “sweat” out all those drinks and speed up your recovery.
Alcohol is metabolised by your liver and there’s no other way around. Still, engaging in gentle or moderate exercise can boost your endorphin levels, leading to an overall better physical state.
So, if you feel up to it, grab your trainers or roll out your mat. Just remember to keep yourself hydrated, ideally with electrolyte-rich drinks. Now, what could make your exercise even more effective? Doing it out in the open, which leads us to the next hangover tip.
Tip 5: Fresh air
Here’s a fun fact – according to the British Mountaineering Council, walking up a hill is the ultimate hangover cure (and they even call out a scientific study to back it up). Reportedly, oxygen helps your liver break down alcohol byproducts faster, leaving you hangover-free sooner than if you’d stayed indoors. Not to mention, a crisp New Year morning or afternoon might help sharpen up your senses. So, put on a nice warm jacket, and off you go.
Tip 6: Sleep
If you experience fatigue, nausea, or a headache, it’s best to sleep them off. Studies show that many people experience hangovers due to poor sleep. While at first, alcohol can make us sleepy, it negatively impacts the quality of our rest, i.e., we don’t fall into deep sleep, which is why it’s harder for us to regenerate. Dr Michael Breus, a Sleep Medicine Expert, says that on average it takes roughly an hour to digest one alcoholic drink. So, it’s best to stop drinking at least 3 hours before going to bed.
Tip 7: Ginger tea
Ginger isn’t just great for treating cold symptoms, it can also do wonders for treating nausea and upset tummy. So if you are wondering how to cure a hangover fast, definitely add ginger tea to your list. Alcohol irritates our stomach’s lining causing nausea. Ginger includes chemical compounds that help with digestion and ease stomach pains – in fact, according to science, it can reduce vomiting by 60% and fatigue by 80%.
Tip 8: Vitamin B and C
If you suffer from nutrient deficiencies your hangovers might be more severe. Vitamin B12 is especially sensitive to alcohol use. Vitamins from this group are responsible for energy, brain function, and for keeping our immune and nervous systems intact. When the level of vitamin B decreases we can experience fatigue. If you want to get a quick vitamin B boost, just have an egg sandwich or use a supplement.
There is also a connection between insufficient vitamin C levels and alcohol use. If you have vitamin C deficiency, your immune system is weaker and can struggle with handling alcohol poisoning. So if some of your hangover symptoms are tiredness and stomach ache, you might consider adding both of these nutrients to your self-care routine.
Tip 9: OTC pills
If all else fails or you feel like your head is about to explode and need quick relief, then it might be a good idea to use over-the-counter medicine. An aspirin or ibuprofen pill will help you feel better in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Other medications can battle hangover symptoms like nausea or heartburn, while caffeine pills can help you get rid of that awful brain fog. Ultimately though, remember to use OTC drugs in moderation, as they’re not indifferent to your liver and other organs. And they are already busy countering the effects of drinking too much last night.
Disclaimer: This web site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
