So you woke up this morning with a pounding head, dry mouth, and that familiar wave of nausea. The memories of last night are hazy, but the hangover is crystal clear.
We’ve all been there – overindulging on a fun night out and paying the price the next day. The good news is you can do a few things to start feeling human again. This tried-and-true guide will help you kick that hangover to the curb and get on with your day. Drink some water to rehydrate, get some fresh air and light exercise to boost circulation, eat foods with potassium and vitamin B6, and limit caffeine and greasy food.
In just a few hours, you’ll be right as rain and ready to do it again – but maybe pace yourself next time! A little moderation and these hangover cures will have you back to your usual self in no time.
Things To Do To Cure Hangover
Drink Plenty of Water to Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is the only surefire way to cure a hangover. Alcohol dehydrates you, so you need to replenish the fluids in your body. Down at least 8-12 ounces of water as soon as you wake up. Keep sipping water or an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte throughout the day. This will help relieve your pounding head and dry mouth.
Get Some Coffee
Nothing cures a hangover quite like a strong cup of coffee. The caffeine will help boost your alertness and mood.
Brew Up a Fresh Pot
As soon as you wake up, get the coffee maker going. While the coffee is brewing, splash some cold water on your face to refresh yourself. Once the coffee is ready, pour yourself a big mug and add milk and sugar to taste. The lactose in the milk and sugar will boost your blood sugar and provide quick energy.
Other Add-Ins
You can add other extras to your coffee to increase its healing powers. A spoonful of coconut or MCT oil provides medium-chain triglycerides that are easily digested for an energy boost. A dash of cinnamon can help stabilize your blood sugar.
Keep Refueling
Don’t stop at just one cup. Keep the coffee flowing to stay hydrated and refuel your body and mind. Also, be sure to eat foods with potassium, B vitamins, and magnesium which are depleted due to alcohol consumption.
A few cups of coffee and a balanced breakfast or brunch are the best ways to start feeling like yourself again after a night of drinking. With time and rest, you’ll soon be cured of your hangover and ready for the day. Coffee is the best medicine!
Eat Greasy, Carbohydrate-Rich Food
A greasy, high-carb meal is one of the best ways to cure a hangover. When you drink too much, your blood sugar drops dramatically. Eating foods that boost your blood sugar and replenish nutrients will help you feel human again.
Greasy Comfort Food
A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast is ideal. The fat and protein in the eggs and bacon will satisfy you, while the hash browns and toast provide carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar. If that sounds unappealing, try a burger, grilled cheese, or quesadilla. Pizza, tacos, or a burrito also do the trick.
Carbohydrates
Starchy foods like bread, potatoes, and rice produce glucose to spike your blood sugar. Have a bagel, biscuits, or cereal. Mashed potatoes, french fries, or rice are also good options. For something lighter, fresh or dried fruit provides fructose, a natural fruit sugar, and vitamins and minerals. Bananas, berries, and citrus fruits are excellent choices.
Staying hydrated is key to overcoming a hangover. In addition to water or an electrolyte drink, the following can help:
- Broths: Chicken soup, miso soup, or bone broth provide sodium and other electrolytes.
- Juices: Tomato, orange, or cranberry juice contains antioxidants and nutrients to replenish your body.
- Smoothies: A smoothie made with yogurt, milk, fruit, and honey will boost your blood sugar and help you rehydrate.
- Tea: Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile may settle your stomach. Green tea provides antioxidants.
Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
A pounding headache is one of the worst parts of a hangover. An over-the-counter pain reliever can help take the edge off.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, like Advil or Motrin, is an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce headache pain. Take 400 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen with a glass of water. Ibuprofen is gentle on the stomach, so it’s a good option if you’re nauseous. You may need to take another dose after 6 hours as the effects start to wear off.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, blocks pain signals in the brain and body. Take 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen to relieve headache pain. Acetaminophen is also easy on the stomach, but be careful not to take too much, as overdosing on acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Don’t take another dose for at least 6 hours.
Aspirin
Aspirin or medications like Bayer also reduce inflammation and ease headache pain. Take 2 to 4 baby aspirin (81 mg each) or 2 regular-strength aspirin (325 mg each) with water. Aspirin can irritate your stomach, so avoid it if you’re nauseous. As with the other drugs, wait at least 6 hours before taking another dose of aspirin.
Drink plenty of water when taking any over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain medications can be hard on your stomach, and dehydration will only hurt your headache. Resting in a dark room can also help you feel better faster. Over-the-counter pain relievers may not cure your hangover completely, but they should relieve that pounding headache so you can recover.
Get Some Fresh Air and Exercise
Getting fresh air and light exercise is one of the best ways to relieve hangover symptoms. Going outside for a walk or jog helps in a few ways:
Increases Oxygen Flow
Exercise increases your breathing rate, bringing more oxygen into your bloodstream and body tissues. This helps break down the alcohol in your system faster and relieves headaches and nausea.
Improves Circulation
When you’re hungover, your body’s circulation slows down. Exercise gets your blood flowing again, helping to flush out toxins and deliver nutrients to your cells more efficiently. This can relieve muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and speed recovery.
Outside for 15-30 minutes of casual walking around the block can provide noticeable relief from hangover symptoms. Some other light exercise options include:
- Yoga – Gentle yoga stretches to increase flexibility and circulation.
- Biking – Riding a bike provides exercise without too much impact.
- Swimming – Doing casual laps in a pool provides resistance without stressing your body.
The key is to start slowly and avoid overexerting yourself. Pay attention to how you feel, and don’t push through discomfort. Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes lost from alcohol consumption will make light exercise even more effective for curing your hangover. A brisk walk in fresh air and sunshine may be the last thing you feel like doing with a hangover, but it provides one of the quickest routes to relief and recovery.
Conclusion
The effects of too much alcohol will pass in time. Eating the right foods, staying hydrated, and getting extra rest will speed your recovery from a hangover and have you feeling back to your normal self again. The healthier and more balanced your choices, the better you will feel overall.
Your body and mind will thank you.
