Hangover Shmangover; the Imperfect Art of Escaping the Hangover
by Joan McDonough | published Oct. 2nd, 2014
Pounding headaches, aching muscles, a stomach on the verge of calling it quits: hangovers are the absolute worst. A night of drinking puts an incredible strain on the liver to clear out all of the poison and chemicals left behind. It’s no wonder the human body revolts when it has had so many toxins running through it.
It’s easy to avoid a hangover by drinking less, but if that method doesn’t appeal to you there are other ways to try to prevent or relieve hangovers.
The Basics
Water
Balancing water with your alcohol consumption will keep you from getting dehydrated, which causes the majority of hangover headaches and possibly contributes to other problems and symptoms.
Water is also essential for recovery. Your body needs to repair itself, and hydration is key. Sports drinks or hot water with honey can also help; the former will replenish your electrolytes and the latter will give your blood sugar the boost it needs.
Food
Doctors across the board agree that food is important both before and after intoxication. The more food you have in your stomach to absorb the alcohol, the slower it will enter your bloodstream. No matter what you eat, it’ll help. Grab a pizza, nachos, a sandwich – whatever floats your boat.
Eating after drinking can help to restore your body and give it the nutrients it needs to get rid of all of the toxins from the alcohol. Fruit can be especially helpful, according to Men’s Fitness magazine.
Details, another men’s magazine, suggests that eggs, coconut water, ginger, tomato juice, bananas and asparagus are some of the best hangover foods to try. These are filled with vitamins, electrolytes, glucose, potassium and other great things that your body needs to recuperate.
Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep after drinking will help your body begin to repair itself. Let your body do its thing: don’t stay out too late or wake up too early, and make sure you leave yourself time to get enough rest.
Give These a Try
Exercise
This doesn’t need to be taken to any extremes. If you’ve had a lot of alcohol you’re probably very dehydrated, so keep water nearby as you exercise and be certain you don’t overwork your already exhausted body. Some simple stretching, basic yoga or a short and easy jog could help to get your muscles moving and your endorphins going.
Pain reliever
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can help relieve some pain associated with hangovers. Acetaminophen might not be the best idea, however, as Dena Davidson, Ph.D. told Men’s Health: “While it’s OK for a headache, when combined with a liver that’s working overtime to metabolize alcohol, it can cause liver damage or be deadly.”
Grease
Eating greasy or fatty foods before drinking can give your intestines a chance to defend against the onslaught of alcohol. Something oily could make the alcohol take longer to get into your system. Some people even drink a spoonful of olive oil before drinking for this reason.
This is only effective before drinking, however – eating greasy food the next morning will only add to your stomach’s pain.
Remember…
The only real way to prevent a hangover is to drink responsibly. If you find yourself in danger of having a hangover, however, these tips and tricks can help you in your darkest hour. Ditch the headaches, nausea and downright misery with this helpful list and your body will be sure to thank you.