It’s happened to most of us, that after a long night (or day) of partying, we wake up the next day feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck. Several times. In the middle of the highway. It’s something we all would like to avoid. However, there’s no magic potion against a hangover.
There are, however, various thing you can do to improve symptoms. The importance lays in what you put into your body. In other words, what you eat and drink. But as there are foods that can help cure your hangover, others will only make it worse. We tell you what you should, and shouldn’t eat or drink on the day after.
Water will always be #1
Water is the most obvious of them all. But for a reason. When you wake up with your head pounding after a crazy night out, you probably start craving water immediately. Alcohol is diuretic, which in other words means that it’s going to get rid of other liquids.
This, in turn, causes dehydration and your body will start to get water from anywhere it can. Including your brain. Which is basically why your head feels like it’s going to explode. So now you know, you better drink your bodyweight in water before going to bed (okay, maybe not that much, either). Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to have some water again in the morning. Just make sure you keep yourself hydrated.
Sport drinks and coconut water
The truth about sport drinks is that when you’re working out, you should actually stay away from them instead of drinking them. Surprisingly, quite the opposite happens when it comes to a deadly hangover. These type of beverages contain electrolytes that you need to restore, for the same reason we stated previously. So it’s a good way of refueling on electrolytes.
On that same note, coconut water has a similar function. It apparently contains 5 electrolytes we need. Whereas sport drinks only have 2. Both of these are a great option if you’re suffering from a hangover, it just depends on what you have in your fridge. You most probably won’t want to walk all the way to the grocery store.
Fruits and veggies
But not any fruits and veggies: especially bananas, dates, and leafy greens. Staying on the same line of thought as before, these fruits and veggies replete the lost electrolyte that is potassium. Potassium-rich foods are a go-to when it comes to curing a hangover.
Although you might not feel like having a salad in the morning, especially not when feeling nauseous, a good option is going for a smoothie. Just blend everything together and drink up. You’ll see how you start feeling better soon.
Oats
Oats have become a new food craze, and it’s not surprising at all. This superfood contains so many amazing nutrients that you’ll just keep wanting to eat it. From B vitamins, to minerals, to calcium, etc. It contains super healthy stuff. Stuff that need replenishing after a wild night.
Oats can also help you neutralize acid, meaning it can help you reduce acid reflux, which can be especially bad after a night of alcohol. Plus, it can provide energy because it rises blood sugar levels.
Chicken soup
Though this might not be the most conventional way of curing a hangover, it really works like a charm. A bowl of this hot liquid can help you keep up sodium and water levels in your body, which is much needed the day after. Chicken soup is also amazing for your liver, as it contains cysteine.
What not to eat after a night out
There’s a popular myth going around about greasy food being the best you can eat if you want to fight off your hangover. In fact, it happens to most of us that we start craving it really badly the night after we’ve been out. But apparently, fatty foods are good for preventing a hangover, rather than curing it.
This is because once the damage is done, fried food can help irritate the already irritated stomach. Eating it beforehand can actually help insulate it, which can help against alcohol absorption in the stomach and your bloodstream.
The booze myth
It’s often said that a hangover can be cured with more alcohol. Don’t believe it. It’s not true at all. It’s nothing but a small, short-term solution. It might help you out for a bit during the morning, but it will cause you to be more dehydrated. In other words, symptoms will only worsen later on.
Orange juice is a bad idea
Juices are great for curing a hangover, just not those made of oranges. While it’s true fruit juices help replenish your organism with all sorts of healthy nutrients, orange juice will just irritate your stomach.
Given the alcohol has already done the job, it’s a good idea to stay away from foods that worsen it. You will also want to stay away from tomato juice, as it’s also acidic. So leave your Bloody Mary for some other time, and stick to other juices, or just the plain old water.
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