Unfortunately there are times when you are simply going to overindulge. Too many drinks in too short a time or just that overly extended night out with the girls or boys are going to result in a morning after that will lead to a swearing off of alcohol for the rest of our lives – and the search for that ever elusive hangover cure that actually works.
Of course we’re advised (and it’s true) that the only way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation. But that doesn’t really help unless you own a time machine and the damage has already been done. But there are certain approaches that will reduce the terrible effects of the out of control night out.
It’s estimated that more than 75 percent of people who’ve had an alcoholic drink have experienced a hangover and even missed work due to one, so it’s essential to know how to tackle the morning after. To avoid hangover-related poor job performance, it’s best to get back to a state of bushy tailed sobriety in a clever way.
These scientifically-proven cures can help you get over the challenges of a throbbing headache and whole body pain that are the result of over indulging.
Click NEXT to See The Top 6 Hangover Cures
During or after a night of excessive drinking, most of us will turn to good old H2O to quench our thirst, since our body has lost huge amounts of water due to alcohol’s diuretic effects.
While the idea of putting more liquid into your body may sound a bit off putting, water can help. Typically, the negative symptoms of alcohol derive from the dehydration of the body.
Aicacia Young, a Registered Dietitian in Austin, Texas, and founder of Climb Healthy, believes water can lessen the severity of headaches, fatigue, nausea, and the often experienced confusion.
Rehydrating before you go to sleep can help lessen the blow the next morning
It isn’t an urban legend, hydrating on sweet, (caffeine-free) soda may reduce the effects of a hangover.
In a 2013 study published in the journal ‘Food and Function’, Chinese researchers found that Sprite helps the body better metabolise alcohol by speeding up our ability to process aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) – believed to be the culprit for hangover symptoms.
Some bad news for the herbal tea addicts – sipping on herbal tea may slow down the ALDH process and could possibly prolong the hangover.
3. GINGER OR PEPPERMINT TEA
Although the above study found Sprite may be more effective than herbal teas, other studies suggest sipping on ginger or peppermint tea soothes hangover-related nausea and stomach aches.
A 2003 study published in the ‘American Journal of Physiology’ and a 2008 study published in ‘Prescrire International’ both found the teas can reduce nausea and motion sickness when used appropriately (Ginger has long been a remedy for seasickness).
In addition green tea is also known to be helpful to the liver, as EGCG (Epigallocatechin galate) has been shown to stimulate key detoxification pathways – so a cup or two after a heavy night’s drinking may be a great idea.
Funny smelling wee aside and while asparagus may not be the food we most want after a few drinks, asparagus may actually protect our body from alcohol.
A 2009 study published in the ‘Journal of Food Science’ found the amino acids in asparagus improve the speed at which human cells break down alcohol – which can prevent some of the long-term damage from alcohol’s toxic by products, such as hydrogen peroxide. It appears that asparagus that can help with a boozy hangover, while protecting liver cells.
5. BANANAS AND PRETZELS
A bit of an odd combo but eating pretzels and bananas can go a long way to dealing with a hangover. Pretzels are high in salt and banana’s boast great levels of potassium. Alyssa Cellini, a well-known nutritionist in Bridgewater, N.J., suggests eating these two foods in combination to prevent further dehydration.
Salt and potassium are electrolytes, that hold onto water to decrease dehydration add to this the natural electrolytes that also come with will make for one less step to feeling better, according to Cellini. There are other ways to get salt and potassium – but these are delicious sources – who doesn’t like a pretzel?
This is almost a go to destination for anyone who has suffered a hangover and apparently it’s been proven to work. A 2010 study published in the journal’ PlOS ONE’ found caffeine in coffee and the anti-inflammatory ingredients of aspirin and other painkillers, reacted against the chemical compounds of ethanol, or pure alcohol. Cellini does however caution:
coffee further dehydrates you and is acidic, but it will force adrenaline up which will give you a false energy boost.
It’s best to take precaution when it comes to drinking coffee and painkillers together. Keep hydrated folks – it seems that it’s one of the best ways to overcome a hangover.
We’re just waiting for that bacon and egg sandwich cure. A side glass of orange juice won’t do you any harm either – so we’re a bit closer to that greasy breakfast hangover all in one solution.