Waking up after a wild party can resemble an apocalyptic movie, no one wants to play in. Nagging symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, body aches, and many more can turn life into a nightmare. Even though having a hangover is problematic per se, it gets even more terrible if you have work or other responsibilities to attend to. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to get rid of the symptoms. What is the best remedy for a hangover? Keep reading to discover 6 infallible methods!
What is a hangover?
A hangover is when you experience a variety of unpleasant physiological symptoms following the consumption of alcohol. It’s most commonly associated with drinking too much ethanol. The severity of a hangover depends on various factors, such as the alcoholic beverage consumed, the quantity, how long ago it was consumed, the drinker’s age, gender, health status, and more.
There are several theories on why hangovers occur in the first place. One of the most popular suggests that the body tries to get rid of the toxins (i.e. ethanol and its by-products) by inducing e.g., vomiting and diarrhea. However, there are also many people who believe that hangovers are caused by the diuretic effect of alcohol, which leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Typical hangover symptoms
The most common hangover symptoms include:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- drowsiness
- poor concentration
- anxiety
- irritability
These symptoms typically peak around 24 hours after the alcohol was consumed and can last for several hours. So, what is the best remedy for a hangover?
What are some home remedies for hangovers?
There are many different hangover home remedies, but it’s worth noting that not all of them are equally effective.
Some people swear by drinking lots of fluids, while others find that eating certain foods helps. Here are 6 of the most effective hangover remedies that can help you put an end to your suffering:
- Drink plenty of fluids – dehydration is one of the main causes of hangover symptoms, so it’s important to rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink sports drinks or juices. Avoid coffee, as it can make dehydration worse.
- Eat healthy foods – eating can help to settle your stomach and boost your energy levels. Choose foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, soup, or toast. Avoid greasy or fried foods, as they can make you vomit.
- Take a pain reliever – if you have a headache, take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, remember not to take medications before eating anything, as they can irritate your stomach lining.
- Benefit from IV therapy – if you’re really struggling with your hangover, you can get relief through hangover IV therapy. What does it mean? The process involves getting fluids and vitamins through an IV drip, which can help to rehydrate your body and alleviate the symptoms. As the nutrients go directly into the bloodstream, it’s definitely one of the quickest hangover remedies.
- Take a shower – a cold shower can help to refresh your body and clear your head. The change in temperature can also reduce nausea.
- Sleep it off – one of the best things you can do for a hangover is to get some rest. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body is more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. So, make sure to get a decent nap the night after drinking.
The takeaway
A hangover can make you feel awful, but there are many things you can do to ease the symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and get some rest. If you’re really struggling, you can also benefit from IV therapy.
With these hangover remedies, you should quickly get back on track!
Even though the hangover has passed, do you feel that you lack energy? Be sure to check out 8 Simple Ways to Boost Your Energy!