Ugh, that pounding headache, the nausea, and the stomach cramps—yep, we’ve all been there. Unfortunately, there’s no magic cure to make you feel like a million bucks again right away. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some solid ways to tackle a hangover that we’ve all tried and tested.
You know how it goes: one drink after work turns into two… or four. It happens! Those wild nights (or the ones you can’t quite remember) come with a price tag in the morning. The best way to dodge a hangover is to drink less or skip it altogether, but we all know that’s easier said than done.
Did you know that about 75% of people who’ve had a hangover have missed work at least once because of it? Yeah, dragging yourself into the office after a big corporate party can feel impossible. You can’t focus, and all you can think about is how to survive until the evening. Alcohol dehydrates you, which is a big part of why you feel so awful. Basically, our bodies are mostly water, so when we mess with that balance, it leads to some pretty rough consequences. The toxins from the booze hang around in your liver and gut, and when they finally start to come out the next day, that’s your hangover. To help prevent this, try to drink a glass of water between your alcoholic drinks. It’s a simple but effective trick.
So, what else can you do to avoid that morning-after misery?
Load Up on Vitamins
A hangover isn’t just about being dehydrated; it’s also about inflammation and oxidation. It’s way easier to prevent a hangover than to deal with it later. Antioxidants can help reduce the damage from alcohol, so before you hit the town, sip on some pomegranate or cranberry juice, or munch on some grapes.
Go for a Burger, Not a Salad
We get it—you don’t want to feel bloated in that cute outfit. But what you eat can really affect how your body handles alcohol. According to experts, red meat is a good choice because it’s packed with amino acids and vitamins that help your body process the booze.
Skip the Champagne
This one’s a classic: try to stick to wine instead of bubbly. The carbonation in champagne speeds up how quickly your body absorbs alcohol, which can make your hangover worse.
What to Drink?
Coconut water and sports drinks are actually better than plain water for keeping you hydrated while drinking. They have the electrolytes and minerals your body loses when you drink. So if you plan on having a few cocktails, grab some coconut water or a sports drink to alternate with your booze.
Don’t Smoke
A study found that students who drank and smoked had way worse hangovers than those who just drank. So, if you can, skip the smokes while you’re partying.
Take a Spoonful of Olive Oil
This is a popular trick in Mediterranean countries. The idea is that the fat in olive oil can help slow down alcohol absorption. So, if you can handle it, down a tablespoon before you head out. You can also dip some bread in it or drizzle it on your salad for extra fat.
Drink Milk
Some people swear that drinking milk can help because it forms a barrier in your stomach that slows down alcohol absorption. There’s no solid science behind it, but hey, it can’t hurt to try, right?
Don’t Mix Your Drinks
Mixing different types of alcohol can lead to a nasty hangover. Different drinks have various additives and flavors, and your body has to work overtime to process them all.
Before Bed
So you’re home now. What else can you do to feel better tomorrow?
Don’t Overdo It on Water
Sure, hangovers are caused by dehydration, but chugging a ton of water isn’t the answer either. It can put a strain on your body and make you run to the bathroom all night, which messes with your sleep. Just drink a glass or two of water and maybe keep one by your bed for the night.
There you go! With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle that hangover when it hits. Cheers!
