A hangover is a severe headache that’s caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Other hangover symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and thirst.
Hangovers can feel like the end of the world, but they can be overcome. Here are the top 5 hangover tips.
1. Drink plenty of water
Alcohol is a diuretic, which makes you go pee more frequently. This can cause dehydration, which is a common cause for the headaches felt after a night of drinking. Having a glass of water after every drink or consuming several glasses of water after getting home can help replenish fluid levels and decrease hangover symptoms.
2. Snack on dried fruit
Instead of munching on chips and other snacks, eat dried fruit. Dried fruit contains fructose, which helps the body process alcohol and remove it from your system. Examples of dried fruit include raisins, dates, and prunes.
3. Get your electrolytes
Another way to lessen hangover headaches is by consuming drinks that contain electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate are the primary minerals that help resolve electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes work on a cellular level, playing a key role in basic bodily functions, such as regulating the body’s pH levels and balancing fluids in the body. In addition, electrolytes help rehydrate the body because they cause you to retain water and pee less. Pedialyte and sports drinks are popular for hangovers due to their high electrolyte content.
4. Get more sleep
Alcohol consumption can have a direct impact on sleep quality. Lack of sleep could make hangovers worse. Taking a nap or getting extra sleep could help reduce the sluggishness that many feel the next day.
5. Eat a big, healthy breakfast
Eating a large breakfast the day after drinking will help to replenish the various minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients the body needs to fight hangovers. The liver uses the food as energy to negate the excess alcohol consumed.
Top alcoholic drinks that cause dehydration
The higher the alcohol content, the greater risk of dehydration. While all alcoholic drinks can cause dehydration (and hangovers), here are the worst alcoholic drinks for dehydration:
| Alcoholic Drink | Alcohol Content |
| Whiskey | 40-68% |
| Bitters | 20-45% |
| Rum | 40% |
| Gin | 37.5% – 50% |
| Vodka | 40% |
| Cider | 4-8% |
| Wine | 12.5% – 14.5% |
| Beer | 4% – 6% |
Bonus tips: What NOT to do
Here are a few popular hangover remedies that don’t work:
Drink caffeinated beverages. Caffeine may give you an energy boost, but it can also cause you to go to the bathroom, which can be dehydrating. This could ultimately make the hangover worse.
Exercise. Many feel sweating out a hangover is the key, but this can also lead to increased dehydration and worsen hangover symptoms.
The bottom line
Headaches, nausea, thirst, dizziness, and sensitivity to light are common symptoms of hangovers. There are many ways to treat hangovers, but the most effective ways are also the simplest. Rest, rehydration, and replenishing the nutrients lost are some of the best ways to cure hangovers.
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