A hangover can feel like a personal attack: pounding headache, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and a deep sense of regret. While there’s no magic cure, science does support a few remedies that actually help your body recover and exposes some popular myths along the way.
- Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration is a major cause of hangover headaches and dizziness. Water is essential, but drinks with electrolytes — like oral rehydration solutions or coconut water are even better. Sip slowly; chugging won’t speed things up. - Eat (Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)
Low blood sugar contributes to shakiness and fatigue after drinking. Light, bland foods such as toast, bananas, oatmeal, or eggs can help stabilise blood sugar and provide nutrients your body needs. Eggs are especially helpful because they contain cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol. - Sleep , Real Sleep
Alcohol disrupts deep sleep, even if you pass out quickly. Giving your body extra time to rest the next day genuinely helps recovery. A short nap can reduce fatigue and brain fog but avoid sleeping the entire day if it disrupts your next night’s rest. - Painkillers: Choose Wisely
Ibuprofen or aspirin can help with headaches and muscle aches but take them with food to avoid stomach irritation. - Ginger for Nausea
Ginger tea, ginger chews, or even fresh ginger can calm nausea and vomiting. This isn’t folklore, ginger has well-documented anti-nausea effects.
What Doesn’t Work (Sorry):
• “Hair of the dog” (drinking more alcohol to ease a hangover caused by alcohol. The idea comes from an old belief that a small amount of what made you sick can help cure you): More alcohol may temporarily dull symptoms, but it only delays recovery and worsens dehydration.
• Greasy breakfasts: Fatty foods don’t “soak up” alcohol after the fact.
The Honest Truth
Time is the only true cure. The best hangover remedy is prevention: pace your drinks, eat beforehand, and hydrate between glasses. But when the damage is done, treat your body gently, it’s already working hard to forgive you.
