So last night’s promise of “just one last drink” turned into three and then five and then a lot more. Now your head is pounding, you feel like the ground beneath you is splitting into two. Quick, grab your hangover remedies — but no, not that quick lest you want to stain your favorite rug.
Take a deep breath first. If this isn’t your first rodeo, then you are probably no stranger to worse hangovers. But before you reach for your favorite over-the-counter ibuprofen, let’s try and take it easy on your liver for a while, yeah?
Here is a list of hangover remedies that can be found right in your fridge. Some health experts even recommend them and other people swear by them as well.
From calming nausea, settling an upset stomach, reducing the headache, to replenishing electrolytes, we’ve got you covered. Sit down and read on.
What Causes Hangovers?
First off, knowing what caused your current dilemma might help you understand your situation better. Not only that, but you can take certain precautions next time you feel like having a good time.
Hangovers are basically caused by drinking too much alcohol. Depending on a person’s tolerance, “too much” is a relative term.
Some can get a hangover from sipping on one beer throughout the night. Others could get it by throwing back ten shots of tequila at the club. Either way, alcohol must be present in your system if you are suffering from hangover symptoms.
There are also various factors that may contribute to a hangover.
Alcoholic drinks also contain ingredients called congeners. This compound gives many types of drinks their flavor and taste and can contribute to hangovers. Congeners are larger in quantity in dark liquors like brandy, bourbon, and beer.
When drinking these, keep in mind that you are more likely to wake up with a headache in the morning.
However, drinking too much alcoholic drink of any color can still cause you to moan and groan from a hangover. Moreover, your hangover symptoms can also depend on your state before you even get drunk.
Lack of sleep, an empty stomach, and exhaustion are some that could also contribute to the effects of alcohol on your body.
What is the Best Home Remedy for Hangovers?
At this point, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering how any of this helps your predicament. Hang in there, we’re getting to the good part.
Is there a wonder food out there that will magically make your head a thousand pounds lighter and make you instantly stay steady on your own two feet?
To be quite honest — no there isn’t. There is no panacea for a hangover.
While scientific evidence regarding home hangover remedies are far and few in between, this isn’t to say they don’t work at all. Food that contains certain compounds could work just as well as an over-the-counter pill.
After all, science has proven that nutrients in food do help replenish and nourish the human body.
Apart from staying hydrated — which is step one, by the way — this list of hangover remedies could be your next best friend after a long night out with the guys, gals, and pals.
CBD Oil
CBD has some pretty amazing health attributes. Some of which could help you manage those nasty symptoms of a hangover.
Known as an anti-inflammatory substance, this hemp oil extract could settle blood alcohol levels by reducing inflamed organs affected by intoxicating drinks.
CBD is best known to users to help them reduce symptoms of anxiety and even achieve better and longer sleep. Its calming properties could alleviate some of alcohol‘s toxic effects by also acting as a cleanser.
The main cannabinoid ingredient, cannabidiol, also has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
There are several ways to take CBD oil — you could opt for the traditional oil tincture or pill. With the former, just place a couple of drops under the tongue and let it work its magic.
The pills you can take even on an empty stomach and chase down with more water or your favorite fruit juice.
Just be sure to take medical advice first if you think you’ll be having reactions to foreign substances like cannabinoids and terpenes.
Green Tea
After a night of heavy drinking, you’d think you wouldn’t want to drink anything anymore. Contrary to this, most people find themselves thirsty to the point of dehydration. Dry mouth, lightheadedness, and an aching throat are usually the symptoms.
While water is one of the greatest and most vital hangover remedies, infused water works just as well.
That’s what green tea basically is: water steeped with tea leaves. Green tea’s reputation as a powerful antioxidant makes it an effective and quick hangover relief.
Served hot and with a bit of honey, it could even help make your tummy feel loads better.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) might not have the best smell — or taste for that matter — but it does have a natural diuretic effect.
This can help combat morning-after fluid retention, and help you excrete unwanted toxins easier via urine. ACV can also help stabilize blood sugar levels which can fluctuate after a night of alcohol consumption.
As a hangover cure, two or three tablespoons of ACV is usually enough in the morning when you wake up. You can also mix it with a glass of water to dilute the strong taste. Your gag reflex may be triggered by this pickle juice-like concoction so take it easy.
Take small sips first before taking big gulps. You can also add in a teaspoon of honey or organic syrup to sweeten the mixture a bit.
Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein and essential vitamins like Vitamins A, E, and B12. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that do wonders for digestion.
As a sort of superfood, they are essentially routine food. An egg a day could keep the doctor away! It’s really no wonder almost everyone prefers eggs for breakfast. It really is a good booster to start off your day
But did you know these delicious round things are also a good hangover remedy? In fact, an amino acid called cysteine found in eggs counteracts the adverse effects of acetaldehyde, a chemical produced by the body as it metabolizes alcohol.
Go whip up an omelet or, if you’re feeling too bad, just steam an egg or two and munch on it.
Exercise
Exercise sounds like a bad idea when you can barely walk two feet without wobbling, but it will help. Increasing circulation, sweating out the toxins, and even just breathing in fresh air could do you wonders
Experts agree by saying that this method works best since moving pumps oxygen flow in the brain and could overall boost your energy levels
Sweating as a form of detox could also purge out the possibility of inflammation in your organs. Worry not, you don’t have to run ten miles and do five hundred push-ups.
Even just a brisk, long walk could be good enough. Just don’t forget to stay hydrated — drinking water before, during, and after any form of physical activity is always advised.
A Cold Shower
Cold showers may sound unappealing on a cold morning but they are a good way to get rid of many hangover symptoms.
Taking a cold shower could increase blood circulation and you feel more alert. The drop in temperature could also stimulate a boost in your neurotransmitters and make you feel instantly better.
After all, who doesn’t like feeling fresh and clean after a night of sweaty drinking and dancing? If nothing else, it will certainly help wake you up and keep you alert to start your day.
In the long term, though, both cold and hot showers have their own benefits. But exclusively speaking for hangover remedies, the former could benefit you better.
Electrolytes
Hydration is always a must, hangover or not. However, sugary sports drinks are not the way to go if you’re looking to replenish all those lost electrolytes.
Instead, try low-sugar water bottle add-ins like hydration tablets or powders. They are rich in electrolytes, potassium, and magnesium.
Plus, you can get them at the local convenience or pharmaceutical store.
Non-carbonated sports drinks could also be good but take them in moderation. Your other best bet for hangover remedies are all-natural drinks rich in electrolytes like coconut water or almond milk. Sparkling water could also work.
If none of these are present in your fridge, opt for the food equivalent instead. Unsalted pretzels, a ripe banana, cooked spinach, and almonds are also good alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line when it comes to hangover remedies? There is no medically reviewed, all-natural, cure-all pain reliever for it. The only sure-fire way to prevent a hangover is to gauge your limits.
Even then, you can’t really be sure as there are other factors that could cause a pounding headache the morning after.
In any case, don’t let those nasty symptoms get in the way of your fun. It’s alright to have a drink now and then to loosen up, just be sure to be attuned to your body so you know what it needs right after.
As they say, things are best enjoyed when done in moderation.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.