Hangover Cures-Do They Work?

Studies show that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can be hazardous to your health. Many people enjoy drinking and are unlikely to give it up entirely, based on the threat of future health problems. A few glasses of wine may be safe for some and may even have a few health benefits.

But some overdo it. If you find yourself in the position of having drunk too much alcohol the night before, how can you handle the hangover? Eating Well magazine has some useful tips.

Of course, the best tip is to not overdo it! If you tend to over do it, try drinking a glass of water between every alcoholic drink to slow yourself down when drinking alcohol. It helps reduce dehydration and may keep you from drinking as much.

If you think you may have a problem with drinking, seek help.

Hangover Cures from Eating Well Magazine

Everyone knows someone who absolutely swears by a greasy egg sandwich from the corner diner to erase the symptoms of a hangover—but the only proven way to get rid of a hangover is to wait it out. (Hangovers usually last for 8 to 24 hours.) That said, some commonly touted hangover cures—while not proven effective—are worth a try if you’re truly in pain.

Fruit

One study conducted in the 1970s found that drinking fruit juice or eating fruit relieved some hangover symptoms. Fruits and fruit juices contain a sugar called fructose, which may help your body clear alcohol faster, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fruits and vegetables (think: supposed tomato juice cures] also contain minerals, such as potassium, that are important in restoring your electrolyte balance and replenishing your body’s fluids.

Starchy Carbohydrates

Starchy carbohydrates, such as toast or crackers, may help to counteract nausea and low blood sugar (symptoms include headaches, fatigue and cold sweats) caused by long bouts of drinking with little food, according to an article in the journal Alcohol Health & Research World.

Fluids

Drinking alcohol causes your body to lose a lot of water, especially if you’ve been sick to your stomach. Rehydrating—with water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium—could help you feel better.

Electrolytes

The salt and potassium in bouillon-based soup may replace lost electrolytes, relieving some of the symptoms of dehydration: headache, weakness, dizziness.

“How Alcohol Affects Your Body,” an article from Eating Well

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