She Strengthens

The Morning After: Soothing Hangover Symptoms with Food and Drink

When the party’s over and the damage is done, it’s time to face the music – and your hangover. While a greasy meal might seem like the perfect cure, it’s not always the best choice. Instead, discover the foods and drinks that can help alleviate hangover symptoms and those that should be avoided for a smoother recovery.

Egg-cellent Choice

Eggs are a brunch staple for a reason. Rich in vitamin B12, they can help energize you and provide hardworking amino acids like cysteine and taurine. Cysteine also helps clear acetaldehyde, the chemical responsible for post-party agony, from your body. Meanwhile, taurine boosts liver function and may help protect it.

Potassium Powerhouses

Bananas, avocados, dates, and leafy greens are packed with potassium, an essential electrolyte often depleted after a night of drinking. Blend these ingredients into a hangover-fighting smoothie or snack on them individually.

Soup-er Solution

A warm bowl of chicken soup or a comforting cup of bone broth can help replenish sodium and water levels. For vegetarians, miso soup is a great alternative, with probiotics that can boost gut health.

Carb Loading

If you need an instant energy boost, turn to carbs like crackers or whole-wheat toast. Pair them with honey for an added lift. Just be sure to follow up with some protein to minimize the blood-sugar surge.

Cereal Relief

Oatmeal or a bowl of cereal can provide essential nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Choose a plant-based milk if your stomach can’t handle dairy.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Alcohol is a diuretic, causing dehydration and low blood volume – hence the pounding headache. Drink water before bed to prevent dehydration, and continue hydrating in the morning. Take slow sips or nibble ice chips if your stomach is sensitive.

Electrolyte Rescue

When you lose fluids, you lose electrolytes, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion. Reach for a sports drink, coconut water, or Pedialyte to restore electrolytes. Drinking electrolytes before bed can even help prevent hangover symptoms.

Tea-rific Relief

If you’re feeling queasy or your gut is churning, try herbal tea like ginger or peppermint to soothe your stomach and ease nausea.

Juice to the Rescue

Diluted apple juice has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating dehydration in children. It might just do the trick for adults too.

Pickle Juice to the Rescue

Pickle brine is rich in sodium, an electrolyte you may be lacking after a night of drinking. A shot of pickle juice might just help alleviate symptoms.

Caffeine Fix

If you’re a daily coffee drinker, stick to your routine. Skipping caffeine can worsen headaches or bring them on. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can aggravate headaches and nausea.

Soda Solution

Soda can help break down acetaldehyde, the headache- and nausea-causing byproduct of ethanol metabolism. Opt for a sugar-free seltzer water for a gentler alternative.

Foods to Avoid

While it might be tempting to reach for a greasy meal, it’s not the best choice for hangover relief. Fried foods can irritate the stomach, making symptoms worse. Also, skip the “hair of the dog” approach, as boozing in the morning will only dehydrate you further. Acidic foods like orange or grapefruit juice can also irritate an already sensitive stomach.

Listen to Your Body

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for hangovers. Pay attention to your cravings and let your gut guide you. Are you craving something salty or crunchy? Your body might be telling you what it needs to recover.