She Strengthens

The Morning After: 11 Scientifically-Backed Ways to Ease Hangover Symptoms

Sleeping Off the Night Before

We’ve all been there – waking up after a night of revelry, feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck. While there’s no magic cure for a hangover, there are ways to make the morning after a little more bearable. First things first, give yourself permission to sleep in. Research shows that alcohol disrupts both the quality and length of your sleep, so hit the snooze button and catch a few more winks.

Refueling for the Day Ahead

Once you’re finally feeling human again, it’s time to refuel. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause a drop in blood sugar, leading to those dreaded hangover symptoms. Reach for a glass of apple or orange juice, paired with some protein-rich eggs or yogurt to balance out your blood sugar levels.

Ginseng to the Rescue

This ancient Chinese herb has been touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Not only can it help boost your immune system, but it may also aid in breaking down alcohol more efficiently. One study found that men who took a red ginseng hangover remedy had lower blood alcohol levels and fewer hangover symptoms.

Electrolyte Boost

Alcohol can cause dehydration, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. Replenish your stores with foods rich in potassium, like bananas, spinach, and avocados. Alternatively, try a sports drink like Gatorade or Pedialyte to get your electrolytes back on track.

Soothing Your Stomach

Hangovers often come with a side of nausea and stomach discomfort. Ginger tea has been shown to combat nausea and vomiting, making it the perfect remedy for a queasy stomach.

Pre-Game Prevention

Eat Before You Drink

It’s long been known that drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to be absorbed more quickly. Make sure to fuel up with a meal rich in protein and healthy carbs before breaking out the drinks.

Pear Juice to the Rescue

Drinking pear juice before a night out may help alleviate hangover symptoms. This traditional Korean remedy has been shown to aid in breaking down alcohol and lowering blood alcohol levels.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Dehydration can exacerbate hangover symptoms, so make sure to drink water throughout the night. Try matching each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to stay hydrated.

Lighten Up

Darker drinks like red wine, whiskey, and rum contain more congeners than their lighter counterparts. While the jury is still out on the subject, some research suggests that these compounds may contribute to hangover symptoms.

Skip the Bubbles

Carbonated drinks like champagne and rum and cola may cause your digestive system to absorb alcohol more quickly. Opt for non-carbonated drinks to minimize the risk of a hangover.

The Bottom Line

While there’s no surefire way to avoid a hangover, there are ways to minimize the damage. By following these 11 scientifically-backed tips, you can reduce the severity of your hangover symptoms and get back to your normal self in no time. Remember to be patient, stay hydrated, and give your body the TLC it needs to recover.