Theo Nash
Alcohol has many negative effects on the body, including dehydration, inflammation of the stomach, and disrupting the function of the brain. The only cure for a hangover is time, but there are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. Here are some tips to help you recover from alcohol the next day.
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What You'll Learn
Drink water to rehydrate
Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration because it is a diuretic, increasing urination and blocking the antidiuretic hormone. This can leave you feeling nauseous as alcohol causes your stomach to become inflamed. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur, which can dehydrate you even further. Therefore, drinking water is key to rehydrating your body the next day.
Drinking water before you go to sleep after drinking alcohol is a good idea. If you are exercising the next day to sweat it out, drinking water is important to replace what you sweat and compensate for the dehydrating effects of alcohol. If you are experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea, you must drink water to replace the fluids lost.
Water is not the only option to rehydrate, as Pedialyte or sports drinks can help rehydrate you faster than plain water. This is because they include electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) that help direct water to the areas of the body where it is needed most. Electrolytes can also be found in bananas, which can help relieve muscle aches.
Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can also help you to drink more slowly and stay hydrated. However, this does not prevent a hangover, and the only thing that will get rid of a hangover is time.
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Eat foods rich in potassium and carbohydrates
Eating foods rich in potassium and carbohydrates can be a great way to recover from alcohol the next day. Alcohol reduces the levels of sugar in your blood, so eating foods rich in carbohydrates can help you feel better.
Fruits, toast, and pasta are some easily available options that can help restore your blood sugar levels. Bananas, in particular, are a great source of potassium and can help relieve muscle aches, which are common after a night of drinking.
Sports drinks are also a good way to replenish electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which are lost due to frequent urination after drinking alcohol. They can help you rehydrate faster than plain water. However, drinking plenty of water is still essential, as alcohol causes dehydration. It is recommended to have a pint or so of water before going to sleep after drinking alcohol.
In addition to potassium and carbohydrates, it is also important to replenish other vitamins and minerals lost due to alcohol consumption. A multi-vitamin can help with this, although there is no strong evidence that they cure a hangover.
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Take vitamins and painkillers
While there is no official cure for a hangover, certain measures can help alleviate the symptoms. One way to do this is by taking vitamins and painkillers.
Vitamins
Vitamins can help replenish the nutrients lost due to alcohol consumption. Alcohol-induced diuresis can deplete water-soluble vitamins from the body. In chronic alcoholics, vitamins like thiamine and folic acid are often found to be lacking. Taking a multivitamin won't hurt and may even help with energy levels, especially if it includes a B vitamin. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine found that people who consumed greater amounts of zinc and B vitamins had less severe hangovers.
Painkillers
Painkillers can help with headaches and overall achy feelings. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are generally effective at relieving headaches and muscle aches. However, NSAIDs may irritate the stomach, which is already irritated by alcohol. It is important to avoid taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) with alcohol as it can have toxic effects on the liver.
It is important to note that while vitamins and painkillers can help alleviate hangover symptoms, they do not address the root cause of the hangover, which is the body's recovery process from alcohol withdrawal. The best way to avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol or to drink in moderation.
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Exercise, but be cautious
Exercise is a great way to recover from alcohol consumption and can have substantial health benefits. It can help you feel strong and motivated during recovery and addiction treatment. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start exercising after drinking alcohol.
Firstly, it is important to ensure your body has had sufficient time to recuperate and eliminate alcohol from your system. If you still feel intoxicated or are experiencing a hangover, it is best to wait until later in the day when you feel more like yourself. Getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, and eating food can help speed up your recovery. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose more fluids than usual, so it is crucial to drink plenty of water to compensate.
When you feel ready to exercise, start with a light workout and gradually increase the intensity. You don't need to jump into intense workouts right away. A mindful approach is key, so listen to your body and be cautious not to overdo it. Even a quick, light workout can help maintain your routine and provide a much-needed mood and energy boost to counterbalance the effects of alcohol.
Exercising after drinking alcohol can be beneficial, but it is important to be cautious and give your body time to recover. Always listen to your body and adjust your workout intensity as needed.
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Avoid caffeine in large amounts
While coffee or tea can be a great way to boost your energy levels and help with a headache the morning after drinking, it is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine you consume. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases your heart rate and constricts your blood vessels. While this can be beneficial in moderation, overdoing it with caffeinated drinks can lead to unpleasant side effects, especially if you have an underlying heart condition.
Large amounts of caffeine may cause symptoms such as a fast heart rate or palpitations. These symptoms are not related to your hangover but can be very unpleasant and even harmful if you have a serious heart condition. Therefore, it is recommended to limit your caffeine intake when recovering from alcohol consumption.
If you decide to have a cup of coffee or tea, consider opting for a smaller or less strong option. Avoid drinking multiple cups of very strong coffee, as this will result in a large dose of caffeine. Remember that caffeine is also present in other beverages like energy drinks, so take that into account when monitoring your total caffeine intake.
Instead of relying heavily on caffeine, there are other ways to boost your energy levels and alleviate hangover symptoms. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body. You can also try consuming foods rich in carbohydrates, such as fruit, toast, or pasta, to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Additionally, getting some rest and refraining from intense physical activity can aid your body's recovery process.
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Frequently asked questions
Time is the only thing that will truly get rid of a hangover, but staying hydrated by drinking water is a good way to help your body recover.
Yes, eating foods rich in carbohydrates, such as fruit, toast, or pasta, can help to reduce the negative effects of a hangover. Sports drinks can also help you rehydrate faster than water as they include electrolytes.
You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol to help with any pain or headaches. However, be cautious when taking acetaminophen as it filters through the liver, just like alcohol.
Yes, caffeine can help relieve headaches and provide a boost of energy. However, be careful not to overdo it as too much caffeine may cause symptoms such as a fast heart rate or palpitations.
The best way to prevent a hangover is to avoid drinking alcohol. However, if you are drinking, stick to the recommended limit of no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, and try to have a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
