Hangover symptoms are a product of dehydration, hypoglycemia, and the poisonous side effects from toxins in our drinks (sounds great, right?) so is there any instant cure for a hangover?
Sadly, not says Ruth C. Engs, RN, EdD, a professor at Indiana University who has done extensive research on the effects of drinking.
“There are a lot of myths about hangover cures,” Ms Engs told Fitness Magazine.
“Essentially there is no cure other than consuming water and liquids like juice (i.e., not spiked) in the morning.”
So while science says there is no instant antidote out there are we swear we’ve got the scoop on remedies that will ease your hangover this silly season.
Take it easy
While you might think that an hour at the gym will make them feel better after a big night, think again. Because your body is already dehydrated from the alcohol sweating it out could actually make your symptoms worse. But if you really do want to get your body moving stick with light cardio or a yoga class, which won’t dehydrate you as much as other vigorous workouts.
Get under the covers
You may have gotten your usual eight hours, but it was probably broken up by a few trips to the bathroom and a lot of tossing and turning, diminishing the quality of your snooze. Think ahead and if you can take a power nap before a big night out.
Reach for a Sprite
While a strong coffee or even a Bloody Mary might be the drink of choice for a weary reveller the morning after the night before science says Sprite might be your best bet.
A 2013 study by Chinese scientists examined 57 beverages – ranging from herbal teas to fizzy pop – before concluding that the carbonated lemon and lime drink performed the best.
Researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University, in Guangzhou, Sprite has the ability to breakdown acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol. Interestingly many other drinks tested – among them herbal teas – were found to have the opposite effect and actually increased those symptoms we all know too well.
Eat Asparagus
Research published in the Journal of Food Science suggests that the antioxidants in green vegetables like asparagus could help control the toxicity that alcohol inflicts on your liver during a night of drinking.
The 2009 study found that the leaves of the asparagus plant are rich in antioxidants and minerals that, at least in the lab, seem to alleviate the toxicity of alcohol on the liver cells. The enzymes that metabolize alcohol and its nasty byproducts (aldehyde, which creates hangovers) also worked harder when they were exposed to asparagus extracts.
While the green spear study was performed in the lab, not on actual hung party animals, there’s no real way of knowing its effectiveness but veggies are good for you so you really have nothing to lose, right?
Drink lots of water
It’s hardly a groundbreaking tip, but it should be a top priority. While alcohol might make you buzz in a delightful world of hazy merriment, it also makes you pee – a lot. Constant trips to the bathroom can lead to dehydration, prompting the hallmark dizziness and lightheadedness of a hangover. So drinking water before during and after a social session will keep you H20 levels up. Tip for the next day: While you sip on water add some fresh ginger and mint. The subtle taste will help you to suckle more down liquid while sneaking in some extra minerals.
Back away from the bagels
Your blood sugar may have dropped while drinking, contributing to your fatigue and overall weakness so getting some sustenance into your body pronto is important.
If you are super hung over and swear by a bacon and egg bagel after a big night out then go ahead and enjoy it, but don’t overdo it because your insides are still dealing with the toxins from the night before. Be kind to your body and if you can reach for fresh wholesome food, like fruit and vegetables that will help clean out your insides rather than clog them up.
