Waking up with a pounding headache, dry mouth, and a stomach doing somersaults? That’s a hangover. Whether it was a wild night out or just one too many cocktails at dinner, most of us have been there. The good news is that there are ways to ease the pain. The bad news is that a lot of popular hangover remedies are just myths.
Let’s cut through the noise and get real about what actually works and what doesn’t.
What Causes a Hangover?
Before we dive into the remedies, it helps to understand what’s happening in your body. Hangovers are caused by a combination of factors:
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Dehydration (alcohol is a diuretic)
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Electrolyte imbalance
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Low blood sugar
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Gastrointestinal irritation
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Sleep disruption
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Inflammation and toxin buildup from alcohol breakdown (like acetaldehyde)
Every person’s body reacts differently, but these are the main reasons behind those dreaded hangover symptoms.
✅ What Actually Works
1. Hydration
Alcohol drains your body of fluids, so replenishing them is key.
What to do: Drink plenty of water before bed and again in the morning.
Bonus: Coconut water or electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Liquid I.V. help restore lost minerals.
2. Sleep
Alcohol disrupts your sleep, especially REM cycles, which leaves you feeling groggy and unfocused.
What to do: Sleep in if you can, and take a nap during the day to help your body recover.
3. Hangover Patches and Supplements
Some patches and supplements contain B vitamins, antioxidants, and herbs that support liver function.
What to look for: Ingredients like DHM (dihydromyricetin), NAC, B1, and milk thistle have shown promise in reducing hangover symptoms.
Tip: These are most effective when taken before or while drinking.
4. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Low blood sugar can make your hangover worse.
What to eat: Eggs (which contain cysteine), bananas (rich in potassium), toast, or oats can help bring your body back into balance.
5. Pain Relievers (With Caution)
Ibuprofen or aspirin can help relieve headaches and muscle aches.
Avoid: Acetaminophen (Tylenol). It can be harmful to your liver when alcohol is still in your system.
6. Ginger or Peppermint Tea
These help settle the stomach and ease nausea.
Bonus: Ginger also reduces inflammation, which can help with overall recovery.
❌ What Doesn’t Work (or Can Make Things Worse)
Hair of the Dog
Drinking more alcohol in the morning might dull the symptoms for a short time, but it only delays your recovery and puts more strain on your body.
Greasy Food After Drinking
While it might feel satisfying, greasy food after drinking can irritate your stomach. It’s much better to eat before or while you drink.
Energy Drinks
These may make you feel more alert for a little while, but they can worsen dehydration and stress your heart.
Activated Charcoal (Too Late!)
Charcoal only helps if taken before the alcohol is absorbed. Taking it the next morning won’t do anything for alcohol that’s already in your bloodstream.
Prevention is the Best Remedy
If you want to avoid a hangover altogether, try these tips:
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Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
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Avoid sugary or dark-colored drinks, which contain more congeners
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Set a drink limit and pace yourself
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Eat before or during drinking
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Use supplements or patches that support hydration, liver health, and vitamin replenishment
Final Thoughts
There’s no miracle cure for a hangover, but a mix of hydration, supplements, electrolytes, and a healthy breakfast can go a long way. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it might take some experimenting to figure out what works best for you.
And remember, the only guaranteed way to avoid a hangover is not to drink. But if you do, now you’ve got the tools to bounce back faster.
