How To Cure A Hangover

Hangovers are awful. You wake up with a pounding headache, sour stomach, and a deep sense of remorse for drinking those last few cocktails. Unfortunately, most of the “hangover cures” sold in pharmacies and at convenient shops don’t work. However, you hope that there is something you can do to ease the pain. Here are some things that will help you cure a hangover.

 How to cure a hangover: Headache

One of the worst symptoms of a hangover is the headache. Sometimes it feels like your head may explode. Caffeine has been shown to help you cure a hangover when you have a bad headache. Contrary to popular opinion, coffee won’t sober you up after you’ve been drinking. It can, however, help with the headache. Caffeine has been clinically shown to react against the chemical compounds of ethanol. Alcohol consumption causes a buildup of acetate, which is what produces a headache the next morning. Caffeine has been shown to reduce the amount of acetate in the system. For best results, take an anti-inflammatory like aspirin with your morning after cup of java.

How to cure a hangover: Stomach upset

The best way to cure a hangover that includes an upset stomach is to eat something. Food is a big part of most hangover remedies because it can calm the stomach and speed the metabolism so your body can get rid of the booze more quickly.  If you can handle it, eat something that contains both protein (like eggs and/or bacon) and carbohydrates (like bread).

Food like bacon and eggs contain a lot of protein, which breaks down into amino acids. One particular type of amino acid, amine has been shown to be effective in clearing your head after a night of partying.  Binging on alcohol depletes your store of amino acids, so eating protein can help cure a hangover. Bread is great because it contains a lot of carbohydrates. It not only can absorb some of the acid in your stomach when you wake up with a hangover, it also gives you a boost of energy.

Over the counter medication like Pepto-Bismol can also help cure a hangover that includes an upset stomach. If your stomach can’t handle a big meal, try eating crackers or drinking broth. Getting something in your stomach helps cure a hangover by helping an upset stomach and giving you energy. Broth can also help with dehydration.

How to cure a hangover: Dehydration

One of the major causes of hangover symptoms is dehydration. The side effects of binge drinking alcohol like vomiting, diarrhea and increased urination can cause the body to rapidly lose electrolytes and become dehydrated. In extreme cases, this dehydration can lead to seizures and even death, which is why it is so important to keep hydrated while drinking. It is also why fluids like water and sports drinks can help cure a hangover. Steer clear of acidic juices, like orange, as acidic juices can sometimes exacerbate a sour stomach.

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