Hangovers are nasty business. Whether we want to or not, we all end up having a little too much to drink sometimes. We wake up in the morning with a pounding head, parched mouth and upset stomach-the price we pay for overindulging. While nothing can cure a hangover besides time, there is some hangover first aid you can do to treat the symptoms.

Hangover First Aid: Food

Eating something as soon as you wake up can help with your stomach upset and overall lack of energy. Foods that contains fat and protein seems to help the most, so make yourself a plate of bacon, eggs and toast. Bacon contains 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, and eating bacon can replenish some of what you lost. Eggs are also a good source of protein. 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.

Hangover First Aid: Liquids

If your stomach can’t handle food, drink a glass or two of juice or a sports drink. Follow it up with a couple glasses of water. Many hangover symptoms are caused by dehydration. You’re body loses a lot of fluids and other nutrients during a night of drinking. Drinking a lot of water, juice, or other sports drinks can help you replenish some of what you lost. Steer clear of acidic juices, like orange, as acidic juices can sometimes exacerbate a sour stomach. Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes, as well as hydrating your body.

Hangover First Aid: Rest

Many of the hangover symptoms you experience are made worse by lack of rest. Usually when you overindulge, you also stay out much later than you normally do. Rest is an integral part of hangover first aid. Rest gives your body the time it needs to restore itself. After you eat and drink, pull the blinds and climb back into bed. By the time you wake up, you should be feeling much better. For an added benefit-take an OTC pain killer like Tylenol or Advil. It will help with any aches and pains you may be feeling. Putting an icepack on your aching head can help with a wicked hangover as well. If you don’t have an icepack, a package of frozen vegetables works too. Or just rinse a washcloth in cold water and apply it to your forehead.

Hangover First Aid: Time

Time is really the only cure for a hangover. Try to take it easy and deal with your symptoms until nature takes its course. If you have consumed a large measure of alcohol your hangover probably is severe and more time will need to elapse before you begin to feel better. The fewer drinks you consume — the less time it’ll take you to recover.

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