Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Lauren Beck
A hangover is a common experience for many people who have consumed too much alcohol. It can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience that can affect your ability to function normally.
In this article, we will explore the best drinks for a hangover, what helps with a hangover, what to avoid, when a hangover starts, the symptoms, how long it lasts, how common hangovers are, how much alcohol causes a hangover, and ways to speed up recovery.
What to Drink When You Have a Hangover?
Here are the 10 Best Drinks for a Hangover:
- Water: The most important thing to do when you have a hangover is to stay hydrated. Drinking water can help to replenish the fluids that you have lost due to alcohol consumption.
- Sports drinks: Drinks like Gatorade can help to replenish electrolytes like potassium and sodium that are lost when you drink alcohol.
- Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte replenisher and can help to hydrate the body.
- Tea: Ginger and peppermint tea can help to settle an upset stomach, while chamomile tea can help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.
- Juice: Orange and tomato juice can help to replenish vitamins and minerals that are lost during alcohol consumption.
- Milk thistle: Milk thistle is a herb that has been traditionally used to help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol.
- Smoothies: Smoothies made with fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals to help your body recover.
- Coffee: A cup of coffee in the morning can help to reduce the effects of a hangover.
- Bone broth: Bone broth is high in electrolytes and amino acids that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Herbal supplements: Supplements like milk thistle, ginger, and turmeric can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of a hangover.
What Helps with a Hangover?
- Drinking water and other fluids can help to replenish the fluids that you have lost due to alcohol consumption.
- Eating a healthy meal with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to replenish vitamins and minerals that are lost during alcohol consumption.
- Getting plenty of rest and sleep can help to promote healing and reduce the symptoms of a hangover.
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, can help to reduce headache and muscle aches.
- Herbal supplements like milk thistle, ginger, and turmeric can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of a hangover.
What to Avoid if You Have a Hangover?
- Avoid drinking more alcohol, as it will only prolong and worsen the hangover.
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can dehydrate the body and make the symptoms of a hangover worse.
- Avoid fatty and greasy foods, as they can irritate the stomach and make the symptoms of a hangover worse.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as it can irritate the lungs and make the symptoms of a hangover worse.
When Does a Hangover Start?
A hangover typically starts within several hours of drinking alcohol and can last for up to 24 hours. The severity of a hangover can vary depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the rate of consumption, and the individual’s tolerance to alcohol.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hangover?
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
How Long Does a Hangover Last?
The duration of a hangover can vary depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the individual’s tolerance to alcohol. In general, a hangover can last for up to 24 hours. Some people may experience symptoms for a shorter period of time, while others may experience symptoms for a longer period of time.
How Common Are Hangovers?
Hangovers are a common experience for many people who consume alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 92% of adults in the United States have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, and about 56% of adults reported drinking in the past month.
How Much Alcohol Causes a Hangover?
The amount of alcohol that causes a hangover can vary depending on the individual’s tolerance to alcohol, their body weight, and the rate of consumption. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) [1], drinking more than four drinks in a single day for men, and more than three drinks in a single day for women, can increase the risk of a hangover.
Can I Speed Up Hangover Recovery?
While there is no surefire way to completely eliminate a hangover, there are steps you can take to speed up recovery and reduce the severity of symptoms. These include staying hydrated, replenishing electrolytes, getting plenty of rest and sleep, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Conclusion
A hangover is a common experience for many people who have consumed too much alcohol. While it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and speed up recovery. Drinking water, replenishing electrolytes, getting plenty of rest and sleep, and taking over-the-counter pain medication can all help to reduce the severity of a hangover. Additionally, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and greasy foods, and getting plenty of rest can help to reduce the symptoms of a hangover. Remember, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation.
Reference:
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
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