7 Hangover Cures That Actually Work

Nothing is worse than waking up after a night after drinking to find your head is pounding, your mouth is parched, and your stomach is doing somersaults. Although we know a hangover is always a possibility, sometimes we just get carried away with our fun, and no one wants to waste the day away in bed feeling icky.

Of course, the best way to cure a hangover is to drink in moderation, but on those mornings when you can’t go back in time, you’re looking for the next best bet. Luckily for you, you’re not doomed to misery all day long if you take the right steps.

1. Eggs

If you’ve ever craved an omelette or egg sandwich after a night of drinking, you’re on the right track. Eggs contain taurine, an amino acid that has been found to reduce liver damage from alcohol. Eggs also contain cysteine, another amino acid that breaks down the hangover-causing acetaldehyde, a product of alcohol metabolism.

2. Prickly Pear

You may not have it lying around in your kitchen, but research has found that prickly pear can reduce nausea, dry mouth, and aversion to food. Taking prickly pear extract five hours before consuming alcohol can help reduce hangover symptoms by 50 percent, as prickly pear reduces inflammation, a major cause of your hangovers.

3. Asparagus

You’re likely not craving asparagus in the midst of your hangover misery, but the vegetable contains amino acids and minerals that protect the liver against toxins, including those from alcohol. Asparagus boosts the levels of enzymes that break down alcohol, so include some in your dinner or toss some in your eggs for a more pleasant morning after.

4. Ginger

If you’re hangover is in the form of nausea or a queasy stomach, ginger is the remedy for you. Research shows that ginger is effective in reducing nausea and stomach upset and can even stop vomiting. Brew some in a tea or chew some ginger candies for relief.

5. Sleep

Ever felt like your hangover was worse after staying up until the crack of dawn? You might be right. Studies show that sleep-deprivation can worsen symptoms of a hangover, so try to get as much rest as you can to beat those dreaded symptoms. Sleep can help boost your immune system as well, and you’ll need that extra help, as drinking alcohol can weaken your immunity.

6. Taking Vitamins

Drinking alcohol depletes your body of important nutrients such as the B vitamins, so taking a multivitamin can make up for your lost nutrients. Antioxidants can help prevent the damage from alcohol, so load up on those supplements or indulge in some nutrient-rich foods.

7. Water

A large part of your hangover is due to dehydration. Alcohol consumptions increases urination, which causes your body to lose more water than usual. Stick to the one glass of water per drink rule, and be sure to load up on water as soon as you wake up, although it’s best used preventatively.

Photo by kimberlykv