Everyone has a go-to the “hangover remedy”\u2014burnt toast, greasy food, a Bloody Mary. I even know a guy who swears by the harrowing concoction called \u201cThe Bull\u2019s Eye,\u201d raw egg mixed into a glass of OJ. I’ll pass. While the placebo effect is powerful, there are better ways to silence the house DJ playing in your skull\u2014ways that actually work.<\/p>\n
First, understand that a hangover is caused by more than dehydration\u2014though it does play a large role. Your body metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is toxic to brain cells, says Robert Swift, M.D., Ph.D., a professor at Brown University\u2019s Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. Another byproduct of booze breakdown is adenosine, a neurochemical that dilates blood vessels in the brain and causes a splitting headache. Pile on low blood sugar, a loss of electrolytes, stomach irritation, and poor-quality sleep, and it\u2019s no wonder you feel the way you feel.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t feel too shabby? You could be lucky; studies suggest that 25 to 30 percent of people are virtually immune to hangovers. That, or you might still be buzzed. It takes a full 8 to 11 hours for your blood alcohol content (BAC) to hit zero after you reach the amount of booze necessary to trigger a hangover. So, you still need to take precautions in the morning \u2014even if you feel fine.<\/p>\n
Follow these research-proven tips to fend off your nausea, pounding head, and general hatred of life.<\/p>\n
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1. Don’t Gulp Gallons<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ve heard that dehydration is a major hangover cause, and it\u2019s true. The problem: Too much water will only stretch out an already-irritated stomach, leading to (even more) nausea or vomiting. Instead, gulp 8 ounces of water every hour you\u2019re awake after drinking.<\/p>\n 2. Take the Right Painkiller<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019d be ibuprofen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can risk liver damage after a night of drinking. Because both acetaminophen and alcohol are metabolized by the liver, boozing disrupts your liver from fully breaking down the toxins in the pain pills, And aspirin can upset your stomach.<\/p>\n 3. Grab Gatorade<\/strong><\/p>\n After a few cups of water, switch to a sports drink. The extra salt helps your body absorb the fluids more quickly.<\/p>\n 4. Brew Tea\u2014But Don\u2019t Drink It<\/strong><\/p>\n Need to look presentable today? Steep black, chamomile, or green tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. After you let them cool, lie down and place a bag over each eye for 5 to 15 minutes. The tannins in the tea constrict blood vessels, pulling the skin taught to battle puffiness.<\/p>\n 5. Eat Oatmeal for Breakfast …<\/strong><\/p>\n When researchers gave breakfasts to hungover college students, those who ate slowly digestible carbohydrates, like oatmeal, performed better on mood and memory tests than subjects who chose simple sugars. To add protein and digestion-slowing fiber, stir a tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter into plain instant oats.<\/p>\n 6. … With a Side of Eggs<\/strong><\/p>\n The amino acid cysteine might help your liver recover from the stress of breaking down alcohol. Egg yolks, yogurt, and poultry are good sources.<\/p>\n 7. Meet with Joe<\/strong><\/p>\n Caffeinated coffee will increase your alertness and ease the dilated vessels in your brain, says Frederick Freitag, D.O., medical director of the Comprehensive Headache Center for Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. Just limit it two one or two cups to avoid caffeine\u2019s potentially dehydrating effects.<\/p>\n 8. Get Busy<\/strong><\/p>\n Distraction\u2014whether it\u2019s taking down holiday decorations, or working out\u2014will take your mind off the hangover. It won\u2019t solve<\/em> anything, but you\u2019ll at least feel better in the moment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everyone has a go-to the “hangover remedy”\u2014burnt toast, greasy food, a Bloody Mary. I even know a guy who swears by the harrowing concoction called \u201cThe Bull\u2019s Eye,\u201d raw egg mixed into a glass of OJ. I’ll pass. While the placebo effect is powerful, there are better ways to silence the house DJ playing in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":438,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,54],"tags":[167,190,24,144,23,13,186,191,14],"class_list":["post-301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-health","category-man-health","tag-alcohol","tag-drinking","tag-headache","tag-liver","tag-migraines","tag-nausea","tag-new-years-resolution","tag-party","tag-vomiting"],"yoast_head":"\n