If we were all sensible we would avoid hangovers by not drinking at all!
But where would be the fun in that?
Prevention is better than cure! :puking:
Here's a list of the best hangover cures
Don't drink. It's BAD for you....!!
Well? Ok, that advice didn't work.
You're hungover because you're dehydrated.
Water combats dehydration. Bingo!
So, if you didn't drink water before crashing out, then drink a pint of water every hour of the day.
Or, before crashing out, remember to drink some orange juice, because the vitamin C speeds up the metabolism of the alcohol by the liver.
Have some toast - a lack of sugar is responsible for that wobbly trembling feeling, and it will settle your stomach too, so whack up your blood sugar level by eating, well, almost anything!
A sports drink contains everything you need and is a convenient alternative.
If you still wake up with a hangover?Taken all the advice above and still feel like someone's dropped a ton of concrete on your head?
Well here's what to do (and what not to do) to make yourself feel a tad better...
Eat before you go outTo keep that hangover at bay, you should eat loads before you get your glad rags on and go to that party.
On this occasion (
and only this occasion!), a fatty meal is beneficial - as fat is digested slowly, and will protect the stomach from the irritating effects of alcohol.
A glass of fatty milk slows down the absorption of alcohol.
But don't make the basic mistake of thinking you're safe now.
Fat slows down intake; it does not negate intake!
And when you're there? ... Lighten upAvoid drinks that contain large amounts of "congeners", as these tend to cause more severe hangovers.
Generally, these are dark-coloured drinks such as red wine, brandy, and port.
Have some soft drinks too.If you have a non-fizzy soft drink or water between each alcoholic tipple, you'll drink less booze and ultimately have a less severe hangover. It's a way of kidding yourself basically.
BUT (there's always a BUT) fizzy drinks do help to speed up the amount of alcohol going into the bloodstream.
Also alcohol is very dehydrating (this is the main cause of a hangover headache) so if you drink water between vodkas you'll be more hydrated and less likely to wake up with a splitting headache! Yippee!
Some people even recommend hydration tablets.Get some fresh airIf it's safe for you to walk home then the activity and the fresh air will help you sober up and to feel better in the morning.
Drink... something else!Next time you roll out of the pub bladdered, thinking you barely have the energy to brush your teeth before you go to sleep, pause for a second and think about gulping some water before you to sleep.
Fry-upAfter a hard night's boozing, your digestive system is under a lot of strain, so bacon, sausages and the works may cause indigestion, but fat contains lots of calories, so you will get a much-needed energy boost.
And eggs and meat are rich in the amino acid, cysteine, which is thought to be good at clearing out toxins.
So does it work?
Yes-ish, but it wouldn't hurt to get some of the food grilled.
PainkillersAvoid ibuprofen and aspirin as these will just make your stomach even more irritated. Paracetemol is a safer option. Some people swear by sea sickness tablets to stop that overwhelming sickness feeling.
To be honest though you're better off avoiding painkillers altogether if you can. You've already spent the night giving your liver a good solid kicking and popping pills just gives your poor liver even more work to do.Hair of the dog?There is scientific evidence to prove this works, but only in the short term!
While your body is busy dealing with a new intake of booze, it suspends its torture until you're done drinking again - and then it's back to hangover hell.
So basically by doing this you're just avoiding the inevitable, so don't bother!
CaffeineSome people swear by a can of coke, cup of tea or black coffee. However, these will only make you feel better for a short time.
A hangover is a sign of dehydration... caffeine causes dehydration… ER, work it out dude!
It's a combination destined to make your head hurt. Fruit JuiceThe best sort is freshly squeezed and works because it replaces lost vitamins.
The fruit sugar boosts your energy levels and may help your body get rid of toxins.
If it feels too acidic, water it down, add it to a smoothie with banana and yoghurt, or try less acidic vegetable juice.
SleepTry to get as much sleep as possible. Your body is working extra hard to rectify the mess you've made of your internal organs. This will make you sluggish.
If your banging headache's not keeping you awake - go back to sleep!... so your poor neglected body doesn't have as much work to do.