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English author and comedy writer Pete McCarthy.Photo Credit: Steve McNicholas (Flickr)[/caption]
The only way to avoid a pounding headache and queasiness the morning after exaggerated alcohol consumption, is to drink in moderation, or to stay away from alcoholic beverages entirely... but we know that's not going to happen. So, for those who overindulged, or even “lost control,” here are five great remedies for that killer hangover!
1. Drink (Water)
Conventional wisdom teaches that the dehydration caused by heavy drinking is what makes you feel so bad the next day. Replacing the fluids you have lost will likely help you feel a little less miserable. Water, juice, and sports drinks are ideal for rehydrating your body the next morning, and might help you feel better more quickly. Many people swear by coffee, but the caffeine actually narrows your blood vessels and boosts your blood pressure, which could make you feel worse. Really, the best hangover cure is replenishing bodily fluids, electrolytes, and getting plenty of rest.
2. Eat
If you can hold down any food, eating constitutes a great hangover remedy. Getting something in your stomach is always a good idea, perhaps fresh fruit, toast, or cereal. Some people think a greasy breakfast, such as sausage or bacon with eggs is good, but this could upset your stomach even more. It might be better to try something gentle on the stomach, and see how it affects you, then you will know for the next time. We personally endorse the consumption of bananas. Just try it and you'll see why.
3. Baking Soda
Baking Soda mixed with water, perhaps a half teaspoon in 4 to 6 ounces of water, can help settle your stomach, as can the popular remedy Alka-Seltzer* which has been around for 82 years now, and has always been a favorite of many alcohol over-indulgers. The active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which helps to neutralize stomach acid, but it also contains other ingredients, notably aspirin and citric acid. These two can upset your stomach if you are sensitive to them.
4. Move
Exercise or taking a walk might help you feel better. It will get your heart beating and your blood pumping, and after a while you might start to recuperate from the effects of the alcohol. Be sure to drink some water, because you are usually dehydrated when you’re hungover, and exercise also dehydrates people.
5. Avoid Commercial "Quick" Hangover Remedies
Hangover Pills may be popular, and the makers of them, always “claim” that they work, but there is very little scientific evidence that they even work at all, and they may just be a waste of your time and money. You are probably better off to try the first four remedies we mentioned.
If you're truly determined to drink until the point of inebriation and want to try and avoid a doomed "morning after" scenario, then the *BEST* thing you can do to lighten your hangover is to drink a cup of water for each drink consumed during the night. And, remember, if you ever catch your buddy sprawled on the couch, face down in a bucket, don't forget to take plenty of pictures. They make for great collateral later on in life :).
*Alka-Seltzer and Alka-Seltzer Plus are registered trademarks of Bayer Corporation.