There are many cures and remedies available for hangovers. However there is little to no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. In fact, scientists don’t know what causes alcohol hangovers. So what is the best way to get rid of a hangover? Or to prevent one?
Getting Rid of a Hangover
Time
This is usually the most important component in getting rid of a hangover, since most symptoms will resolve themselves anywhere from 8 to 24 hours after the last drink was taken.
Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
Consuming fruits, fruit juices or other foods that contain fructose could help to decrease the intensity of a hangover. Eating foods that are made up of complex carbohydrates, like toast, can help to even out low blood sugar levels which may relieve nausea.
Drink More Fluids
Obviously the fluids should be non alcoholic. Drinking more water can keep the individual hydrated and alleviate alcohol induced dehydration.
Over the Counter Medication
Non prescriptions medicines like antacids can relieve nausea and inflammation of the stomach lining after a heavy drinking session. Aspirin and other medications like ibuprofen can help reduce headaches and muscle aches that are associated with a hangover.
Drink Coffee
Drinking a cup of coffee can counteract the fatigue and malaise that an hangover brings.
Sleep it Off
Getting plenty of rest helps. While most hangovers are gone within a day, they can affect cognitive function and performance
Preventing a Hangover
Since there is no real evidence to suggest that any remedies can really treat a hangover, the most effective way to avoid the symptoms is to avoid the hangover in the first place. Some ways to do that are:
Drink Less
Even among those individuals who drink excessively, it is found that those who consume lower amounts of alcohol appear less likely to develop a hangover than those who drink higher amounts.
Avoid Certain Types of Alcohol
Beverages like brandy, whiskey, and red wine may be more likely to produce a hangover than those beverages with low levels of congeners.
A Drinking Strategy
Drinking a glass of water between alcoholic drinks can help to slow the effects of alcohol and lead to fewer alcoholic drinks being consumed.
As mentioned previously, doctors and experts don’t understand the pathology of an alcohol hangover in much detail, and until they do, an effective treatment method is not possible. Presently, the available remedies treat specific symptoms such as vomiting or headache, but are not effective for reducing or treating the remaining symptoms. The best way to get rid of a hangover is not to get hungover to begin with.
Recovery is hard work but you don’t have to do it alone. Call The Villa to find out how we can support your goals for sober living.
