The only real way to prevent a hangover is by watching your alcohol intake, but if you've already passed the point of no return then you'll need some sort of relief. Hangovers have been around since the invention of wine, so there are a lot of theories out there on how to rid yourself of one. If sleep isn't an option, try one of these aids to see what works best with your system. They work better than their myth-based counterparts and won't make you feel like hugging the toilet.
- Myth: painkillers. Taking painkillers either the night of drinking or the morning after can cause damage to your liver, among other serious health issues. Your body can only absorb approximately 1.5 ounces of hard liquor per hour (the equivalent to one beer or one glass of wine) and unless you stick to that drink-per-hour rate, you'll likely still have alcohol in your system upon waking up.
Fact: Alcohol depletes a number of vital minerals including potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin C. Try eating a banana, taking a B-complex vitamin, or drinking Emergen-C instead of taking pills like Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you really must take these, make sure you leave enough hours in between drinking and don't take them while experiencing abdominal pain or nausea, since they might irritate hangover symptoms further.
- Myth: hair of the dog. Although another drink the morning after a binge may seem like the road to recovery, it offers only temporary relief and prolongs the process.
Fact: Try water and electrolytes instead to fill your body with fluids that will balance out your system. Coconut water is a great source of rehydrating electrolytes and potassium, which can speed up relief. Pedialyte is also a great way to get electrolytes without the sugar found in sports drinks like Gatorade.
