First, understand that a hangover is caused
by more than dehydration—though 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’s 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’s no wonder you feel like feel like you’re the last
survivor of a Tarantino movie.
Don’t 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. If you raged until last call last night,
take precautions now—even if you feel fine.
Follow these research-proven tips to fend off
your nausea, pounding head, and general hatred of life.
1. Don't Gulp Gallons
You’ve heard that dehydration is a major hangover cause, and it’s 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’re awake after drinking, Dr. Swift recommends.
2. Pop the Right Painkiller
That’d 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, Dr. Swift says. And aspirin can upset your stomach.
3. Grab Gatorade
After a few cups of water, switch to a sports drink. “The extra salt helps your body absorb the fluids more quickly,” Dr. Swift says.
4. Brew Tea—But Don’t Drink It
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.
5
. Eat Oatmeal for Breakfast ...
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.
6. With a Side of Eggs
The amino acid cysteine might help your liver recover from the stress of breaking down alcohol. Egg yolks, yogurt, and poultry are good sources.
7. Meet with Joe
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’s potentially dehydrating effects.
8. Get Busy
Distraction—whether that’s Rock Band, taking down holiday decorations, or working out—will take your mind off the hangover. It won’t solve anything, but you’ll at least feel better in the moment
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