Hangovers are the worst — your head is pounding, the world is spinning and you’re one weird odor away from puking everything you drank last night. Plus, you’ve probably called on every deity to save you from the agony, promising never to touch a drop of alcohol ever again.
While there’s no instant cure for the crapulence, these eight foods can soothe the symptoms and speed up your recovery.
1. Eggs
Thanks to their high amino acid content, eggs are among the best foods for hangovers. These proteins stimulate the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body. Prep the eggs however you like them best and chow down. They’re easy on your stomach too, so should be easy to digest if you’re struggling to keep down solid foods.
2. Wholegrain Toast
If you’re cooking eggs, you might as well pop a few buttered bread slices into the toaster. Carbs from toast provide the energy you need to bounce back from a hangover. Serve with some avocado spread or cream cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Honey is particularly good for this situation as it helps the body burn alcohol faster.
3. Oatmeal
Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates that stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a steady energy source to combat fatigue. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion and helps alleviate the constant rumbling in your stomach. Additionally, the water or milk used to prepare the meal caters to your body’s hydration needs.
4. Bananas
Alcohol robs you of potassium and other essential electrolytes that help your body function normally. One of the reasons you feel sluggish and groggy when hungover is that your system is low on these nutrients. One banana contains 362 milligrams of potassium and around 2.6 grams of fiber. Peel a couple and you should feel the hangover symptoms subside shortly.
5. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken soup is a staple hangover food known for its soothing appeal and array of essential nutrients. The broth helps rehydrate the body, while the chicken provides protein for muscle repair. Vegetables in the soup replenish vitamins and minerals lost during alcohol consumption, aiding recovery. Additionally, the warmth and comfort of chicken soup can soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea.
6. Fish
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants help reduce inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Omega-3 acids also support brain function, alleviating symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. Several kinds of fish, including salmon, mackerel and sardines, contain large amounts of these essentials. They’re also good sources of protein and B vitamins for enhanced muscle repair. If you’re vegan, substitute fish for walnuts, chia seeds and soybeans.
7. Breakfast Burritos
A breakfast burrito contains everything you’d want in a hangover food — protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats — all rolled into one satisfying meal. Eggs help break down toxins from alcohol, while the carbohydrates from the tortilla offer energy. Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of flavors and textures can help settle the stomach and alleviate crapulence symptoms effectively.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a superfood, rich in vitamins C and B6 to support immune function and energy metabolism. Their fiber content aids digestion, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort associated with hangovers.
What Drinks Help With Hangovers?
Now you know what to eat to nurse a hangover, but there’s lots you can drink too, if cooking or food delivery is not a readily available option. These include:
- Water: A tall glass of water is your body’s best friend when fighting against the effects of last night’s overindulgence. Keep your hydration up.
- Coconut water: This an excellent drink for hangover recovery due to its high electrolyte content to restore the body’s fluid balance. Its natural sugars also provide a quick energy source, combating fatigue and weakness commonly experienced during such periods.
- Ginger tea: Ginger is known for its soothing properties and can be particularly beneficial for easing hangover-related nausea. It contains compounds like gingerol and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties to help calm the stomach.
- Green tea: This hydrating beverage contains antioxidants that can counteract the groggy feeling during a hangover.
- Coffee: The high caffeine content can help increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue. However, take it only if you’re sure it will work. Drinking too much coffee while hungover can dehydrate you further and make your heart beat faster — not in a good way.
Next Steps
After a bit of food and drink, the hangover symptoms should start to subside. If you’ve got the time, crawl back into bed and let your body heal. One night of heavy drinking can weaken your immune system for up to 24 hours and damage cardiovascular cells.
A few hours of sleep can do wonders for your recovery, but it won’t make much of a difference if you go right back to the bottle. Binge drinking can severely impact your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Worse still, it could affect your loved ones. Practice moderation and prioritize your health.
Nurse Your Hangover Right
A combination of these hangover foods and drinks can make you feel better or at least get you back to some level of functioning. Support your body’s natural healing with the proper nourishment and your night of indulgence will just be another thing to laugh about down the road.
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