Many of us have been there. You went out with a group of friends and enjoyed one too many drinks – and now you’re living with the consequences. Whatever the reason, waking up with a hangover is undoubtedly one of the worst things! So how do you overcome that hangover slump? Here are a few helpful tips.
Drink Plenty of Water/Electrolytes
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night after an evening of drinking just dying of thirst? This is because alcohol can cause dehydration. For this reason, drinking plenty of water, gatorade, or pedialyte can replenish your body with some much-needed fluids and can help flush unwanted toxins out of your system.
Grab Some Bread
Carbohydrates are great for hangovers. You may need to wait until any nausea passes, but once you’re feeling up for it, opt for some dry toast or other light carbs to help level out your blood sugar and settle your stomach. Mental note for next time: Make sure you eat before consuming alcohol, specifically those carbs that your body needs. It can help to lessen the impact of your hangover the next day.
Take Some Pain Meds
Many of us try hard to skip on medicine. However, a persistent hangover headache can last all day long without treatment. It’s okay to take a pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin to combat the issue. Note: You’ll want to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen), which can negatively impact your liver when combined with alcohol.
When All Else Fails, Try Caffeine
Lastly, when all else fails, go ahead and grab a cup of coffee. The hangover grogginess can be a beast in and of itself! So when you feel that your blood sugar levels have returned to normal, that you’re adequately hydrated, and you are otherwise feeling better, you can have some coffee to combat that tired feeling. But remember: Coffee can lead to dehydration and exacerbate nausea symptoms, so it’s best to steer clear of it when possible.
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes or magic pills to cure a hangover. But, these short-term remedies can help you overcome that hangover slump and get through the rest of your day.