Relieve your dreaded New Year's Day hangover with these doctor-approved remedies
Happy New Year! If you’re one of the many revelers around the world who over-imbibed last night, remember for next time that the only real way to cure a hangover is to drink in moderation and avoid getting one at all. But in the meantime, don’t panic, because there are a few easy remedies that will ease your head-pounding, body-aching, regret-having pain.
NewsFeed consulted Dr. Jason Burke, an anesthesiologist who specializes in the treatment of veisalgia (otherwise known as the common hangover) to shed some light on which cures will best alleviate the symptoms. Before you read on, go ahead and grab a glass of water to tide you over.
1. Greasy breakfast food
If you’re craving a big breakfast full of fatty foods, follow your instincts. Fat contains more calories than protein or carbs, so it’s the fastest way to help your body process out the breakdown products of alcohol, Dr. Burke says. Sausage, ham and bacon are also rich with B vitamins, which help further metabolize alcohol’s breakdown products. And then there are eggs and cheese, whose antioxidants will help ease your overall discomfort. So get yourself to the nearest diner and eat up.
2. Wheatgrass
The high concentration of antioxidants will alleviate your hangover symptoms. But be warned, Dr. Burke says: if you’re not accustomed to the taste, it may aggravate the nausea that often accompanies a hangover. So it’s a bit risky, but if you can stomach it, wheatgrass is a great remedy.
3. Pedialyte Freezer Pops
Yes, Pedialyte is meant for children who are dehydrated from diarrhea and vomiting, but it’s also great for adults who are dehydrated from Disaronno and vodka. The electrolyte-heavy formula will easily replenish your body’s fluids and minerals. Slate recommends opting for the freezer pop version over the regular, drinkable stuff because they’re easy to eat and won’t make you feel more nauseated than you already do. Plus, if you stash a box of them in your freezer now, you’ll have them handy the next time you inevitably get another hangover.
4. Exercise
We know, we know. When you’re hungover, you usually don’t feel like moving. But a gentle workout (don’t worry, we’re not talking about Tough Mudder or anything) will make a big difference. Boost your metabolism with some yoga, pilates or just a good old-fashioned walk, and you’ll get the alcohol out of your system faster. Just remember to drink plenty of water to keep your dehydration from worsening, Dr. Burke says.
5. Alka-Seltzer
This famous fizzy elixir is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and aspirin, Dr. Burke explains. The former neutralizes stomach acid and the latter targets inflammation, both of which will help ease your pain and get you on track for a nausea-free day.
6. Nothing
Sorry, friends, but when it comes down to it, there’s simply no remedy that will completely cure your hangover. So if you’ve got the luxury of a day off from work, just take it easy. Wallow in your self-loathing for a bit and then fire up the Netflix for a Scandal marathon as you vow to yourself, I’m never drinking again. We all know it’s a lie, but sometimes making false promises to yourself is the only thing that will make you feel better.