How to Get Rid of a Hangover ASAP
A hangover is the unpleasant aftermath of drinking too much alcohol, often including symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and dehydration. If you’ve woken up after a night of drinking feeling miserable, you're probably wondering how to get rid of a hangover as soon as possible. While there's no magical cure, a combination of hydration, rest, nutrition, and over-the-counter remedies can help you feel better faster.
1. Rehydrate Immediately
Alcohol is a diuretic, causing you to lose more fluids than you take in. This leads to dehydration, a primary cause of most hangover symptoms. Replenishing fluids is crucial.
- Water: Drinking plenty of water is the simplest and most effective remedy.
- Electrolyte drinks: Sports drinks, coconut water, or oral rehydration solutions help replace lost minerals like potassium and sodium.
- Bone broth or clear soup: Hydrating and full of essential nutrients.
2. Eat a Nourishing Meal
Your blood sugar may be low after drinking, which makes symptoms like shakiness and fatigue worse. A healthy meal can help stabilize your body.
- Carbs like toast or oatmeal: Help raise blood sugar levels.
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, which alcohol depletes.
- Eggs: Contain amino acids that help detoxify the liver.
3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If you have a splitting headache or muscle aches, OTC medications can bring relief.
- Ibuprofen: Reduces inflammation and pain. Use with food to protect your stomach.
- Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol): Can stress your liver, which is already working hard to process alcohol.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Often overlooked, sleep is one of the best remedies. Alcohol interrupts your normal sleep cycle, so even if you slept, it wasn’t restorative. Napping or lying down in a dark, quiet room can speed recovery.
5. Try Natural and Herbal Remedies
Some natural solutions may relieve symptoms, though evidence is mixed.
- Ginger tea: Helps with nausea and upset stomach.
- Peppermint tea: Soothes digestion and calms headaches.
- B vitamins and zinc supplements: May reduce hangover severity.
6. Avoid More Alcohol (“Hair of the Dog” Myth)
It’s a common myth that drinking more alcohol in the morning helps. In truth, it just delays the inevitable and puts more stress on your liver. Skip this technique if you want to recover quickly.
7. Prevention Tips for Next Time
While you're recovering, take note of preventative measures for the future:
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks.
- Eat before and during drinking to slow down alcohol absorption.
- Know your limits and pace yourself throughout the night.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience severe symptoms such as vomiting for more than 24 hours, confusion, or difficulty staying awake, it may be more than a simple hangover and requires medical attention.
Although a hangover can't be cured instantly, using these evidence-based tips can help you feel better faster. By supporting your body’s natural recovery process with water, rest, nutrients, and some gentle remedies, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
