The Real Cure for Hangovers

So you went out hoping to have a wild night of drunken fun with your friends. And you totally did. And then you woke up the next morning. And felt like you were going to die. Yep, we’ve all been there: the lovely hangover.

Nausea, headache, stomachache, you name it. Your day is wasted because you just don’t want to can’t move. Without wanting to vomit. Sitting in your bed all day just seems like the best option. Well, that and eating a big, delicious stack of pancakes. And a bagel. And some pizza you found on your floor.

But what if you have to be somewhere? What are you supposed to do about it? Let’s settle this debate between what really cures a hangover, and what is just making you fat.

Coffee
No, no and no. Okay, so who doesn’t need their daily cup to get the day started? Well, you sure don’t after a night of drinking. Caffeine is a diuretic similar to alcohol and can make you even more dehydrated than before. Save your Starbucks run for later and choose water instead.

Eggs
Eggs provide energy, but also contain something called cysteine, which breaks down hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde. So, if you aren’t so-nauseous-that-just-standing-makes-you-hurl, go scramble up a few.

Bananas
Bananas provide lost electrolytes and contain potassium, replenishing the body with the potassium lost from alcohol’s diuretic effect. Don’t like bananas? Try a kiwi instead.

Exercise
You may think that “sweating the tequila out” is a good idea, but it’s not! (Editor’s Note: Thank. GAWD. I didn’t want to have to start hitting the treadmill with rum pumping through my veins.) Light cardio (a brisk walk…to get a Gatorade) is good to get the blood flowing, but intense cardio exercise is not advised.

Fruit juice
The fructose, or fruit sugar, in juice gives your body the vitamins and minerals that were lost the night before because of the alcohol. Studies show that fruit juice also increases the rate at which the body gets rid of toxins.

Hair of the dog
I cant believe I actually have to explain this one, but whoever thought more of the “hair of the dog that bit you” helps cure the effects of alcohol…well that’s just not right. Drinking more alcohol just leaves the liver with more toxins to have to deal with, duhhh. Plus, I don’t know about you, but after a night of heavy drinking, the mere thought of alcohol makes me wanna vomit. Literally, like the sight of a beer cap is all it takes.

7 Hours in front of the TV
It may feel really good to lay around and catch up on some Tori and Dean Home Sweet Hollywood, but this is doin’ nothing for your liver (or your brain, for that matter).

Listen – hangovers suck. But they do happen. The best thing you can do is just drink up (no, not alcohol), cook yourself a yummy breakfast, and remember how sick you feel the next time you drink again. Usually that doesn’t work (“IT JUST TASTES SO GOOD! LET’S DANCE!”), but it’s worth a try. Good luck!