How to Cure Hangover

A hangover is caused by drinking too much alcohol and it usually manifests itself with a terrible headache. In case of a really bad hangover, the headache is accompanied by dizziness and instability while standing. In some cases there is also severe nausea at the slightest movement and vomiting. The intensity of a hangover depends not only on the amount of alcohol consumed but also on the person’s alcohol tolerance levels. Certain alcohols are responsible for a worse hangover than others. For example consumption of bourbon can lead to a hangover that is much worse that the one caused by drinking vodka. Mixing drinks is also a terrible recipe and usually leads to awful hangovers. Usually the symptoms of a hangover do not last more than 24 hours but those hours can be sheer agony to pass. Luckily, there are several simple home remedies that can help to reduce this agony.

Alcohol depletes the body of essential nutrients so it is important to keep eating while drinking. However desserts and sweet carbonated drinks should be avoided while drinking because they interfere with the capacity to judge the amount of alcohol in the system. Instead starchy foods that prevent immediate absorption of alcohol in the system should be consumed while drinking. Since the main reason for a hangover is dehydration caused by alcohol consumption, the intensity of a hangover can be reduced by drinking water by the gallons. Remember that coffee also dehydrates, so it should be avoided at all costs the morning after a drinking session. Instead of making it easier to wake up, it can compound the headache and make the situation worse. Instead of coffee, some herbal teas like chamomile tea or peppermint tea help to hydrate the system and stabilize the stomach. Even orange juice is a good option for the morning after, since it contains vitamin C which helps to break down the alcohol in the system. Even though the temptation to pop a pill may be strong, painkillers should be avoided. The alcohol irritates the stomach lining and additional consumption of painkillers can aggravate this making the nausea and vomiting worse. Instead, it is a better idea to apply a cold compress on the forehead and lie down still with the eyes closed in a semi-darkened room till the headache reduces. Avoid sudden movements and try to roll out of bed slowly, using the support of the bed stand and wall to move towards the bathroom.