6 Ways to Cure a Hangover

After a long night of drinking with friends, one thing you can count on is a raging hangover the next day. Yes, you will feel like you’re dying. No, you are not dying. Headaches, stomachache, eye ache, finger ache – everything hurts. But there are ways to cure a hangover, at least until your next one, because let’s face it, you don’t really mean it when you say those famous words, “I’m never drinking again.”

1. Drink water.

Water is the best way to help your exhausted, dehydrated body. Gulp that stuff down! It is a good idea to leave water by your bedside before you go out, so you can drink it before you stumble into bed. Coconut water is a good way to hydrate, and is full of beneficial antioxidants. But, the taste/texture can be kind of odd, so mixing it with regular water can help.

Also drink Gatorade or Powerade. The electrolytes will help your system. Pedialyte is also a smart choice, but the taste may make it hard to drink quickly.

2. Eat bread and protein

Your body needs some sort of energy. Bread is high in carbohydrates which boost blood sugar levels and speed up the metabolism, helping to get rid of alcohol quickly. Plus it helps absorb all the alcohol still left in your system. Eggs are high in protein, but also contain nutrients that breakdown headache-causing toxins, which will help you feel better and won’t upset your stomach. I suggest eating an egg sandwich. A really fat one.

3. Take Ibuprofen

Just take the recommended dose amount, even though you feel like you want to shove the whole bottle in your mouth. It will help alleviate your headache and nausea, so take it as soon as you wake up.

4. Rest

My favorite thing to do when I am hungover is, well, not to move. Lay on the couch for a few hours if you can and try to take a nap. Naps help everything – everything. If you can’t rest because of work, school, etc.), drink some coffee but also have water by your side at all times. Coffee (try it black) will help keep you alert and focused, but it will also dehydrate your already dehydrated body, so keep sippin’ on that water!

5. Take a bath.

After an evening of drinking, you probably stink. You hair might be looking crazy and you might reek of alcohol and smoke (hopefully not from you smoking!). Showering helps every situation too, but at a time like this, a bath is necessary. It even counts as “resting time.” I don’t know why, but baths always help my hangover. I feel like it’s the best apology I can give to my body.

6. Avoid any more alcohol.

Some may think that the “hair of the dog” concept works. It doesn’t. In fact, it just makes your hangover worse and will possibly lead into the next day. And ain’t nobody got time for that.

There are also ways you can avoid having a hangover all together by being proactive the day and night of drinking.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and when you’re out drinking, try having a couple cups of water in between your alcoholic beverages.
• Eat substantial meals during the day, and before you start drinking.
• Try not to mix your drinks. If you start with beer, stick with beer. If you start with hard alcohol, stick to that.
• Choose juice mixers over soda mixers. These will provide your body with extra nutrients and vitamins, something your body loses during your night out.

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