Many people have engaged in a night overindulging on adult beverages. In some instances, said circumstances precipitate a quite uncomfortable event known as a hangover. Fortunately, however, the consumption of certain foods and drinks might provide a suitable antidote for this untoward condition.
Brief Overview Regarding Hangovers
Read More »Precipitating Factors
In most cases, heavier intake increases one’s chances of developing hangover symptoms. However, other factors could potentially mitigate or intensify said occurrences including but not necessarily limited to a specific beverage’s alcohol content, the amount of food one ate prior to their binge, the consumer’s weight, their tolerance for alcohol and the efficacy of their body’s metabolism.
Symptoms
Physical manifestations can vary from person to person. That said, those stricken with a hangover commonly experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dehydration, thirst, fatigue, mental sluggishness, muscle pains, digestive problems, vertigo, mood disturbances, appetite loss and an elevated pulse rate. Typically, the ailment dissipates as the victim’s system rids itself of the poison and toxins contained in alcohol.
Treatment Options
Usually, the best remedy is time. Most hangovers disappear within 24 hours or less. Other potentially beneficial efforts include sleep and over-the-counter pain killers for headaches and other associated bodily discomforts. That said, certain foods and beverages are known for helping expedite the recovery process.
10 Foods Known To Help Cure Hangovers
Eggs
As someone consumes greater quantities of alcohol, their systemic levels of an important substance known as the poison-fighting substance glutathione rapidly decreases. Eggs contain significant amounts of a chemical called cysteine. Cysteine helps boosts the glutathione levels the body needs to metabolize numerous toxins including acetaldehyde, which often precipitates symptoms like headaches and nausea.
Pickles
Rapid alcohol consumption often brings forth the loss of important nutrients known as electrolytes. One such substance is sodium. Pickles and their accompanying juices known as brine are rich in sodium and the ingestion of such products can quickly elevate internal levels of said nutrient, which may diminish the severity of certain hangover-related manifestations.
Bananas
The popular fruit contains large quantities of potassium. This vital nutrient is paramount to boosting the body’s energy levels and can stem the tide of hangover-induced fatigue and sluggishness.
Oatmeal
This type of hot cereal is considered a famous dish in reference to hangover remedies. Oats are rife with strength-building nutrients like various Vitamin B complexes, calcium and magnesium. Moreover, the product is easy to digest, which could prove critical to individuals lacking an appetite or having difficulty keeping food down.
Avocados
These products contain significant quantities of potassium and are considered quite easy to digest.
Carbohydrates
Medical experts opine that any food containing appreciable concentrations of carbohydrates are good potential hangover-busters. These nutrients provide consumers a quick energy boost, which might expedite the recovery process. Notable hangover-friendly carbs include bread, crackers and bagels. That said, healthcare professionals and nutritionists suggest hangover sufferers avoid carbs like potato chips because said products contain high oil contents, which could further irritate the digestive tract.
Chicken Noodle Soup
This quite common and extremely popular meal contains energy-increasing substances like protein from the pieces of chicken and a plethora of sodium in its broth. Moreover, the item’s primarily liquid content is easy to consume and digest.
Salmon
This fish is rife with chemicals known as Omega-3 fatty acids. Said nutrients are noted for their ability to combat the accumulation and spread of bodily inflammation. Many of the toxins contained in alcohol precipitate inflammation and are responsible for causing hangover-related aches and pains. Additionally, the product is relatively simple to digest.
Coffee
Caffeine, the beverage’s primary ingredient, is a known stimulant that could offer hangover-afflicted persons a quick jolt of energy that may eliminate associated fatigue and mental sluggishness. Moreover, some scientific researchers opine that coffee might also reduce inflammation.
Water
Arguably, water is the most important hangover-curing products one can ingest. In medical terms, alcohol is considered a diuretic, which stimulates systemic water circulation and increases urination frequency. Over an extended duration, this increased and significant water loss could elicit a potentially serious condition called dehydration. Ergo, water consumption is absolutely paramount to an expedient and healthy recovery.
