Whether planning a night in or getting a last-minute text from a friend to meet them at a bar, having a drink at the weekend can be a fun way to unwind after a week at work. However, when the next morning rolls around that ’one more drink’ from the night before can quickly seem like a bad idea… So, how do you get rid of the dreaded hangover? Luckily, science can help us out with some proven remedies.
Anti-inflammatories
One of the first things many people may want to reach for in the morning is a form of painkiller, and this may be the best thing. Sadly, anti-inflammatories won’t stop the effects of a hangover, but they may help to relieve symptoms. They can help to reduce any pain in your muscles, as well as take away the pounding head feeling you may have. Anti-inflammatories also work against the inflammatory effects that drinking has on the body. While they may not be a long-term solution, taking some anti-inflammatories may just give you that kick start you need to get out of bed. However, be careful to check they are safe to take with alcohol as some painkillers, such as Tylenol, can be dangerous.
A glass of Sprite
That dry mouth feeling is one that is best avoided. However, when searching for a thirst-quenching drink, Sprite may be the perfect answer. Researchers in China have been investigating the best drink to combat the effects of drinking which turned up some interesting results. The team found that the Chinese take on Spirit, Xue Bi, to be the most efficient beverage. There were 57 different drinks put to the test, but nothing could top the power of Sprite. In fact, the fizzy drink gives the body’s enzymes a boost to rid you of the metabolized ethanol known as acetaldehyde. Sprite speeds up how long it takes for the body to process the substance which, in turn, can speed up how long you’re left feeling under the weather.
An eggy breakfast
Once you’re up and out of bed, it can be essential to get some food in your system. Cooking bacon could be the last thing on your mind; the smell, the taste, it’s enough to turn a lot of stomachs. However, looking around the kitchen to find some eggs may be the best thing to help the recovery process. One of the top ways to avoid a hangover in the first place is to make sure you’re eating while drinking, yet sometimes we forget to chow down while enjoying our drink. Luckily for us, eggs contain cysteine – another amino acid that helps the body break down any traces of acetaldehyde.
Toast with honey
If the thought of eggs aren’t tickling your fancy, then perhaps some toast with honey will do the trick? The Royal Society of Chemistry in Britain has concluded that this meal will have wondrous effects that will get you back up on your feet in no time. The team announced that the honey gives the body a much-needed boost in sugar to help get your energy levels up, while the toast provides a dose of sodium and potassium. If you’re feeling up to it, chopping a banana on top of it all will give you an extra rush of potassium, too.
Putting on some music
This one may sound like the opposite of what you want to do when feeling hungover, but hear us out. At Edinburgh University a team of researchers concluded that music helps to alleviate pain – a common symptom of a hangover. Other research has also shown that having some gentle music on in the background can help to relieve migraines. The research hasn’t been aimed explicitly at hangovers, but the results proved from other studies could be applied to the hangover symptoms.
Enjoying a drink can lead to the best of memories, but it shouldn’t mean that you’re out of action for the next few days. All being well, with these tips it won’t be long before you’re back up on your feet. Hopefully in time for your next drinking event.
