The Cure to Your Hangover

A hangover can ruin your morning. And if symptoms persist, it can last all day. One time or another we have all said “I’ll never drink that much again.” By following Valley’s hangover cure rules, having a night of fun won’t come at a cost.

Rule #1: Pace your drinking responsibly, don’t drink on an empty stomach and don’t exceed your limit.

Since everyone has a different alcohol tolerance, everyone will experience a hangover differently. Symptoms ranging from headaches, nausea and loss of appetite can extend to trembling and increased blood pressure. Prepare before you go out with food, water and responsible judgment.

Rule #2: Eat eggs and drink orange juice for breakfast.

Eggs contain a plentiful quantity of cysteine. Cysteine is mainly responsible for degrading acetaldehyde, your body’s hangover toxin. Orange juice, rich in Vitamin C, will also help alleviate hangover symptoms. It assists your body rid the alcohol faster. If you’re feeling extreme nausea, however, avoid the OJ. The acidity may make your stomach feel worse.

Rule #3: Consume Vitamin B_6.

Whether it’s a supplement or in your food choices, B₆ is a proven remedy. Vitamin B₆ can be found in sources such as whole grains, vegetables and nuts. If you have an appetite, make sure to include Vitamin B₆ in your diet. Eat Vitamin B₆ rich foods before going out, as well.

Rule #4: Drink water, water and more water.

Water is hands down the best thing you can do for your body during a hangover. Have a glass of water before bed. If you really want to help your body, drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. Dehydration is the leading cause of a hangover, so drink up. Your body will thank you.

Rule #5: For a snack, have a banana and sports drink.

Bananas are extremely rich in potassium, which helps replenish lost potassium from drinking. They also contain Vitamin B₆, making it a two-in-one hangover fighter. The magnesium within bananas will help an awful headache if you have one. Also make sure to hydrate yourself with sports drinks. Sports drinks will refuel you with lost electrolytes and sugars.

Rule #6: Avoid painkillers, coffee and excessive exercise.

Painkillers are actually really bad for your body and won’t make you feel better. You’re already metabolizing a ton of alcohol, so don’t do your liver more damage by combining it with Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Aspirin can be just as bad because its hard on the stomach. Drinking coffee is another awful choice during a hangover. Coffee is a stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant, keeping your body awake when it truly deserves rest. It also has high levels of caffeine, increasing headaches and dehydration. While some exercise, such as yoga, stretching or light aerobics, can be helpful, you definitely don’t need to go to the gym the next morning.

Rule #7: Get rest and relax.

If any day is the best day to relax, it’s a hangover day. Although it may be impossible to sleep, try your best to lay in bed. Take a shower and hang around in comfy clothes. Be lazy and patient; time is truly the only hangover cure.

Photo by Coco Cheng