Follow these research-proven tips to fend off your nausea, pounding head, and general hatred of life.
1. Don’t Gulp Gallons
You’ve heard that dehydration is a major hangover cause, and it’s true. The problem: Too much water will only stretch out an already-irritated stomach, leading to (even more) nausea or vomiting. Instead, gulp 8 ounces of water every hour you’re awake after drinking, Dr. Swift recommends.
2. Pop the Right Painkiller
That’d be ibuprofen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can risk liver damage after a night of drinking. Because both acetaminophen and alcohol are metabolised by the liver, boozing disrupts your liver from fully breaking down the toxins in the pain pills, Dr. Swift says. And aspirin can upset your stomach.
3. Grab Gatorade
After a few cups of water, switch to a sports drink. “The extra salt helps your body absorb the fluids more quickly,” Dr. Swift says.
Related: 8 Things That Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Need to look presentable today? Steep black, chamomile, or green tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. After you let them cool, lie down and place a bag over each eye for 5 to 15 minutes. The tannins in the tea constrict blood vessels, pulling the skin taught to battle puffiness.
5. Eat Oatmeal for Breakfast …
When researchers gave breakfasts to hungover college students, those who ate slowly digestible carbohydrates, like oatmeal, performed better on mood and memory tests than subjects who chose simple sugars. To add protein and digestion-slowing fibre, stir a tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter into plain instant oats.
6. … With a Side of Eggs
The amino acid cysteine might help your liver recover from the stress of breaking down alcohol. Egg yolks, yogurt, and poultry are good sources.
Related: 6 Signs You Drink Too Much
7. Meet with Joe
Caffeinated coffee will increase your alertness and ease the dilated vessels in your brain, says Frederick Freitag, medical director of the Comprehensive Headache Centre for Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. Just limit it two one or two cups to avoid caffeine’s potentially dehydrating effects.
8. Get Busy
Distraction – whether that’s reading a book, taking down holiday decorations, or working out – will take your mind off the hangover. It won’t solve anything, but you’ll at least feel better in the moment.
This article originally appeared on MensHealth.com
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