The Best Hangover Remedies

When the fun turns into a throbbing headache and your body feels like it's staging a revolt, time is the only real cure for a hangover. However, there are several methods that can ease your suffering. Let’s explore what actually helps and what might make things worse.

When the fun turns into a throbbing headache and your body feels like it's staging a revolt, time is the only real cure for a hangover. However, there are several methods that can ease your suffering. Let’s explore what actually helps and what might make things worse.

Paracetamol – Your Morning Friend

Why It Matters: Paracetamol can alleviate headaches by blocking the enzymes that spread pain. Its soluble form also helps restore your body's water balance, which is crucial after a night of drinking.

How It Works: Paracetamol blocks pain signals and doesn't irritate the stomach lining like ibuprofen or aspirin.

Rating: 8/10

Does It Help? Yes, especially soluble tablets like Solpadeine Plus, which can help you recover from a headache quickly.

Water – Your Dehydration Savior

Why It Matters: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration. Drinking a pint (0.57 liters) of water or orange juice before bed helps mitigate hangover symptoms.

How It Works: Regular water intake during drinking can reduce hangover severity. Symptoms are often due to dehydration, so drinking water can help you bounce back faster.

Rating: 7/10

Does It Help? If you wake up with a hangover, water alone may not be enough. But drinking water during drinking sessions is a useful and effective way to minimize symptoms.

A Hearty Breakfast – Omelette with Bacon and Veggies

Why It Matters: Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels, so a hearty breakfast with proteins and carbs can prevent hypoglycemia and help restore energy.

How It Works: Fatty foods slow alcohol absorption, while eggs and tomatoes help detoxify and replenish vitamins.

Rating: 6/10

Does It Help? If you’re up to cooking, a substantial breakfast can improve how you feel. If not, bananas can soothe your stomach and restore potassium.

B Vitamins – Recovery Complex

Why It Matters: B vitamins are essential for digestion and recovery after drinking.

How It Works: Supplements like Berocca contain high doses of vitamins and minerals. The body absorbs what it needs and excretes the rest.

Rating: 5/10

Does It Help? There’s no clinical evidence proving that B vitamins cure hangovers, but many find them useful, and they are popular in Australia and the UK.

A Drink to Cure a Hangover

Why It Matters: The saying "hair of the dog" suggests that a little more alcohol can help cure a hangover.

How It Works: Adding fresh alcohol can temporarily distract your body and slow down the breakdown of the previous alcohol.

Rating: 5/10

Does It Help? A small amount might relieve symptoms temporarily, but it only delays the inevitable. Drinking endlessly isn’t a solution.

Coffee – Short-Term Stimulant

Why It Matters: Coffee can boost alertness and focus, especially if you’re feeling sluggish.

How It Works: While caffeine can provide a short-term pick-me-up, it also has a diuretic effect, which can worsen dehydration.

Rating: 3/10

Does It Help? Caffeine might offer temporary relief, but if you’re severely hungover, it’s better to rest, drink water, and take paracetamol.

By following these tips, you can ease your hangover, but remember, time is the best remedy. Next time, drink responsibly and keep hydrated!