When you wake up with a bad hangover it can seem like there’s no end in sight. Instead of turning to medication, give these natural cures a try, so you can feel better and get on with your day.
Prevention
Obviously, the best way to avoid a hangover is by not getting too drunk and dehydrating yourself. We’ve all heard the advice — alternate drinks one-for-one with water and don’t drink on an empty stomach. But even if it’s too late for that, there are still some preventative measures you can take to avoid a hangover. Before going to bed drink an extremely large glass of water and eat a couple of crackers or a piece of bread so your body has some nutrients to work with overnight.
Morning beverages
And in the morning? We have one word for you: water. A few sips of an energy drink can certainly help replenish your electrolytes, and a coffee might make you feel more alert, but it’s water, plain and simple, that will really get you back on track — with maybe a splash of lemon juice and honey for an extra boost. Coffee can actually dehydrate you more and lead to even worse headaches; and, most importantly, ignore that old “hair of the dog” thing and don’t attempt to chase the hangover with more alcohol. According to Men’s Health expert Dr. Hall-Flavin, drinking more alcohol in the morning will only serve to prolong the inevitable and might even lead to dependence.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are a great way to get your blood sugar levels back in order. Nibble on some plain crackers if that’s all you think your stomach can handle. But when you think it’s ready for a little more, consider eating a piece of whole-wheat toast with a little bit of jam.
Ginger
The Editors of Consumer Guide strongly recommend ginger as a way to ease your nausea. For a quick fix, a can of ginger ale will do the trick. Just make sure to stir it first, to remove as much of the fizz as possible, since that can ultimately make your tummy feel worse. But if you have the energy to make your very own ginger tea, that is definitely the ideal solution. Boil ten freshly sliced pieces of ginger root in four cups of water for about ten minutes. Strain, and squeeze in the juice of one orange and half a lemon. Stir in half a cup of honey. Sip slowly and feel the relief wash over you.
Rest
As with any ailment, rest is always best. If possible, place a cold compress on your head, close the blinds and try to get some extra shut-eye. Just shutting your eyes and lying still will set your body on the road to recovery.
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