A hangover happens when you drink too much alcohol and your body is unable to metabolize it all quickly enough. A 2019 study found that the average person who drinks alcohol experiences a hangover about once a month. Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the central nervous system. This is why alcohol can make you feel relaxed and sleepy. However, as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, it can also cause a number of other effects, including:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it makes you urinate more. This can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to hangover symptoms such as headache, thirst, and dry mouth.
- Inflammation: Alcohol can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This can lead to symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, and nausea.
- Immune system suppression: Alcohol can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. This can also contribute to hangover symptoms such as fatigue and malaise.
Hangover symptoms typically begin when your BAC drops significantly and is at or near zero. This usually happens several hours after you stop drinking. The severity of a hangover can vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the type of alcohol consumed, the person’s age, weight, and overall health.
It is not clear whether hangovers occur more in males or females. However, one study has suggested that males may be more likely to experience hangovers than females. For example, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that males were more likely than females to report experiencing hangover symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting.
There is no cure for a hangover, however, by following these hangover hacks, you can help to prevent or relieve the symptoms of a hangover and feel better faster.
1. Soak Face in Water
Soaking your face in ice or cold water is popular compared to other hangover hacks, but there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. However, a Facebook user shared how it helped to relieve her hangover symptoms in a video
One possible explanation for why soaking your face in water may help to relieve hangover symptoms is that it triggers the “diver’s reflex.” The diver’s reflex is a biological response that causes your heart rate to slow down and your blood vessels to constrict when your face is submerged in cold water. This can help to reduce blood flow to your head, which can relieve headache and dizziness.
Another possible explanation is that soaking your face in water helps to cool you down and reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a major contributor to hangover symptoms such as headache and nausea.
To soak your face in water for a hangover, simply fill a bowl with cold water and dunk your face into it for 10-15 seconds. You can repeat this process several times, or until you start to feel better.
It is important to note that soaking your face in water is not a cure for a hangover. The best way to cure a hangover is to prevent it in the first place. To do this, drink in moderation and stay hydrated. If you do experience a hangover, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced meal.
2. Drink Water Slowly at Intervals
Drinking water slowly at intervals is a good way to prevent dehydration, which is a major contributor to hangover symptoms. When you drink alcohol, it acts as a diuretic, which means that it causes you to urinate more. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as headache, thirst, and dry mouth.
To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the night when you are drinking alcohol. It is also important to drink water slowly at intervals, as this will help your body to absorb the fluids more effectively.
Hangover hacks: Here are some tips for drinking water slowly at intervals:
- Drink water before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
- Avoid sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate you and make your hangover worse.
- Drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning.
- Continue to drink water throughout the day, taking sips every 15-30 minutes.
- If you start to feel thirsty, drink another glass of water.
3. Fruit Juice Can Help
Organic fresh fruit juice cannot help to cure a hangover, rather will help relieve symptoms by rehydrating your body and providing essential vitamins and minerals that will make you feel better faster.
To cure a hangover with fruit juice, follow these steps:
- Choose a low-sugar fruit juice, such as watermelon juice, coconut water, orange juice, or cranberry juice.
- Dilute your fruit juice with water if desired.
- Drink a glass of fruit juice slowly at intervals throughout the day.
- Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, fizzy drinks, or canned juice, as they can dehydrate you.
- Eat a balanced meal and get plenty of rest.
Some additional hangover hacks tips for curing a hangover with fruit juice:
- Add a pinch of salt to your fruit juice to help replenish lost electrolytes.
- Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to your fruit juice to help boost your immune system.
- Freeze your fruit juice and eat it as a slushie to help cool you down and relieve nausea.
- Add fresh fruit to your fruit juice to make a smoothie for a more nutritious and satisfying drink.
Remember, fruit juice is not a cure-all for hangovers. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation and stay hydrated.
4. Drink Ijebu Garri with Cold Water and Without Sugar
Ijebu Garri is a type of Garri, which is a starchy food made from cassava root. It is a popular food in Nigeria and is often eaten with water, milk, or other beverages.
Although there is no empirical scientific evidence that suggests drinking Ijebu Garri is a cure for hangovers, people in Nigeria strongly rely on it for hangover relief.
This hangover hack works well when you drink Ijebu Garri with ice-cold water and no sugar.
One possible explanation for why drinking ijebu garri with cold water may help to relieve hangover symptoms is that it is a good source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can help to raise blood sugar levels, which can improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Another possible explanation for this hangover hack is that Ijebu Garri contains electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium. Electrolytes are minerals that help your body to function properly. They can be lost when you are dehydrated or when you vomit, which are common hangover symptoms. Drinking Ijebu Garri with cold water can help to replace lost electrolytes and improve your symptoms.
Finally, Ijebu Garri is a good source of fiber. Fiber can help to slow digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can help to prevent blood sugar levels from spiking and crashing. This can help to reduce hangover symptoms such as headache and fatigue.
5. Eat a Balanced Meal
Eating a balanced meal can help to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and reduce the severity of a hangover. It is also important to eat foods that are high in carbohydrates and electrolytes, such as bananas, potatoes, or bread. These foods can help to replenish the nutrients that are lost due to alcohol consumption.
6. Get Some Rest
Sleep is essential for the body to recover from a hangover. Getting a good night’s sleep is a reliable hangover hack that can help to reduce the severity of hangover symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and nausea.
7. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is another hangover hack, that can help to relieve hangover symptoms such as headache and muscle aches.
Here are some additional hangover hacks that you may find helpful:
- Drink ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce hangover symptoms such as nausea and headache.
- Eat honey: Honey contains natural sugars that can help to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- Take a cold shower: A cold shower can help to wake you up and reduce hangover symptoms such as headache and nausea.
- Get some sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can help to improve your mood and reduce hangover symptoms such as fatigue and depression.
It is important to note that there is no cure for a hangover and the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or not at all. However, if find yourself having a hangover, simply try any of the hangover hacks mentioned in this article to relieve the symptoms and feel better faster.
Note: This is hangover hacks are not to be substituted with your doctor’s advice, In case your hangover gets worse, seek medical help immediately.
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