20 Best Foods to Avoid Hangover

Ever woke up with a massive headache, nausea and vomiting. Well, that’s a classic hangover from last night. It happens when you drink one too many drinks. Hangovers are unpleasant and can spoil your day. During hangover the body experiences specific hormonal and immune responses during a hangover that trigger different symptoms (1). While there is no magic food to cure the hangover completely, there are certain foods that can limit its symptoms. In this blog we will understand what to eat for hangover.

1. Water

Hydration is key to counteracting dehydration caused by alcohol consumption. Water is the per drink for it. Alcohol is diuretic meaning your body loses water through urine. This can lead to dehydration. Drinking water will help to reduce dehydration and keep optimal fluid balance in the body. (2)

2. Coconut water

Coconut water is excellent against hangovers. It is a natural electrolyte drink which is particularly rich in potassium. Potassium helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes from excessive alcohol consumption. It also contains natural sugars and hydration properties that can alleviate dehydration and ease symptoms like headaches and fatigue. (3)

3. Bananas

Alcohol restricts the production of hormone that help to retain water. This lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Rich in potassium, bananas help replenish electrolytes and reduce nausea. 

4. Ginger

Ginger helps manage hangovers by reducing nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption. It can also aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach, providing relief after drinking. (4)

5. Eggs

Alcohol consumption reduces the body's glutathione levels, affecting its ability to effectively metabolism toxic byproducts and their breakdown. Eggs contain cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. Consuming eggs may alleviate hangover symptoms by aiding in the detoxification process. (5)

6. Oats

Oats contain complex carbohydrates which provide slow-release energy and stabilize blood sugar levels. This can lead to reduced hangover symptoms. Oats also help reduce alcohol absorption in the body by providing a source of soluble fiber, which slows down the emptying of the stomach and may help moderate alcohol intake.

7. Honey

Honey helps reduce hangover symptoms by speeding up alcohol metabolism. Its fructose content helps metabolize alcohol more quickly, potentially alleviating headaches and fatigue associated with hangovers. (6)

8. Yogurt

Yogurt helps reduce alcohol absorption by lining the stomach and slowing down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Its probiotic content may also aid in digestion and alleviate stomach discomfort.

9. Spinach

Spinach contains nutrients like folate, which may help support liver function and aid in alcohol metabolism. Additionally, its high water content can help with hydration, potentially reducing the severity of hangover symptoms. (7)

10. Salmon

Salmon helps reduce hangover symptoms by providing essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which support liver function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, its protein content aids in replenishing amino acids depleted by alcohol consumption, promoting recovery. (8)

11. Whole grain toast

Whole grain toast helps manage hangover symptoms by providing complex carbohydrates that help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may be disrupted by alcohol consumption. Additionally, it contains B vitamins and fiber, supporting overall recovery and digestion.

12. Chicken soup

Chicken soup is the go-to food if you want to reduce your hangover. It provides hydration, which is crucial for alleviating the dehydration caused by alcohol consumption. The broth also contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help replenish those lost during excessive drinking.

13. Quinoa

Quinoa can help reduce hangover symptoms by providing a rich source of nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, protein, and essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium. These nutrients support overall recovery and help replenish electrolytes lost during excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, quinoa is easy to digest and can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may be disrupted by alcohol intake.

14. Sweet Potatoes

Cooked sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients that can aid in recovering from a hangover. With high levels of vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium, they combat hangover-related inflammation and replenish the body's depleted stores of essential minerals lost during alcohol consumption. (9)

15. Blueberries

Blueberries can help manage hangovers due to their antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption. Additionally, their high water content can aid in hydration, and their natural sugars can help replenish energy levels.

16. Avocado

It contains healthy fats that support liver function and reduce inflammation. Consuming avocados after a night of heavy drinking can assist in replenishing depleted potassium levels caused by alcohol intake and dehydration.

17. Green tea

Green tea can reduce hangover symptoms by helping to hydrate the body, providing antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and supporting liver function, aiding in the breakdown of alcohol toxins.

18. Nuts

Nuts, rich in magnesium, could alleviate hangover symptoms. Alcohol depletes cellular magnesium, so replenishing it may ease symptoms associated with excessive drinking.

19. Pickles

Pickles contain electrolytes like sodium, which can help replenish those lost due to alcohol's diuretic effects. Consuming pickles may aid in rehydration and alleviate hangover symptoms such as fatigue and headache. (10)

20. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. This makes it the best food to eat with alcohol.

Conclusion

Nobody wants to be hungover after a great night of partying but drinking too much alcohol can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, headache, sensitivity to light, dehydration, or dizziness. Many people think that taking rest will make symptoms go away and eventually it does. But eating the foods mentioned above can speed up the process and help you start your day fresh.

FAQs

1. What should I eat before drinking to prevent hangovers?

Before drinking, consume a meal rich in complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Include foods like whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help minimize the severity of hangover symptoms.

2. What foods to avoid hangovers?

To avoid hangovers, it's best to limit or avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as well as excessive caffeine. Additionally, moderate alcohol intake and stay hydrated with water.

3. What foods help absorb alcohol?

Foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help slow down alcohol absorption. Examples include nuts, avocados, whole grains, and lean meats.

4. What not to eat before drinking?

Before drinking, it's best to avoid spicy, greasy, or heavy foods that can irritate the stomach or contribute to acid reflux. Also, steer clear of foods high in salt or sugar.