Foods To Eat and Avoid When Hungover

Republished from MedicalNewsToday.com

A hangover is a group of symptoms that commonly occur following excessive alcohol consumption.  The symptoms of a hangover can vary between people. However, most people experience headache, tiredness, nausea and excessive thirst.  The severity of these symptoms usually correlates with the amount of alcohol a person consumed.

Many people claim that certain foods and drinks can cure a hangover. While there is no actual “cure” for a hangover, research indicates that certain foods may help to alleviate hangover symptoms.

This article outlines the best foods to eat during a hangover. We also dispel some common myths about hangover cures and provide tips on how best to prevent a hangover.

Best Foods and Drink For a Hangover

Eggs

Eggs and avocados are two of the best foods to eat during a hangover.  Eggs are a good source of nutrients and contain simple proteins that are particularly gentle on the stomach.  This may be especially important the morning of a hangover, when a person may experience nausea and digestive upset. People should avoid eating eggs with oily foods, such as butter, oil, or greasy meats. Oils may further upset a sensitive stomach.

Bananas

Bananas contain a good amount of potassium. Eating a banana will help to replenish the body’s potassium levels after a night of heavy drinking.  Bananas also contain fiber and sugar. Fiber promotes digestion and can alleviate digestive symptoms; sugar provides the energy a person needs to start the day.

Avocados

Avocados are another excellent source of potassium and calories for anyone needing a boost in the morning. However, some people may find that the fat in avocados irritates their digestive system.

Oats

Many people consider oats to be the perfect hangover food. This is because oats contain many of the nutrients that alcohol depletes from the body.  The USDA National Nutrient Database notes, oats contain nutrients and minerals such as:

  • calcium
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • B-vitamins, such as niacin and folate

Oats also contain helpful anti-inflammatory fibers called beta-glucans. Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties could help to reduce the inflammation associated with a hangover.  Adding bananas, dates, or honey to porridge will provide extra energy for the day ahead.

Dark, leafy greenshangover-foods-spinach

Dark, leafy greens are among some of the most nutritious foods available. They contain a variety of nutrients, amino acids, and minerals. These help the body to recover from the effects of alcohol.

Dark, leafy greens also tend to be a good source of fiber. Fiber can help with some of the digestive issues,  such as diarrhea or constipation, that heavy drinking can cause.  Adding spinach to an omelet is a quick and simple way to eat greens on the morning of a hangover.

Water

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes a person to urinate more. This excess urination can easily lead to minor dehydration.  Dehydration can cause unpleasant hangover symptoms, such as a headache and excessive thirst. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent and alleviate a hangover.

Healthful carbs

Carbohydrate snacks are typically easy for people to digest and provide the body with a quick source of energy. This is particularly helpful during a hangover, when a person may feel queasy and tired.  Some simple carbohydrates, such as toast, bagels, or plain crackers, provide energy while being gentle on the stomach. However, people should be careful to avoid overly salty or oily carbohydrate foods, such as chips. These can upset a sensitive digestive tract.

At Pacific Eye & Ear Specialists, we employ thorough evaluation and treatment regimes. Call our office today for an appointment with one of our Los Angeles ENT physicians and Audiologists.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (310) 477-5558.