Whether it’s the end of the year, celebrating an accomplishment or the farewell of a co-worker, there’s nothing worse than a hangover the day after drinking too much.
Especially when you have work the next day and need to get back to business right away. Here are some of the best hangover remedies to ensure you’re not out of commission the next day.
Recommended drinks for curing a hangover
Tomato Juice
The humble tomato juice is a great starting point to combat your hangover symptoms.
The water-soluble components of tomatoes (amino acids, citric acid, and sugars) activate the enzyme (LDH) in the liver that promotes the metabolism of alcohol, smoothing out the metabolism of alcohol and acetaldehyde, making it effective for hangovers. Additionally, the citric acid contained in tomatoes activates the citric acid cycle and gives power to the body that lacks energy due to alcohol metabolism.
Tomatoes are said to be highly effective in relieving hangovers because they contain GABA, which promotes the function of the liver. It also contains glutathione and potassium, which has a detoxifying and strong diuretic effect.
Carbonated drinks
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re lacking liquids from a hangover. Mineral water can replenish minerals, but carbonated drinks in particular are perfect for a hangover because the refreshing sizzling sensation eliminates stomach upset.
There is also a view that Cola and Sprite reduce hangovers at the folk remedy level, but the detailed mechanism and effective ingredients are unknown.
Pro tip: carbonated beverages can irritate the stomach and people who are prone to stomach acid reflux or who have stomach ulcers should avoid carbonated drinks.
Sports drinks
Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite
Sports drinks are the best way to get nutrients such as water, sugars, and minerals to restore dehydration. Sports drinks are designed to help your body absorb water more easily, making them effective for dehydration and hangovers.
They contain electrolytes and will restore the depletion of them during excessive alcohol intake.
Pro tip: be careful not to overdose on sports drinks, as they can lead to excessive sugar content.
Hepalyse W
This secret weapon is great for curing a hangover.
It contains liver extract that is made by decomposing pork liver and turmeric extract, which is said to be good for liver function.
On top of this, bisaclon and curcumin contained in turmeric have been found to improve hangover symptoms, and are effective whether taken before drinking alcohol or after drinking too much.
Pro tip: consume this drink beforehand if you’re anticipating a wild night.
Pear juice
Korean pear juice has been used as a hangover cure for a long time in Korea and China. Its effectiveness in helping the body metabolise and eliminate alcohol quickly was proven by the CSIRO.
The key enzymes in the drink assist the body in detoxifying and inhibit alcohol absorption.
This drink can easily be found at grocery stores and is a great preventative, along with an aftercare hangover cure.
Pro tip: similar to Hepalyse W, this drink can be consumed before and after a night out.
Recommended food for curing a hangover
Bananas
To stop yourself from going bananas the next day, eat a banana.
This hangover remedy works by replacing the water and electrolyte depletion experienced when drinking alcohol. Potassium deficiency is also one of the symptoms that appear due to diuretic action, and the recommended food for improving symptoms is bananas. Bananas are known for being rich in potassium by far among the fruits.
Pro tip: if you find it difficult to eat a single banana, try banana juice.
Aloe Yoghurt
Aloe vera has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times. In particular, the main component of aloe is said to activate the detoxification action of the liver. When you have a hangover, you tend to lose your appetite and want to eat something that goes down your throat.
Pro tip: if you’re struggling to swallow solid, opt for one of the drinks above and aloe yoghurt.
Crispy Umeboshi
The organic acid contained in umeboshi is known to be effective against hangovers. The citric acid promotes the secretion of saliva to improve digestion, and increases the secretion of gastric acid to increase appetite.
It can also reduce fatigue, making it an ingredient that you should actively incorporate when you are in tired mode. Convenience stores sell crispy umeboshi and dried ume in individual packages that are easy to eat.
Pro tip: umeboshi are high in salt, so ensure to limit your consumption.