From the Guidelines
The most effective hangover cure is to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte-containing beverages, and to use over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever, myalgias, and headache. When it comes to managing hangover symptoms, it's essential to prioritize strategies that address dehydration, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances caused by alcohol consumption. Some key strategies to alleviate hangover symptoms include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte-containing beverages
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever, myalgias, and headache, as suggested by 1
- Getting plenty of rest, as alcohol disrupts sleep quality
- Avoiding smoking and considering a short course of topical decongestants or throat lozenges, as mentioned in 1 It's crucial to note that while these strategies can help alleviate symptoms, prevention remains the best approach, and moderate drinking, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach can significantly reduce hangover severity.
From the Research
Hangover Cure
Some studies have investigated the effectiveness of various methods for treating and preventing alcohol hangover.
- The use of polysaccharide rich extract of Acanthopanax senticosus, red ginseng antihangover drink, Korean pear juice, KSS formula, and the After-Effect© were associated with a significant improvement of hangover symptoms (p < .05) 2.
- These methods were found to be most effective in reducing symptoms such as tiredness, nausea/vomiting, and stomachache 2.
- Other studies have suggested that rehydration, prostaglandin inhibitors, and vitamin B6 may be effective interventions for hangover symptoms 3.
- It is worth noting that none of the methods studied were effective for all hangover symptoms, and further research is necessary to develop clinically effective hangover treatments 2.