How to Handle Hangovers

Five First Steps for Fast Relief

 As soon as you wake up, drink two glasses of water to undo the dehydration.

Have a large glass of grapefruit, orange, or tomato juice. Juice contains the simple sugar fructose, which speeds the metabolism of alcohol.

If you drink coffee, have a cup or two as soon as possible. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the swollen blood vessels in your head. Just be sure not to go overboard. Like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic, and if you drink too much, you’ll become even more dehydrated.

Kudzu is a traditional Chinese remedy for alcohol poisoning, usually taken in a “morning after” tea. You can pick up kudzu extract at a health-food store. Follow the dosage directions on the package.

Nix it with Nux: the homeopathic remedy nux vomica is considered an antidote to alcohol hangovers. Dissolve 3-5 pellets of the 30C potency on the tongue every four hours.

Quick Comeback Snacks

Once you overcome the queasiness, fix yourself a nice bowl of hot chicken soup or bouillon. Either one will help replace the salt and potassium that your body loses when you’ve been drinking.

A banana milk shake is another good way to replace potassium and other nutrients lost during a night of heavy drinking. Combine a half-cup milk with a banana and two teaspoons of honey. Whirl it all in a blender, and drink up..

If you feel well enough, eat a light meal munch on some fresh fruit, and crackers with honey. Fruit and honey are good sources of fructose. Save the bacon and sausage for another day.

Get Moving

Although your instinct might be to stay in bed, you’re better off if you can take a brisk walk or go for a run. That will boost your production of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. Heavy drinking can lower endorphin levels.