When there are positive vibes, the alcohol is flowing & you are simply in the mood to celebrate for no reason whatsoever, you already know what is going to come next. A dirty, sneaky hangover. In under 24 hours, you go from being level-headed & composed to being overwhelmed with a mind-blowing headache & feeling sick at the slightest turn. What do you do? Here, we share the most effective tips on how to cure a hangover after a fun-filled night of drinking. But first, let’s dip inside on what causes these dreaded moments.
What Exactly Is A Hangover?
The main culprit is acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde plays a huge contribution to the cause of hangovers. A metabolite of (ethanal) aka alcohol, this chemical can interfere with your body’s natural balance and insufficient quantity levels can be 30 times more toxic than the alcohol itself. These symptoms tend to bring about motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and can lead to cogitative effects like memory loss. Which I’m sure many can relate to.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
The best way to avoid a hangover is to simply not drink at all or to not drink in excess amounts. Yes, you read right. However, the reality is… most people will willingly avoid this step and we don’t blame you. I mean, who doesn’t want an endless round of Jager bombs! Here at the Stay Club, we have gathered effective steps on how to avoid a hangover.
1. Don’t Start the Party on An Empty Stomach
To help minimize the effects of alcohol, ensure that you’re drinking gradually on a full stomach. The fat will help line the walls of your stomach & this will help slow down the rate at which your body absorbs the drug. It’s best to stick to carbohydrates. When in doubt, eat a nice plate of pasta!
2. Keep Calm & Drink Water!
If you feel that you’re about to be overwhelmed with drinking, it’s always a good idea to take a break and have a bottle or a glass of water. This will keep you hydrated & and reduce any hangover symptoms that will most likely occur the next day. Dehydration is the main cause of headaches, so ensure that you have a glass before your bedtime. Trust me, it will change your life!
3. What’s the rush, hun?!
The effect of alcohol tends to magically creep up on you when you least expect it. Funnily enough, a lot of people fall into the trap of drinking continuously without knowing that at any moment, the alcohol will finally pounce, and you won’t be able to handle it. Your body takes up to 1 hour to break down one unit of alcohol which is a shot. Take your time, leave gaps & enjoy the gradual stimulation. You’re most likely to remember your night the next day *wink wink*.
4. The Lighter the drink, the better the hangover
Picking your poison can determine your hangover levels, this is due to the congeners in the drink, an element that is produced when the alcohol is fermented. Dark alcoholic drinks such as red wine, brandy, or dark rum will have more congeners, whereas, white wine, vodka & gin will have less. To sum up, pick your poison wisely, you’ve been warned!
It’s Too Late for That, I Need A Cure!
Now, if you’ve gone past the “avoiding a hangover” stage, and you are knee-deep, then this section is dedicated specially for you. There are many stood-by cures out there & can range in different methods or styles reflecting the drinking culture of that said community. For example, you can cure a hangover by drinking coffee (U.S), drinking green tea (China), or by eating shrimp (Mexico). However, it’s all about finding a cure that best works for you. Though, the question is, do hangover cures work? Scientifically, there is no real evidence that these cures help to relieve them. Fortunately, there are ways to lessen some symptoms and provide further relief.
Find the Best Hangover Cure
Now we can’t magically make your hangover disappear with a wink of an eye, however, we can offer the next best thing to help manage your heavy hangovers & get you back to normal. Remember, the best hangover cure can be a unique remedy that your body is most receptive to. Here is an official list of how to cure a hangover. These are tired, tested & safe methods that you can experiment with:
1. Pills, Pills, Pills
Your first thought to relieve your hangover is to probably grab a load of painkillers. We get it, though it’s not recommended, we understand that some hangovers can be excruciatingly uncomfortable. However, by taking the recommended dose, it will do the job, when you need it most. Ibuprofen is the most effective, at a proposed dose. Accompany your ibuprofen with a nice, chilled glass of water before you go to bed. There’s nothing better.
2. Recharge Your Battery
Time & rest is probably one of the best cures for a hangover. Drinking can often disrupt your sleep cycle, which can intensify your hangover, increasing your fatigue and irritability. It’s very important to reenergize your battery, even if you have important commitments the next day. Call in late or take the day off and allow time and rest to fix you up back to your full form!
3. Take a Shower!
Once you’ve rested and feel like you can stand on both feet, freshen up by having a long, cool shower. This will help wake up your senses. Try to avoid a hot temperature as the steam may worsen your nausea. However, if a cool temperature is a no-go for you, open those windows!
4. Get Some Grub in Your Tum!
Though a sensitive method of choice, it’s still a very important step to take on the road to recovery. Now you can’t just eat any old meal as your stomach is still too sensitive. Start with something simple & bland like a slice of bread or crackers. These carbs will help regulate your blood sugar, reducing nausea and dizziness. Incorporate some fresh fruits like bananas to increase your potassium levels. If you’re a drinking pro, a classic fry-up is always a good idea.
5. Water for your matter
Alcohol can dehydrate your body severely and it’s very important to rehydrate it, especially after the numerous toilet breaks you’ve had the night before. Have a good’ ol glass of water before you go to sleep and the moment you wake up. Pour a fresh glass every few hours to ensure that its constantly flowing throughout your body.
How Can I Get Rid of Nausea?
Probably one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of hangovers is having waves of nausea. Here are some remedies to help you relieve them.
1. Ginger or Peppermint tea anyone?
Have yourself a nice hot drink of ginger or peppermint tea. These traditional teas have been a lifesaver for many years. Studies show that ginger & peppermint helped to relieve morning sickness and nausea by suppressing the chemicals in your gut that tells your brain that you’re going to be sick. If you’re opting for a natural remedy, then this is the step for you!
2. Fresh air
Ensure that you get enough fresh air to waken your system. The cool air helps to increase blood flow throughout your body & brain, helping to reduce nausea. Go out for a nice stroll, the fresh air will do you wonders!
What About Good Old-Fashioned Hair Of The Dog?
You didn’t think we’d end this post without discussing this step, did you?! A highly controversial remedy, the ‘Hair of the dog’ method is probably one of the biggest myths in curing a hangover. Drinking more might delay your symptoms, however, it will be patiently waiting to create an inevitable crash that could compromise your overall health. Face the music and allow time to help you recover. Delaying your hangover is never a good idea.
There you have it, here are the most recommended remedies that you can incorporate to relieve those dreaded hangovers. Be mindful that you must find a cure that is most receptive to your body as everyone is built differently. Though we believe that prevention is better than cure, still have a go at experimenting with these steps as it’s all part of the growing up process. For a cheeky discount on your favourite drinks & cocktails be sure to check out our partners & plan your fun-filled nights ahead!
