Hangovers can be a daunting experience. The headache, nausea, fatigue, and overall feeling of discomfort makes you want to hit the snooze button and avoid work or going out.

Some people swear by their tried and tested hangover remedies, while others prefer to keep it simple by sticking to water. So, is water the cure for a hangover? Let’s take a look at what the experts have to say.

What causes a hangover?

Before we dive into whether water is the cure for a hangover, it is essential to understand what causes a hangover in the first place. Drinking alcohol is the primary cause of a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more.

This leads to dehydration, which causes many of the common symptoms of a hangover. Additionally, alcohol can cause inflammation, low blood sugar levels, and irritate the lining of the stomach. All of these factors contribute to the pain and discomfort that comes with a hangover.

Why water is essential during a hangover?

Water is essential to human life, and it plays a crucial role in the body’s recovery after a night of heavy drinking. As mentioned earlier, alcohol consumption leads to dehydration.

Therefore, the first step towards recovering from a hangover is to replenish the lost fluids in your body by drinking plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but during a hangover, you may need to increase this amount to prevent dehydration fully.

Moreover, drinking water can help to flush out toxins from your body. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and the by-products of this process can be harmful if they accumulate in your system.

Drinking water can help to flush out these toxins and improve your overall health.

Does drinking water during a hangover help?

Drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption can prevent dehydration and reduce the severity of a hangover. However, drinking water during a hangover does not cure it completely, but it can help to alleviate some of the symptoms.

It is important to note that drinking plenty of water alone may not be enough to cure a hangover.

What other remedies can help cure a hangover?

There is no magical cure for a hangover, but there are several remedies that can help to ease the symptoms.

Consuming a well-balanced meal, getting enough rest, and taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to alleviate the pain and headache that accompanies a hangover. Additionally, some people use natural remedies like ginger, peppermint tea, and honey to settle their stomach and feel better.

However, it is essential to note that remedies such as hair of the dog and coffee can exacerbate dehydration and prolong the symptoms of a hangover.

The bottom line

Drinking water is an easy and effective way to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of a hangover. It helps to replenish lost fluids in the body and flush out toxins. However, drinking water alone may not be enough to cure a hangover.

It is essential to practice responsible drinking and take good care of your body to prevent a hangover in the first place. If you find yourself hungover, it is best to drink plenty of water and other fluids, rest, and consume a balanced meal to help your body recover as quickly as possible.