Most of us have been there, waking up with a pounding headache, nausea, and even feeling dizzy. Hangovers are a common occurrence after a night of heavy drinking, and while prevention is the best remedy, it’s not always possible.

However, the good news is that there are scientific methods to beat a hangover without resorting to old wives’ tales or questionable hacks. Here are the four proven methods to beat a hangover scientifically.

Method 1: Hydrate Smartly

One of the reasons people feel terrible after drinking alcohol is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which makes you urinate frequently and can lead to dehydration.

Going for a glass of water sounds like a good idea, but it’s not enough to rehydrate your body.

The scientific solution is to drink electrolyte fluids and water alternately. Electrolyte fluids such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or coconut water help rehydrate the body while replenishing lost electrolytes.

Consuming alcohol also lowers blood sugar levels, so drinking fluids with balanced electrolytes and sugars can help restore blood sugar and keep you energized. Hydrating regularly with electrolyte fluids throughout the day can help avoid a hangover entirely.

Method 2: Eat Right

Drinking on an empty stomach can worsen hangovers, and consuming greasy foods before or after drinking does not fix the problem, contrary to popular belief. The key is to eat right when you’re drinking and afterward.

Start by consuming foods rich in protein and healthy fats before drinking. They help slow down alcohol absorption, reducing the chances of a hangover the next day. Foods like nuts, cheese, and avocado are excellent choices.

When drinking, choose cocktails with simple ingredients rather than ones loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to dehydration, so snack on carbs and protein throughout the night to keep the body fueled.

After drinking, do not rush for greasy foods, as it can cause indigestion and make your hangover worse. Stick to light meals like salads, soups, and lean protein sources like chicken or fish.

These foods can help restore your body’s nutrient reserves and energize you without worsening the hangover.

Method 3: Manage The Effects Of Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism and one of the primary causes of hangovers. Heavy drinking leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream, which causes headaches, nausea, and other hangover symptoms.

The good news is that there are ways to manage acetaldehyde and prevent a hangover.

To reduce acetaldehyde in your body, drink beverages that contain cysteine, an amino acid that reduces acetaldehyde.

Cysteine is abundant in protein-rich foods like milk, eggs, and meat, so try to drink a glass of milk before drinking or consuming a protein-rich snack like peanut butter. However, to get the full benefits of cysteine, it’s best to drink beverages like tomato juice or bone broth that contain large amounts of cysteine.

Method 4: Sleep and Exercise

A good night’s sleep is crucial to give your body time to restore itself after a night of drinking. Alcohol impairs sleep quality and slows down the body’s healing process.

To prepare for a night of heavy drinking, try to get at least eight hours of sleep before drinking.

The morning after, try to get more sleep, or at least rest to allow the body to recover. However, do not overdo it, as oversleeping also leads to lethargy and mood swings.

Finally, exercise can also aid in beating a hangover. Exercise helps boost endorphins, reduce stress, and increase blood flow, which helps speed up the body’s healing process.

However, do not engage in high-intensity workouts, as it can exacerbate dehydration and worsen the symptoms of a hangover. Light exercises like walking or yoga are more effective in helping the body recover while also reducing stress levels.

Final Thoughts

Acquiring a hangover can ruin the fun of a night out. However, conquering a hangover involves more than just drinking a glass of water or taking headache medication.

By applying the above scientific methods, you can minimize the effects of hangovers and recover quickly without feeling dreadful for the rest of the day.