How to Get Rid of Hangover Naturally

How to Get Rid of Hangover Naturally

I used to drink a lot in college and in my 20’s but I am so glad that I found healthier ways to deal with stress and have a good time. These are some ideas that can help you feel your best without taking conventional medications that have side effects.

We know that abstaining from alcohol is still the best and guaranteed way to avoid a hangover but there are times when a festivity calls for something stronger than soda to celebrate. 

When you’re stuck with a hangover after having one too many glasses of booze, what can you do to feel better? 

Hydrate with water and coconut water

Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes the body to lose fluids and become dehydrated. As a result, you get a hangover. To combat dehydration, you need to drink plenty of water and other fluids rich in electrolytes, such as coconut water. As a bonus, this natural drink is low sugar and carbs.

Eat asparagus

Asparagus contains amino acids that enhance the cell’s ability to break down alcohol, which helps ease a hangover. The amino acids found in asparagus also help protect the body from the long-terms effects of hydrogen peroxide, one of alcohol’s harmful byproducts.

Munch on bananas

When you’re hungover, your body needs potassium to prevent further dehydration because electrolytes help the body retain water and other fluids. Other examples of potassium-rich foods are honey and potatoes.

Sip on lemon, coconut sugar, and sea salt

The vitamin C in the lemon helps replenish your body’s nutrient reserves while sea salt and coconut sugar help replace lost electrolytes and fight off the effects of dehydration. To prepare this drink, mix equal portions of lemon juice,  coconut sugar, and salt and add them to a liter of warm water. Drink this mixture until you feel better.

Consume ginger

Ginger has long been known as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting, effects which hangover produces. If you’re feeling queasy after a night of drinking, try chewing on some slices of fresh ginger. You can also drink ginger tea as an alternative.

Drink tomato juice

Drinking can lead to low glucose levels because the liver becomes caught up metabolizing the alcohol. As a consequence, the unstable blood sugar levels in the body can cause hangover symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, and bad mood. Fructose is a type of sugar found in tomato juice that can help the body metabolize the alcohol faster. Try to get an organic one without preservatives such as this one.

Take some thyme tea

Thyme is great for relieving tense and tired muscles. When combined with honey, thyme tea can help settle stomach troubles often associated with a hangover. Combine thyme, ginger, and peppermint to make a more potent tea that you can drink all day. This is a nice blend of tea that can help (order here).

Down some fruit juice

Fruits and fruit juices are great for hangovers because they are packed with fructose and vitamins. The fiber and minerals they contain also help get rid of toxins and aid the liver metabolize the alcohol quicker. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges are ideal but apples and watermelon also work. While drinking juice everyday is not a good idea because of the concentrated sugar it can be helpful occasionally. Try to use an organic one such as this.

Sleep

Sleep deprivation or inadequate sleep is partly the cause of hangover so the best way to deal with feeling tired is to get as much as sleep as you can. It’s also possible that you will sleep through the worst of the effects of hangover so you can expect to feel better when you wake up.

The effects of hangover last between 8 and 24 hours so if you survive the ordeal you can think about if you really want to drink again. I like to use blackout curtains, an eye mask (order here) and ear plugs (order here) to improve my sleep. Read more here.

Supplements 

There are several supplements that can help when you are feeling less than your best. Activated charcoal (order here) has been used for centuries to help people who are poisoned (yes alcohol can be like a poison to your body). Just take a few capsules with some water to help bounce back. White willow bark (order here) is what aspirin was originally made out of so it can be a good alternative to conventional pain relievers. Also bentonite clay can be helpful for feeling good again after a night out.  You can drink 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a cup of water such as this brand.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils can be a great support to a healthy lifestyle. I like the cool feeling and refreshing smell of peppermint on my neck and blends such as Deep Relief or Pan Away blend on my forehead. Also citrus oils such as lemon contain a constituent called d-limonene a substance that supports healthy digestion and normal detoxification pathways. I only use Young Living essential oils because they have their own farms and distilleries (order here).

I hope these ideas can help you next time you over do it. Try to find other ways to unwind such as meditation or exercise that will have a more positive impact on your health in the future. Read my article 10 ways to deal with stress.