It’s scientifically proven: this really helps against a hangover
Call it being hungover, a pounding head or simply a hangover—everyone knows what you mean. It was late, it was fun and the drinks were too good, which is why you now have a head like a bus shelter, clammy armpits and a stomach spinning like a centrifuge. Misery! How do you get rid of it? Science to the rescue: these are five scientifically researched hangover remedies.
Tip 1: water, water, water
That miserable throbbing headache and suede-like tongue are caused by dehydration. After that stream of shots last night, you might think so, but scientists have discovered that just four drinks cause you to lose between 600 and 1,000 millilitres of water. Imagine that. What now? A large pot of tea and a few large glasses of water (not ice-cold, please) can help. Wash down two aspirins straight away too; that also makes a difference. A bartender’s tip: sports drinks replenish the minerals you lost somewhere along the way during the evening.
Tip 2: a greasy bite
Fried egg with bacon or a cone of fries with mayo: you’ll notice that you start to feel better after a greasy snack. How does that work? When your body breaks down alcohol, acetaldehyde is released. That substance causes the nausea, dizziness and increased heart rate. Unfortunately, there is insufficient scientific evidence for the idea that, for example, a frikandel speciaal helps your body get rid of that acetaldehyde. What has been proven is that eating a solid meal beforehand really helps. A substantial meal before a night out ensures that the alcohol is absorbed more slowly. But still: it can’t hurt to try, so heat up last night’s boerenkoolstamppot or call the sparerib express.
Tip 3: a comforting cuppa
It’s not just the alcohol that makes you feel lousy; the lack of sleep also plays a part. You probably weren’t in bed after Sesame Street, so you didn’t get those much-needed eight hours of beauty sleep. What’s more, you sleep less well with alcohol in your bloodstream, science has shown: you initially fall asleep like a log, but during the second half of the night you sleep more lightly. As a result, your body doesn’t enter so-called slow-wave sleep, during which you recover from exertion. No wonder you feel so weak. A strong cup of coffee can help; the caffeine helps keep you on your feet a little.
Tip 4: a drink
Real pub regulars swear by it: a hair of the dog that bit you—in other words, a beer to wash away the worst of the hangover. Scientists unanimously say no. The liver needs time to recover, and that won’t happen if more trouble is on the way. It is recommended that you avoid a drop of alcohol for at least 48 hours.
Tip 5: oxygen
A refreshing walk along the beach or simply around the block: it really does make you feel better. Want to take a professional approach? In Korea, there are special bars where you can spend a while connected to an oxygen tank, and these oxygen bars occasionally pop up in the Netherlands too. It may have something to do with acetaldehyde, which is released when your body breaks down alcohol, but there is still no conclusive scientific evidence. Doesn’t matter: getting some fresh air helps. Take a nice walk to the snack bar for fries with oorlog sauce and a large cola, because that works best of all.
Read also:
- I asked star chefs about their hangover food
- This is what you want when you have a hangover
- Women behind bars
