Waking up with a pounding headache, dry mouth, and a general feeling of malaise is never fun. But, unfortunately, it’s a familiar scenario for many of us who enjoy a night out with friends and a few too many drinks. While there’s no magic cure for a hangover, what you eat (or don’t eat) can make a big difference in how you feel. In this article, we’ll explore the foods you should avoid when you’re hungover and why.
Understanding Hangovers
Before we dive into the foods to avoid, it’s essential to understand what’s happening in your body when you’re hungover. A hangover is a collection of symptoms that occur when your body is withdrawing from alcohol. When you drink, your body processes the alcohol and eliminates it through your liver, kidneys, and other organs. However, when you drink too much, your body can’t keep up, and the toxins build up in your system.
The symptoms of a hangover are caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose water and electrolytes.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Alcohol disrupts the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, in your body.
- Inflammation: Alcohol causes inflammation in your body, which can lead to pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
- Stomach irritation: Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Foods to Avoid When You’re Hungover
While it’s tempting to reach for greasy, comforting foods when you’re hungover, some foods can make your symptoms worse. Here are some foods to avoid:
Fatty and Greasy Foods
While a greasy breakfast may seem like just what you need to soak up the alcohol, fatty and greasy foods can make your hangover worse. These foods are hard to digest, which can put extra strain on your stomach and liver. Additionally, fatty foods can slow down digestion, which can make you feel more nauseous and uncomfortable.
Examples of fatty and greasy foods to avoid include:
- Bacon and sausage
- Fried eggs and pancakes
- Greasy burgers and fries
- Fried chicken and doughnuts
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can be a problem when you’re hungover because they can irritate your stomach and make nausea and heartburn worse. Additionally, spicy foods can cause your body to lose more water and electrolytes, which can exacerbate dehydration.
Examples of spicy foods to avoid include:
- Hot wings and spicy sauces
- Wasabi and horseradish
- Spicy curries and stir-fries
- Hot peppers and salsa
Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks
While a cup of coffee or a soda may seem like just what you need to perk yourself up, caffeine and carbonated drinks can make your hangover worse. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can cause your body to lose more water and electrolytes. Carbonated drinks can also cause stomach irritation and bloating.
Examples of caffeine and carbonated drinks to avoid include:
- Coffee and energy drinks
- Soda and sparkling water
- Tea and caffeinated beverages
- Sports drinks and energy bars
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks can cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, which can make your hangover symptoms worse. Additionally, sugary foods and drinks can cause stomach irritation and bloating.
Examples of sugary foods and drinks to avoid include:
- Candy and sweets
- Baked goods and pastries
- Fruit juice and sweetened tea
- Soda and sports drinks
What to Eat Instead
While it’s essential to avoid certain foods when you’re hungover, there are some foods that can help alleviate your symptoms. Here are some foods to try:
Bland Carbohydrates
Bland carbohydrates, such as crackers, toast, and plain rice, can help settle your stomach and provide energy.
Bananas and Potassium-Rich Foods
Bananas and other potassium-rich foods, such as avocados and sweet potatoes, can help replace lost electrolytes and alleviate muscle cramps.
Chicken and Vegetable Broth
Chicken and vegetable broth can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes and provide essential nutrients.
Plain Yogurt and Ginger
Plain yogurt and ginger can help soothe your stomach and alleviate nausea.
Conclusion
While there’s no magic cure for a hangover, what you eat (or don’t eat) can make a big difference in how you feel. By avoiding fatty and greasy foods, spicy foods, caffeine and carbonated drinks, and sugary foods and drinks, you can help alleviate your symptoms and feel better faster. Instead, try bland carbohydrates, bananas and potassium-rich foods, chicken and vegetable broth, and plain yogurt and ginger to help your body recover from a night out.
What are the worst foods to eat when you’re hungover?
When you’re hungover, it’s essential to avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, exacerbate dehydration, and worsen your overall hangover symptoms. Some of the worst foods to eat when you’re hungover include greasy and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods high in sugar. These types of foods can be difficult to digest, leading to nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Additionally, foods high in salt can also worsen dehydration, which is a common symptom of a hangover. It’s also best to avoid foods that are high in caffeine, as they can further dehydrate you. Instead, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods that can help settle your stomach and replenish lost electrolytes.
Why should I avoid greasy foods when I’m hungover?
Greasy foods are some of the worst things to eat when you’re hungover because they can be difficult to digest. When you’re hungover, your stomach is already sensitive, and greasy foods can irritate it further, leading to nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, greasy foods can also slow down digestion, which can prolong your hangover symptoms.
Instead of reaching for greasy foods like bacon, sausage, or fried eggs, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, crackers, or plain rice. These types of foods can help settle your stomach and provide a quick source of energy without exacerbating your hangover symptoms.
Can I eat spicy foods when I’m hungover?
No, it’s best to avoid spicy foods when you’re hungover. Spicy foods can irritate your stomach, exacerbate heartburn, and worsen nausea and vomiting. When you’re hungover, your stomach is already sensitive, and spicy foods can further inflame it, leading to discomfort and pain.
Instead of reaching for spicy foods like hot wings or wasabi, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods that can help soothe your stomach. You can also try ginger or peppermint tea to help calm your stomach and alleviate nausea.
What are some good foods to eat when I’m hungover?
When you’re hungover, it’s essential to eat foods that are easy to digest, can help settle your stomach, and replenish lost electrolytes. Some good foods to eat when you’re hungover include bananas, which are rich in potassium, and crackers or toast, which can help settle your stomach. You can also try plain rice, applesauce, or chicken broth to help replenish lost electrolytes and soothe your stomach.
Additionally, foods high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and alleviate hangover symptoms. You can also try coconut water or sports drinks to help replenish lost electrolytes and rehydrate your body.
Can I drink coffee when I’m hungover?
While a cup of coffee may seem like just what you need to perk yourself up when you’re hungover, it’s actually best to avoid it. Coffee can further dehydrate you, which can worsen your hangover symptoms. Additionally, coffee can also irritate your stomach, leading to nausea and stomach pain.
Instead of reaching for coffee, try drinking water or other hydrating fluids like coconut water or sports drinks. You can also try herbal teas like ginger or peppermint to help soothe your stomach and alleviate nausea.
How can I rehydrate when I’m hungover?
Rehydrating is essential when you’re hungover, as dehydration can worsen your symptoms. To rehydrate, drink plenty of water or other hydrating fluids like coconut water or sports drinks. You can also try eating foods that are high in water content, such as watermelon or cucumbers.
Additionally, you can try drinking electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks to help replenish lost electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda, as they can further dehydrate you. Instead, opt for herbal teas like ginger or peppermint to help soothe your stomach and alleviate nausea.
How long does it take to recover from a hangover?
The length of time it takes to recover from a hangover can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of alcohol you consumed. Generally, hangover symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. In some cases, hangover symptoms can last longer, especially if you’re severely dehydrated or have other underlying health conditions.
To speed up your recovery, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat easy-to-digest foods, and get plenty of rest. You can also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate headaches and other symptoms.