6 Hangover Cures: Healthy Foods to Help You Feel Better
December 27, 2013
It’s nearly here, New Year’s Eve! A time for having fun and partying with friends as we ring in the new year. While you might wake up on New Year’s day craving pizza or a burger (shades from our college days perhaps), greasy, fatty foods will actually make you feel worse. Here are 6 foods that will help you replace nutrients you have lost and fight any toxins acquired by the alcohol.
Eggs
Incredible toxin destroyers, eggs are also easily digested and gentle on your stomach. Packed with protein, eggs will help mop up any toxins left in your body.
Coconut Water
People swear by coconut water to cure a hangover, and for good reason. Alcohol soaks up the water in your body, so you need to rehydrate yourself. While sports drinks have the electrolytes you need, they also have artificial food dyes. Coconut water has just as many electrolytes and none of the artificial dyes. Coconut water also contains more potassium than a banana and potassium is a key nutrient for feeling better fast. And for those who don’t like to drink water, coconut water is more refreshing and has the added flavor.
Ginger
If you wake up nauseous, make ginger your new BFF. A small dose of ginger helps to ease bloating, indigestion, vomiting and even gas and constipation. You can put some fresh ginger on your eggs or if you are not a fan of the taste, there are pills you can take. Experts say you can take 2 capsules every hour with water (or coconut water!). Try to get something into your stomach before taking a ginger pill.
Tomato Juice
For years, people have sworn by drinking a Bloody Mary for a hangover. But what they don’t say is to leave out the alcohol. Drinking alcohol keeps your liver busy trying to maintain adequate blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels cause fatigue, weakness and an all around bad mood. Bloody Mary juice or other fruit juices can help increase your blood sugar. THey also provide fiber, which will help your body break down and absorb the remains of the alcohol. Drinking juice is another great way to hydrate your body.
Soup
Although you aren’t really sick, try some soup. The salt will help you to retain water and the potassium and sodium help return your electrolytes back to where they should be.
Bananas
Some common hangover symptoms are feeling weak and shaky muscles, which is a result of low potassium levels. Not to worry. Eating a banana will shoot your potassium level right back up to where it belongs. While there are other fruits that are high in potassium, bananas are the most gentle on your stomach.
So, stock up on the above items before you go out and party. Happy New Year to everyone.
