Waking up after a night of drinking and…. Feeling like you got hit by a truck.
Yup, that was probably a hangover.
We’ve all experienced it. Physically, you feel tired, nauseous, and overall unwell.
Mentally, you feel extremely anxious. Which is somehow even worse than the physical symptoms.
If St Patrick’s Day weekend means a hangover is unavoidable for you, have no fear.
In this article, we’ll explain what actually causes a hangover and 5 things you can do to help you get back to feeling your best in no time.
What actually causes hangovers?
Understanding what actually causes a hangover is a great way to learn how to prevent it. And dehydration is one of the biggest culprits.
Alcohol is a diuretic which makes you want to visit the toilet more than normal, making you lose important fluids and electrolytes. The outcome? You feel headachy, fatigued, and nauseous.
It can also cause inflammation in the body which can make your hangover worse.
And if you thought a night of drinking would help you sleep better, think again - alcohol can disrupt your natural sleep rhythms and leave you feeling groggy in the morning. The good news is there are ways to alleviate your symptoms and help your body recover quicker.
The 5 Best Hangover Cures
Water
Drinking water is a great way to deal with a hangover. In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking water can also help your body flush out toxins and other byproducts of alcohol.Try drinking water between those boozy drinks to help slow down how much you’re drinking overall and keep your body hydrated.
If you’re already dealing with a hangover make sure to drink 8-10 glasses throughout the day - or more if you can. Not a fan of plain water? Try adding lemon or other fruits for a little extra flavor. You can also try drinking coconut water, which is high in electrolytes and can help rehydrate your body more quickly.
Cold Exposure
Want to shock your way to feeling better? All you need is a bunch of ice. Take a big bowl and fill it with ice and water, then submerge your face in it. This strange tactic helps with headaches, anxiety and hangovers by redistributing blood to vital organs and stimulating endorphin release.
You could also just take a cold shower.
Exercise
Working out might be the last thing on your mind when you're dealing with a hangover, but it can actually be a great way to help your body recover. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals) that can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of pain and discomfort.
Added to that, working out can also help increase blood flow and oxygen to your body, which can help alleviate symptoms like headache and fatigue. And, when you sweat, your body releases the toxins alcohol left on the way out, which can help your body recover quicker.
Healthy meals
Eating a healthy meal can be another great way to deal with a hangover. Alcohol can make your blood sugar levels fluctuate which causes fatigue, shakiness, and irritability. Eating a balanced meal can help stabilize those levels.
A healthy meal should include a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Think eggs, whole grain toast, and avocado, or a spinach and mushroom omelet with a side of sweet potato hash. For lunch? A hearty salad with plenty of fresh veggies, grilled chicken or fish, and a light dressing.
Tastes like: chocolate, spicy, earthy
Caffeine
Last, but certainly not least, we have coffee. If you're looking for a quick boost of energy after a night of drinking, then a cup of coffee might be in order. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help improve alertness and increase feelings of energy, which can be just what you need to power through your morning.
On top of that, coffee can also be a source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from any damage your alcohol-based night cap might have caused. You can either brew your own when you wake up using fresh beans like this Rainforest Organic Dark Roast, or you can go the simpler route and grab a case of ready-to-drink Nitro Black Cold Brew.