Hangovers can be a real pain, leaving you bedridden for the entire day and vowing to never drink again. In an attempt to find relief, people often turn to strange and unconventional remedies. But do these so-called “cures” actually work?
MailOnline recently spoke to health experts to separate fact from fiction when it comes to hangover remedies. Dr. Ross Perry, a GP and Medical Director of Cosmedic, and Dr. Olaleken Otulana, a Substance Misuse and Addiction Physician, shared their insights on which remedies can actually make you feel better and debunked those that don’t.
One popular belief is that drinking pickle juice can alleviate a hangover. However, Dr. Otulana advises against this method, stating that it has very little effect on electrolyte levels. Consuming too much sodium-packed pickle juice can lead to adverse health effects such as fluid retention and bloating. Instead, he recommends simply drinking water to rehydrate.
On the other hand, both experts agree that consuming ginger can help relieve nausea associated with hangovers. Ginger has anti-sickness properties and can modulate the oxidative stress caused by alcohol. However, it is important to note that ginger may not eliminate all hangover symptoms, and more research is needed to establish a direct connection between ginger consumption and reduced hangover severity.
Contrary to popular belief, eating raw eggs is not a recommended hangover remedy. Although raw eggs contain some B vitamins that are important for alcohol metabolism, the concentrations are not high enough to have any notable effect on a hangover. Additionally, there is a risk of contracting salmonella from raw eggs, which can make you even more nauseous.
Despite its appeal, drinking coffee is not advised for hangovers. While the boost of caffeine may temporarily make you feel better, it can worsen stomach sensitivity and make you feel more delicate.
One surprising method that can help relieve hangover symptoms is dunking your head in ice water. This technique triggers the trigeminal nerve and slows down the heart rate, which can alleviate symptoms and decrease nausea.
Another lesser-known remedy is bouillon soup, a thin vegetable-based broth. This soup is easy for a fragile stomach to digest and contains vitamins and minerals that can rehydrate and replenish the body. It is even featured on the NHS website as a recommended hangover aid.
Finally, indulging in a greasy fry-up is a common misconception that can actually make you feel worse. It’s better to opt for medium-sized meals that are not too fatty. Alternatively, a bowl of porridge with honey and banana can help replenish lost nutrients.
In conclusion, while some hangover remedies have their merits, others are simply myths. It’s important to consider the advice of health experts and opt for methods that have scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Ultimately, time and rest are the best remedies for a hangover.