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10 foods to get rid of a hangover

A hangover is a condition that practically everyone has experienced at some time in their life. It usually starts a few hours after you stop drinking alcohol. Luckily, there are several foods to get rid of a hangover that are very useful.

Much of the discomfort of a hangover is due to a substance known as acetaldehyde , which is 30 times more toxic than ethanol. The liver is not capable of directly absorbing alcohol, so it transforms it into this substance, which must pass a second time through the liver organ to be eliminated. A process that leads to inflammation of the body, causing a wide range of symptoms.

Usually the hangover lasts between one or two days; the average is 20 hours. However, dehydration from alcohol consumption can last longer.

Why does a hangover occur?

The symptoms of a hangover, such as tiredness, headache, dry mouth and stomach pain, are well known to everyone. However, not many know why it occurs.

The direct cause of a hangover is the drop in blood sugar levels due to alcohol consumption, which leads to a series of changes in the functioning of the liver. That is why it is so advisable to take juices and foods high in carbohydrates to increase blood sugar levels during a hangover.

Stomach pain is caused by irritation from alcohol . The higher the alcoholic beverages consumed, the irritation will also be greater. A good method to minimize irritation as much as possible is to eat foods that are high in fat, which absorbs much of the alcohol.

As for dry mouth, the cause is that alcohol causes dehydration . It is diuretic, so it greatly increases the frequency of urination. Thus, more fluid is eliminated from the body than is ingested, thus leading to dehydration.

And finally, it is worth highlighting the functioning of the liver’s metabolism. The human body has two enzymes , ADH and ALDH, which are responsible for transforming ethanol into acetate. When drinking alcoholic beverages at high speed, the acetaldehyde concentration is too high. A phenomenon that causes symptoms such as malaise, sweating and nausea.

Is the hangover greater if several drinks are mixed?

This is one of the most widespread myths around alcohol, and the truth is that the experts support it. They point out that substances called congeners are created in the production process of this type of beverages . Well, the more different drinks are consumed, the greater amount of congeners in the body, which significantly aggravate the hangover.

When it comes to drinking alcohol, it is important to choose beverages from recognized brands. The low quality ones have a much greater number of congeners, which is why the hangover with them is much worse.

Top 10 foods to get rid of a hangover

  1. Milk: both milk and dairy products are 100% recommended to eliminate hangovers in the best possible way and minimize symptoms. This type of food is characterized by its high content of calcium, which calms the stomach. In addition, its cysteine ​​helps the body digest acetaldehyde.
  2. Banana: Of all the fruits, the banana is the best option after drinking alcohol as it minimizes fatigue and nausea. It is rich in potassium , a substance that decreases when these types of drinks are ingested.
  3. Tomato: Another great hangover food is tomato. It is rich in vitamin C and glutathione, a substance that greatly favors the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body due to alcohol. Another of the great benefits of tomato is that it regulates sugar levels in the body and, in addition, provides great hydration.
  4. Orange: the orange is a fruit with a high content of vitamin C and fructose, two substances that help the liver to metabolize alcohol.
  5. Spinach: spinach takes care of the liver, which is why it is a highly recommended food for hangovers. They are a natural source of sulfur, vitamin C, and folic acid.
  6. Eggs: Eggs are one of the foods with the richest biological value. They are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. In addition, in the same way as dairy products, they contain cysteine.
  7. Tuna: tuna is characterized by being a large dilating vessel, which is why it favors blood circulation, thus helping to eliminate toxins. In addition, it is a food rich in antioxidants and B vitamins; very important substances to recover from hangovers.
  8. Asparagus: Asparagus is also one of the best foods to fight a hangover. They provide the body with the enzymes it needs to break down alcohol and, in addition, it favors the elimination of toxins.
  9. Ginger : ginger is a natural food that supports the health of the digestive system , thus calming nausea and eliminating stomach discomfort.
  10. Water: and, finally, although it is not a food in itself, water is essential. Alcohol is a diuretic; For every 50 grams of alcohol in 250 milliliters of water, the body eliminates between 600 and 1,000 milliliters of urine. Therefore, consuming water is essential. You can also take herbal teas, natural juices and vegetable broths.

The best herbal teas for a hangover

There are a series of infusions made with 100% natural ingredients that are of great help to deal with a hangover.

  • Peppermint: Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that soothe an upset stomach. It helps to relax the irritated stomach caused by alcohol and, in addition, it favors the elimination of toxins. To prepare the infusion you just have to add several fresh mint leaves to a cup of boiling water.
  • Ginger: the infusion of ginger is one of the most popular and effective home remedies to combat the symptoms of a hangover. It is a great anti-inflammatory and digestive, calming nausea and abdominal pain. To prepare it, simply add the grated ginger root to a cup of boiling water.
  • Lemon: lemon juice is characterized by its laxative and cleansing properties, which are key to fighting hangovers. You have to heat a glass of water and add a few drops of lemon. It is best to take this remedy on an empty stomach.

And the worst hangover foods?

Just as there are a number of best foods to get rid of a hangover, there are also others that are best avoided.

This is the case of precooked meals , which are high in fat and preservatives. While it is true that high-fat foods are a good option to prevent a hangover, they are not the best to eliminate it. The reason is that after ingestion of alcohol they can further irritate the stomach.

Similarly, the consumption of coffee is not advised . It is a vasoconductor, thus causing the blood cells to swell. Having a cup of coffee the day after consuming alcohol can increase the intensity of the headache.

There are those who point out that the best thing for a hangover is to drink alcohol . Nothing could be further from the truth. This will only dehydrate the body more, causing the symptoms to worsen.

Tips to avoid a hangover

In addition to foods to cure a hangover, there are a number of tricks that are worth remembering to avoid this phenomenon as much as possible.

  • Good dinner: since alcohol is usually consumed during the night, it is important to have a proper dinner. These types of drinks should never be ingested on an empty stomach.
  • No to bubbles: bubbly drinks, such as champagne or cava, significantly accelerate the absorption of alcohol.
  • Drink in moderation: Of course, one of the best ways to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation. The amount of alcohol that each person can drink depends on various factors such as gender, age or health.
  • Hydration: during the night it is advisable to drink water frequently to stay hydrated. It is a good way to avoid certain hangover symptoms such as headaches or tiredness.
  • Breakfast: breakfast should be as healthy as possible after having ingested alcohol during the night. Most importantly, the food settles the stomach and provides energy. Ideally, it should be made up of protein, vitamins, and water: fruit, eggs, and dairy.

Knowing which are the best foods to pass a hangover and the basic tricks to avoid it, the negative effects after alcohol consumption will be minimized significantly.

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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