Most hangovers go away on their own, but the worst can last up to 24 hours. Most people will just power through the awful after effects of the night before, but health experts say there is a ‘little known’ drink that could help ease hangover symptoms.
If you’re planning on having a big night but do not quite fancy facing the dreaded hangover the next day – there is something you could try.
Alcohol in its many forms, be it a beer, wine, spirit or fruity cocktail, is a diuretic, which means that it removes fluids from the body. This process involves flushing your kidneys out and making you head to the toilet more often.
Dr Holly Fennell, a medical expert, said it is her “absolute rule” to down a certain beverage before drinking alcohol. She said: “It’s not a strategy if you’re having alcohol to just to drink water later.
“If you are going to consume even one drink, have an electrolyte at least 20 to 30 minutes before. If you wait till you have already had a drink and then you start hydrating it’s not as efficient and your body is having to work harder and is left in a more physiological stress state.”
Catherine Gervacio, RD, dietitian and nutrition writer for Living.Fit, added: “While they won’t prevent a hangover, electrolytes could reduce the symptoms of one.”
Since electrolytes can help restore the balance of fluids in your body after drinking alcohol, she explained that you may experience less severe symptoms of a hangover.
Although sports drinks might be the most well known beverage source, coconut water and some juices also contain electrolytes.
You can also add electrolyte powders to most drinks to boost their electrolyte content.
Some dietary sources for electrolytes may include fruit (like bananas, oranges, and melons), leafy greens (like spinach and kale) and dairy products (like milk or yoghurt). Supplements are also available in the form of capsules or tablets.
The only sure-fire way to avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol at all. But, you could lessen your symptoms by taking it easy and not overdoing it.
If you’re going to drink, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is a great way to limit your intake and keep you from going overboard. A BAC calculator can help you figure out how much you can drink to stay in the zone so you can set a drink limit.
The NHS suggests that both men and women should not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week. Remember to drink responsibly (18+) and be Drinkaware.