what to do when hungover

When hungover, the best things to do are rehydrate, eat something gentle, rest, and avoid “cures” that actually make it worse (like more alcohol).

1. Rehydrate (most important)

Alcohol makes you pee more, so dehydration is a big reason you feel awful (headache, dry mouth, dizziness).

• Drink water or an electrolyte drink (like a sports drink, Pedialyte, or coconut water) as soon as you wake up.

• Sip slowly if you’re nauseous; chugging can make you throw up.

• A simple homemade rehydration mix: 1 liter of water + 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt, sipped over the day.

Avoid caffeine (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks) and more alcohol, since they can worsen dehydration and make symptoms last longer.

2. Eat something light and nourishing

Alcohol drops your blood sugar and irritates your stomach, so a gentle meal helps.

Good options:

• Plain toast, crackers, or rice with a little honey or jam (easy on the stomach, raises blood sugar).

• Bananas (potassium helps with cramps and fatigue).

• Eggs (contain cysteine, which may help break down a toxic alcohol byproduct).

• Oatmeal or whole‑grain cereal with milk/yogurt (steady energy, some protein).

• Clear broth or bouillon soup (replaces salt and fluids, soothing).

Avoid greasy, spicy, or very heavy foods if your stomach is sensitive; they can make nausea worse.

3. Rest and sleep

Even if you passed out, alcohol messes up your sleep quality, so you wake up feeling unrested.

• Go back to bed if possible, or at least lie down in a quiet, dark room.

• A short nap can help your body recover faster.

• If you must be up, keep the lights dim and noise low to reduce headache and sensitivity.

4. Ease symptoms (gently)

There’s no magic cure, but these can make you feel a bit better:

• Headache: A small dose of pain reliever like paracetamol/acetaminophen (if your liver is healthy) or ibuprofen (if your stomach is okay).

* Avoid aspirin if you’re vomiting or have stomach pain, and never mix painkillers with more alcohol.

• Nausea:
  • Sip ginger tea or peppermint tea; both can calm the stomach.

* Try a small amount of clear soda (flat, not fizzy) or broth if solid food is too much.

• Fatigue and brain fog:
  • Light movement like a slow walk or gentle stretching/yoga can help clear your head, but skip intense workouts.

* A simple smoothie (banana, berries, yogurt, milk) gives fluids, sugar, and nutrients without heavy digestion.

5. What NOT to do

Some “cures” actually make things worse:

• “Hair of the dog” (more alcohol): It might dull symptoms briefly, but it delays recovery and can lead to more drinking later.

• Heavy greasy food: Can upset an already irritated stomach and make nausea worse.

• Caffeine overload: Coffee or energy drinks can worsen dehydration and anxiety.

• Strenuous exercise: A hard gym session or intense sport can make you feel worse; save it for when you’re fully recovered.

6. When to worry

Most hangovers just need time, but seek medical help if:

• You’re confused, can’t stay awake, or have seizures.

• You’re vomiting non‑stop and can’t keep fluids down.

• You have a very fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, or pale/cold skin.

• You suspect alcohol poisoning (slurred speech, slow breathing, low body temperature) — this is an emergency.

7. Preventing the next one

To feel better next time:

• Drink water between alcoholic drinks and before bed.

• Eat a meal before and while drinking.

• Know your limits and pace yourself (e.g., one drink per hour).

• Consider lower‑alcohol drinks or taking a break from alcohol if hangovers are frequent.

TL;DR:

1. Drink water or electrolyte drinks.
2. Eat something light (toast, banana, eggs, broth).
3. Rest or nap if you can.
4. Use painkillers carefully; avoid more alcohol and caffeine.
5. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or you can’t keep fluids down.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.