Can Electrolyte Supplementation Expedite Hangover Recovery? Expert Insights
Many individuals experience discomforting symptoms like nausea and headaches after consuming alcoholic beverages. However, on platforms like TikTok, claims are circulating that consuming sports drinks, electrolyte powdered mixes, or receiving IV treatments with electrolytes can help alleviate hangovers. To determine the truth behind these claims, Fox News Digital spoke with experts.
Electrolytes are electrically charged substances that help maintain fluid balance and regulate chemical reactions in the body, according to Cleveland Clinic. They can be obtained from foods and beverages such as sports drinks, coconut water, and fruit juices. Claims have surfaced on social media that consuming sports drinks, electrolyte powdered mixes, or receiving IV treatments with electrolytes can aid in hangover recovery. But how valid are these claims? Let’s find out.
According to health experts, individuals can lose electrolytes due to sweating during workouts or experiencing illnesses and vomiting, including hangovers. “Alcohol can cause dehydration by inhibiting the hormone vasopressin, which helps the kidneys reabsorb water,” explained Dr. Fred Davis from Northwell Health. “This leads to increased water loss through urination, resulting in the loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.”
Sodium and potassium are essential electrolytes for regulating water balance in cells. When these electrolytes are low, it can lead to symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Multiple experts suggest that supplementing electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, can help prevent many hangover effects.
“Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing disruptions in fluid and electrolyte balance,” said Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of nutrition at Long Island University. “Replenishing electrolytes makes logical sense.” However, further research is necessary to confirm if electrolyte supplementation shortens the duration of hangovers.
When it comes to IV treatments with electrolytes, Feldman advises caution due to their potential high cost and risk of infections. However, sports drinks and other electrolyte replacement beverages can offer fluid and carbohydrates, which can address hangover symptoms. These beverages may be the only tolerable option for individuals experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Deborah Salvatore, director of graduate nutrition programs at Long Island University, suggests that the effectiveness of electrolytes against hangovers may be partly due to a placebo effect. She explains that while electrolytes may not directly treat hangovers, they can boost fluid intake and alleviate dehydration symptoms.
Aside from boosting electrolytes and reducing alcohol consumption, experts recommend additional strategies to minimize hangover symptoms. Prioritize hydration before alcohol consumption, advises Davis. Consume a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage and before sleep to combat dehydration effects.
In Feldman’s opinion, the best remedy for a hangover is patience. “Symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours,” she stated. However, if an electrolyte replacement drink improves an individual’s well-being, even anecdotally, there is minimal risk in trying it out.
For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Amy McGorry is a contributing health writer for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter @amymcgorry.
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