Recovering from a night of heavy drinking can be a dreadful experience. The pounding headache and queasy feeling in your stomach can leave you bedridden for the entire day, swearing off alcohol forever. Hangover sufferers often turn to unconventional remedies in their desperate quest to feel better. But do these so-called “cures” actually work? MailOnline consulted health experts to find out which remedies are effective and which ones are bogus. Read on to discover the most bizarre home remedies for hangovers.
1. Drinking Pickle Juice – MYTH
Contrary to popular belief, drinking pickle juice will not provide much relief from a hangover. It contains electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which can be lost due to dehydration. However, pickle juice has minimal impact on electrolyte levels. In fact, excessive consumption can have adverse effects on health, including fluid retention and digestive issues. It is best to stick to drinking water for rehydration.
2. Eating or Drinking Ginger – TRUE
Ginger is indeed a great remedy for nausea associated with hangovers. Its antioxidant properties may help alleviate the oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption. Scientific studies have shown that ginger can relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it is important to note that ginger alone cannot eliminate all hangover symptoms. Time and rest are key to a full recovery.
3. Eating Raw Egg – MYTH
While some online sources claim that eating raw eggs can alleviate hangover symptoms, professionals advise against it. Raw eggs are not only ineffective in combating hangovers but also carry the risk of salmonella infection. The cysteine amino acid found in eggs is thought to aid alcohol metabolism, but the concentration is too low to make a noticeable difference. Eggs may provide some easily absorbed nutrients, but their benefits are limited.
4. Drinking Coffee – MYTH
Although the temptation to grab a coffee after a night of heavy drinking may be strong, experts warn that it can actually worsen your hangover. Coffee, especially for those with sensitive stomachs, can exacerbate feelings of delicacy. While caffeine may provide a temporary boost, it does not address the underlying causes of a hangover.
5. Dunking Your Head in Ice Water – TRUE
Videos of people dunking their heads in icy water to alleviate hangover symptoms have gained traction on social media. Surprisingly, health experts confirm that this method can be effective. Cold receptors in the skin trigger the trigeminal nerve, which helps divert blood back to the brain and heart, slowing down the heart rate. Additionally, the decreased digestion caused by the cold water may help reduce nausea. However, this is a short-term solution and lacks scientific evidence.
6. Bouillon Soup – TRUE
Lesser-known but effective, bouillon soup can provide relief from hangovers. The thin vegetable-based broth is gentle on the stomach and full of vitamins and minerals. It aids in rehydration and replenishing depleted resources. The NHS even recommends bouillon soup as an easily digestible hangover remedy. While it won’t cure the hangover completely, it can offer some comfort.
7. Eating a Fry Up – MYTH
Indulging in a greasy fry-up may be a common hangover remedy, but it is actually counterproductive. Foods high in grease can upset the stomach and worsen hangover symptoms. It is better to opt for smaller, medium-sized meals that are not too fatty. Smoothies packed with vitamins or a hearty bowl of porridge are great options. Consuming foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, leafy greens, and potatoes, can also help lessen hangover symptoms by replenishing electrolytes.
In conclusion, when it comes to hangover remedies, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. While some unconventional methods can provide temporary relief, the most effective remedies involve time, rest, hydration, and replenishing lost nutrients.
