It’s the morning after the night before. You feel like someone is smacking you over the head with a mallet, your mouth is dry and it hurts to open your eyes. Oh yes, the mighty hangover.
For those of you mid-week dating there’s a chance that you may have a hangover (or five) to deal with, so we’d thought we’d look into what we are – and aren’t – supposed to do to make ourselves feel better in time for round two later on.
Here is our top-notch research in all its glory:
Do hydrate: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to lose water. That feeling like you’re being smacked over the head? That’s dehydration calling. Although replacing lots of water won’t cure your hangover, it will ease the pain. Try Lucozade or another sports drink to help replenish salts and minerals too.
Do eat: Both before your drinking session and afterwards. Having a full tummy will slow the rate of alcohol absorption. None of this “eating is cheating” stuff – booze cannot replace a meal.
Do sleep: You may fall asleep quicker but alcohol may interrupt your normal sleep patterns and make you wake early and feel worse the next day. Try to sober up before hitting the sack if at all possible.
Do take vitamin B6: Again this won’t be a miracle cure but will help to ease the symptoms of your hangover. B6 can be found in fish, potatoes, poultry and non-citrus fruits.
Don’t drink coffee: You may think a few shots of espresso will perk you up but it will make your hangover worse. Caffeine is also a diuretic so will undo the water you have drunk. Having one cup of tea or coffee will give you an energy boost and improve your mental alertness. Just make sure you drink plenty of water, too.
Don’t eat a fry-up: Greasy sausages and bacon is often touted as the mother of all hangover cures – and while these fatty foods may distract your tummy, they won’t provide your body with the nutrients it craves after a night out. Swap your fry-up for poached or scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast.
Do have a shower and relax: A shower will raise your temperature and prepare your body for sleep so you can potentially bypass the painful early morning headache. Or if you need to get up a cold shower will make you feel more alert.
Good luck and hope you feel better soon! Any other hangover cures for us? Tell us @lovestruck
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