5 Surefire Ways to Cure a New Year’s Eve Hangover

Ease your morning-after pain with our simple, common sense hangover remedies

It’s been a strange (mostly tough) and sometimes weirdly wonderful 2020. We conducted a survey – well, just with folks we live with, because you know… social distancing. The overwhelming consensus is that pretty much everyone is ready to say goodbye to this very memorable year (Don’t let the door hit you on your way out 2020…). And they want to do it with confetti.

Ready to clink glasses to the fresh start 2021 will bring? Us too! We need a Party with a capital P. But we’re thinking ahead. With so much celebrating about to commence, there are bound to be some serious morning-after consequences – of the aching head and/or stomach variety. You know, that “I’m-wondering-whether-it-was-it-worth-it” feeling.

Ah, yes. New Year’s Eve. And the inevitable morning after…

Remember when you could party all night, get up the next morning and do it all again? Now, one night of fun is always followed by days of rest and recovery. That’s not going to work for us. So, we looked around for the very best tried-and-true hangover remedies out there. Waking up feeling like roadkill may be inevitable after a crazy night, but staying that way doesn’t have to be.

Fried, salty food for breakfast

Ever notice that when your body feels its worst, you crave the lumberjack breakfast special? It’s true. There are some foods you’d never otherwise eat and yet, you find yourself craving them the day after a binge-fest. There are reasons for that.

Why it works: Eggs contain large amounts of cysteine, a substance that helps mop up the leftover toxins in the liver after too much drinking. Plus, salt replaces the sodium the booze sucked out of you. And salty food gives a signal to your body to rehydrate. According to NBC News, “When you’re hungover, the first meal of the day can be the most daunting. maintaining a balance of carbs, protein and fat to prevent further blood sugar drops and spikes, and replenishing lost nutrients, electrolytes and B-vitamins.” Some options:

• Two eggs with whole wheat toast and a side of fruit or avocado toast (for the potassium)
• An omelet with a side of veggies
• Whole wheat toast with almond butter, topped with sliced banana
• Whole wheat bagel with an egg, avocado and tomato
• Smoothie with a coconut water base (for added electrolytes) – add in berries, protein powder, greens, collagen, chia seeds and avocado

Liquids & more liquids

Alcohol naturally dehydrates, which is why you feel pretty awful after over-indulging. So guzzle that regular water, coconut water or non-carbonated sports drink to get your body back in electrolyte balance. And when you think you’ve drunk enough, have another sip. Hydration is the key to beating a hangover. Even better, think ahead and chug a glass of good ole H20 before your head hits the pillow at night – and keep a full one on your nightstand for later.

Why it works: Water works to combat dehydration and dilute the leftover by-products in your stomach. Consider an electrolyte-rich drink (make sure it’s not caffeinated) or fruit juice for added benefits like powered up rehydration, natural fructose or a vitamin boost. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes much faster than sports drinks. Don’t have any? Try a shot of pickle juice. The vinegar, salt and water will rehydrate and replenish electrolytes and sodium.

Bananas aka potassium

If you’re craving bananas the next day, it’s because the diuretic effect of alcohol has depleted your potassium levels. FYI – potassium helps you retain electrolytes. See a trend here?

Why it Works: Bananas are super rich in potassium, so eating one will help restore your levels and help you re-hydrate faster. Don’t like bananas? Try a potassium vitamin instead. Or another P-rich food like Kiwi, avocado, or spinach (maybe blend up a delish green smoothie for breakfast).

Take a nap

When all else fails, swallow some ibuprofen (with lots of water) and sleep it off.

Why it works: When you’re not feeling well, sleep is always the best medicine. If you’re planning on taking a power nap the day after your wild night, make sure you follow our cardinal rules of napping. Most importantly, don’t snooze the whole day away. You’ll have trouble getting a good night’s sleep that night, and it will take longer for you to get yourself back into fighting form.

Move

Even if you’re not feeling that great, it’s a good idea to move your body – but just a bit. Go for a walk, practice some yoga or do some stretching.

Why it Works: While a strenuous workout may dehydrate you even more, gentle exercise will energize you and encourage you to drink more fluids. If you can, get outside for a walk. Fresh air is *almost* as good for you as napping.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• 9 ways to live longer
• Why sleep is a powerful weapon against the flu
• New year, new you and a chance for better sleep