During the holiday season, many people end up overindulging in alcohol and suffering from the dreaded hangover the next day. Headache, nausea and excessive thirst are some of the unpleasant symptoms that accompany this condition. But after all, what really works to alleviate these symptoms? Are coffee, sports drinks or preventative medicine effective?
The biologist and influencer Mari Kruegerwith more than 2 million followers on Instagram, brings some not very encouraging news on the subject. “There is nothing miraculous that prevents a hangover. What makes us feel more uninhibited when we drink alcohol is the effect of intoxication. So, we will have to deal with the effects of this intoxication the next day”, he explains.
Prevention and hydration are key
According to Mari, the classic “one glass of alcohol, one glass of water” remains the best strategy to minimize damage. “Maintaining it reduces many of the symptoms the next day, because many of the symptoms we feel come from dehydration. When we drink alcohol, we lose a lot of fluid”, he says.
As for the remedies that promise to prevent a hangover, the expert is categorical: “Medicine before drinking alcohol, while drinking alcohol, is totally not recommended. It’s on the leaflet of these medications.” She points out that it is always dangerous, even for the next day’s medications.
For those who really overdid it and are suffering from vomiting or diarrhea, isotonic can help replace electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, but it is not essential. “Water can be sufficient. Fruit juices are also good, especially from refreshing fruits with a lot of liquid, such as watermelon, melon and pineapple”, he recommends.
Proper nutrition before and after
Diet also plays an important role in both preventing and recovering from a hangover. Mari advises against coffee the next dayas it can be aggressive for the stomach already damaged by alcohol. Milk can be a good option before drinking, as it maintains hydration for longer.
“It’s important to have a nutritious meal the next day. I know it makes you want to eat something ‘rotten’, but very fatty foods are not ideal”, he explains. The desire for carbohydrates makes sense, according to her, because the body needs energy to deal with intoxication.
Mari also warns against the myth that drinking more alcohol relieves a hangover: “No, for God’s sake! Your liver needs help, your brain, your stomach, your entire body. So, rest, balanced meals, lots of liquid, fruit and wait for it to pass, which I swear will pass.”
The expert ends by remembering that science is clear that there is no safe or healthy dose of alcohol. “Reducing alcohol as much as possible is ideal. We know that alcohol is part of our culture, on these commemorative dates, so drinking as little as possible, eating well and hydrating well are the best strategies.”
