10 Common Hangover Cures and What Doctors Think
Doctors weigh in on popular hangover remedies—from hydration to hair of the dog—to reveal what actually works and what doesn't.
10 Common Hangover Cures and What Doctors Think of Them
Hangovers strike after excessive alcohol consumption, causing a cascade of misery: pounding headaches, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and sensitivity to light and sound. The morning after overindulging, people turn to time-tested remedies in hopes of quick relief. But do these popular hangover cures actually work? We asked doctors and reviewed scientific insights to separate fact from fiction on 10 common strategies.
Unfortunately, no magic bullet exists for hangovers. The only true cure is time, as the body metabolizes alcohol at about one drink per hour, clearing toxic byproducts like acetaldehyde over 24 hours or more. While waiting it out, symptom management helps. Key culprits include dehydration from alcohol’s diuretic effect, inflammation from cytokines and immune responses, low blood sugar, electrolyte loss, and gut irritation from congeners in darker liquors. Doctors emphasize prevention: drink moderately, hydrate alternately with water, eat before bed, and choose lighter spirits.
1. Drink Water or Sports Drinks
Hydration is the cornerstone of hangover relief. Alcohol suppresses vasopressin, causing frequent urination and fluid loss, leading to dehydration—the primary driver of thirst, dry mouth, headache, and fatigue.
What doctors say: ‘Do hydrate. Replacing lost water won’t cure your hangover, but it will make it less painful,’ says Gantt Galloway, PharmD. Sports drinks like Gatorade replenish electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and provide sugar for low blood sugar. UCLA Health recommends ‘plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids.’ Aim for 16-32 ounces upon waking, sipping slowly to avoid nausea.
- Evidence: Strong support; dehydration worsens symptoms, rehydration eases them.
- Pro tip: Alternate alcohol with water during drinking to prevent buildup.
2. Take NSAIDs Like Ibuprofen or Aspirin
Headaches from dilated blood vessels and inflammation plague most hangovers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) target these directly.
What doctors say: NSAIDs have ‘the best quality evidence’ for symptom relief, reducing inflammation via toll-like receptor 4 inhibition. Benedict Turner, MBChB, endorses ibuprofen or aspirin. Cleveland Clinic agrees for headache relief. Take with food to protect the stomach.
- Evidence: High-quality studies back efficacy for pain and inflammation.
- Caveat: Avoid if you have ulcers or kidney issues; limit to 400-600mg ibuprofen.
3. Eat a Hearty Breakfast
Low blood sugar from alcohol’s interference with gluconeogenesis causes shakiness and weakness. Complex carbs restore energy.
What doctors say: ‘Do eat, ideally before and after drinking,’ advises Galloway. Food slows alcohol absorption; post-hangover, carbs boost blood sugar. UCLA suggests complex carbs. Opt for eggs, toast, oatmeal, or bananas—avoid greasy foods if nauseous.
- Evidence: Solid; stabilizes blood sugar and provides nutrients.
- Bonus: High-fat/protein meals like eggs supply Vitamin B6, reducing symptoms.
4. Get More Sleep
Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, leaving you groggy even after hours in bed.
What doctors say: ‘Do sleep. Alcohol impairs sleep quality, worsening cognitive disruption,’ per Galloway. Prioritize rest; nap if needed.
- Evidence: Sleep deprivation amplifies hangover effects independently.
- Tip: Avoid late-night drinking to protect sleep cycles.
5. Hair of the Dog (Another Drink)
The ‘Bloody Mary cure’ temporarily dulls symptoms by restarting intoxication.
What doctors say: Don’t. It provides fleeting relief but delays recovery by prolonging acetaldehyde exposure. Galloway warns it fuels excessive drinking patterns.
- Evidence: Poor; mimics acute discontinuation but risks dependence.
6. Coffee or Caffeine
Caffeine constricts blood vessels, potentially easing headaches, and combats fatigue.
What doctors say: Mixed. It may wake you if sleep-deprived, but worsens nausea, tremors, and dehydration. Use sparingly; pair with water.
- Evidence: Limited; benefits offset by side effects.
7. Vitamin B Complex or B6
Alcohol depletes B vitamins, key for energy metabolism.
What doctors say: ‘Vitamin B6 reduces symptoms,’ says Galloway—found in poultry, fish, potatoes. A multivitamin helps mildly.
- Evidence: Some support; not a cure-all.
8. Pedialyte or Electrolyte Solutions
Beyond water, these restore sodium, potassium lost via diuresis.
What doctors say: Effective, akin to sports drinks or bouillon soup. MedlinePlus recommends for salt/potassium replacement.
- Evidence: Good for rebalancing electrolytes.
9. Greasy or Salty Foods
Fatty breakfasts like bacon are hangover staples.
What doctors say: Fatty/protein-rich foods delay absorption if eaten before; salt aids electrolytes. But if nauseous, stick to bland carbs. Meat provides B6.
- Evidence: Helpful for prevention and mild relief; not universal.
10. Avoid Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Pain relief temptation, but risky.
What doctors say: Never mix with alcohol—causes liver damage by slowing metabolism. Stick to NSAIDs.
- Evidence: Strong warnings from experts.
Hangover Prevention Tips
Beat hangovers proactively:
- Drink clear liquors (fewer congeners).
- Eat fiber-rich foods and stay regular—toxin clearance via poop reduces blood levels.
- Limit to under 5 drinks in 2 hours (binge threshold).
- Hydrate 1:1 with alcohol; eat before bed.
| Remedy | Doctor Verdict | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Water/Sports Drinks | Highly Recommended | Strong |
| NSAIDs | Best Evidence | High |
| Breakfast | Recommended | Solid |
| Hair of the Dog | Avoid | Poor |
| Tylenol | Dangerous | Consensus Warning |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does a hangover last?
A: Most resolve in 24 hours as the liver processes alcohol.
Q: Can supplements cure hangovers?
A: Poor evidence; focus on hydration and NSAIDs. Emerging research on probiotics/antioxidants lacks robust trials.
Q: Is there a medical treatment for severe hangovers?
A: Time and supportive care; seek help for confusion, seizures, or vomiting.
Q: Does exercise help?
A: Light activity may boost mood, but avoid if dehydrated.
Q: Why dark liquors worse?
A: More congeners irritate the gut.
When hangovers disrupt life, reassess drinking. Resources like NIAAA offer support.
References
- Time is the best cure for a hangover — UCLA Health. 2023-01-10. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/time-best-cure-hangover
- The New Science of Hangover Cures — Men’s Health. 2024-06-15. https://www.menshealth.com/health/a62819298/new-science-hangover-cures/
- The Truth About Hangover Cures: What Works — Healthline. 2023-11-29. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/addiction-what-hangover-cures-work-112913
- Hangover Symptoms, Remedies & Prevention — Cleveland Clinic. 2024-05-22. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
- Hangover treatment — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). 2024-02-14. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002041.htm
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