Hangovers can be a real pain, but fear not!

There are several home remedies that can help alleviate those nasty symptoms and get you back on your feet in no time. Lets understand why we get hangovers in the first place. 

Dehydration:

• As mentioned, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more fluids than it's taking in. This dehydration can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Acetaldehyde buildup:

• Alcohol is broken down in the body into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct. Acetaldehyde can cause inflammation and contribute to nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms:

• Alcohol can fragment sleep and disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycles. Poor sleep quality exacerbates hangover symptoms.

Inflammation:

• Alcohol consumption triggers an inflammatory response in the body, which can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies:

• Heavy or prolonged drinking can deplete the body's stores of important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, vitamin C, and magnesium.

Congeners:

• These are byproducts found in certain alcoholic drinks, particularly darker liquors like whiskey and brandy. Congeners can worsen hangover symptoms.

So what can we do to help with this?

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

One of the main causes of a hangover is dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to help combat this. Replacing lost electrolytes is also important for rehydration. As mentioned, alcohol is a diuretic and causes you to lose water. 

2. Eat a hearty breakfast

Replenish your body with a nutritious breakfast that includes foods high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients. Heavy or prolonged drinking may deplete your body's store of important minerals and vitamins like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and magnesium. 

• Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help replenish electrolytes lost during alcohol consumption. Eating a banana can help restore balance to your body.
• Honey is a natural source of fructose, which can help speed up alcohol metabolism in the body. Adding a spoonful of honey to your tea or toast can help kickstart the recovery process.
• Coconut water is another great source of electrolytes and can help rehydrate your body faster than plain water. It's a refreshing and natural way to replenish lost fluids.
• Ginger has been shown to help alleviate nausea and improve digestion. Sipping on some ginger tea can help settle your stomach and ease any discomfort.

3. Get some rest

Your body needs time to recover, so make sure to get plenty of rest. Take a nap or just relax and allow your body to recuperate. Often times, alcohol disrupts your natural sleep cycle. This poor sleep quality exacerbates hangover symptoms. 

4. Take a hot shower

A hot shower can help relax your muscles and improve circulation, which may help alleviate headache and body aches associated with a hangover.

5. Peppermint oil

Inhaling peppermint oil or applying it to your temples can help alleviate headache and nausea. The cooling sensation of peppermint can provide relief from hangover symptoms.

6. Exercise

A light workout or some gentle stretching can help increase blood flow and release endorphins, which can improve your mood and alleviate hangover symptoms. Just make sure not to overexert yourself.