Hangover: How to get rid of it and what works?

A rough morning after a wild night: What's best for a hangover?

Woman suffering from a headache after a party – symptoms of a severe hangover, illustrations symbolizing nausea and partying, Hemnia logo in the upper left corner

Did you wake up with a headache and dry mouth after a night out? Feeling a bit miserable? 🤯 A hangover is an unpleasant consequence of an evening of drinking – your body is fighting dehydration, toxins and chemical imbalances. What are the symptoms of a hangover, how long does it last and what works to cure it? We'll introduce you not only to the best food and drink for a hangover, but also practical tips that can help you get rid of your hangover faster.

What are the most common hangover symptoms?

After a night of heavy drinking, your body has a lot of work to do. It has to deal with dehydration, an upset stomach, the breakdown of alcohol, which produces toxic substances, and overall stress.

All of this can manifest itself in a whole range of unpleasant symptoms.

The most common symptoms of a hangover include:

  • Headache and muscle pain: Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the brain and triggers inflammatory processes in the body. The result is a throbbing headache, usually accompanied by muscle pain and a feeling of weakness.
  • Fatigue and exhaustion: A hangover literally "drains" your energy. Alcohol disrupts the quality of sleep, and at the same time, the body works to break down toxins – which is why you may feel tired even if you have slept enough hours.
  • Thirst and dry mouth: Alcohol is a diuretic – it causes increased urination and dehydration. In the morning, you feel literally parched.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Alcohol irritates the stomach and increases stomach acid production, resulting in nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
  • Dizziness and sensitivity to stimuli: After a night of heavy drinking, some people may experience dizziness or a feeling that the room is "spinning". Hypersensitivity to light and sounds is also common – things that you don't normally notice may suddenly irritate you.
  • Sweating and tremors: A hangover disrupts your body chemistry and nervous system, resulting in excessive sweating and tremors in your hands or entire body.
  • Difficulty concentrating: A hangover causes "brain fog," and you may have trouble thinking clearly and concentrating. Your memory and reactions may be slowed down.
  • Mood swings: A hangover affects not only the body but also the mind. You may feel irritable, anxious or sad – this condition even has its own name, "hangxiety" (anxiety from a hangover). The good news is that this condition is usually temporary.
  • Rapid heartbeat: Your heart may beat faster than usual, which is called tachycardia. This is a result of the body's stress response and mini-withdrawal symptoms after alcohol consumption.

Every organism reacts to alcohol a little differently. Some people experience only a few mild symptoms, while others struggle with a whole range of symptoms of varying intensity.

In general, the more alcohol you drink, the worse the hangover tends to be – but this is not a rule. Individual factors play a major role. Some people feel the effects after just a few drinks, while others are able to avoid significant problems even after a heavy night out.

How long does a hangover last?

It is not possible to determine exactly how long a hangover will last – it depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, the sensitivity of the organism and other circumstances.

A hangover usually subsides within 8 to 24 hours after the blood alcohol level drops to zero. It is usually most intense in the morning, when the alcohol is completely eliminated from the body. The symptoms then gradually subside and in most cases disappear by the next day.

Tips for dealing with a hangover

Did you enjoy the party to the fullest and now you're suffering? Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms and help your body recover.

An overview of the best foods and drinks for a hangover

Below you will find a selection of the best "hangover" foods and drinks.

Drinks for a hangover 🥤

  • Water and other fluids: The key is to replenish fluids. Drink small sips of plain water or diluted fruit juice. If you feel nauseous, start with a few small sips every few minutes. If your urine is not almost clear, your body still needs more fluids.
  • Electrolyte drinks: In addition to water, mineral water or sports drinks, known as electrolyte drinks, will also help to restore the necessary minerals to your body. They contain sodium, potassium, magnesium and other electrolytes that your body has lost through urination and sweating.
  • Coconut water: This is a natural ion drink rich in potassium that does not irritate the stomach.
  • Sugars and fructose drinks: Fructose (found in fruit juice, for example) can help the body get rid of some of the by-products of alcohol metabolism more quickly. However, be careful, as sweet drinks may not agree with a sensitive stomach.

Author's tip 🙋: I also find that drinking cold Sprite in small sips helps with my hangover, and there is even a 2013 study that suggests that Sprite can alleviate hangovers by accelerating the breakdown of acetaldehyde (a harmful by-product of alcohol metabolism).

  • Ginger for nausea: A natural remedy for nausea. Treat yourself to ginger tea made from fresh slices steeped in hot water. Ginger can calm the stomach and reduce the feeling of nausea. Some studies have suggested that ginger is effective against various types of nausea (e.g. during pregnancy, after surgery or when travelling), and it can also provide significant relief from hangovers.
  • Coffee and tea: A cup of coffee or black tea can perk you up a bit, but also drink a glass of water, as caffeine is dehydrating. Caffeine does not act as a "cure" for a hangover, but rather masks the fatigue for a while, which may return later.

Author's tip 🙋: When I need an energy boost, I choose Hemnia Energy - patches for quick stimulation that contain caffeine, glucuronolactone, green tea extract, vitamins B3, B5 and B6. The combination of caffeine, glucuronolactone and green tea provides a quick boost, while vitamins B3, B5 and B6 support energy and reduce fatigue.

 

Woman tired after a hangover with coffee at her laptop, Hemnia Recovery and Energy patches – tips on what's best for a hangover

Food for a hangover 🥗

  • Soups and broths: Strong broth, vegetable, chicken or beef soup will warm you up, fill you up, replenish salt and are easy on the stomach. In addition, they replenish lost fluids and electrolytes and provide amino acids to break down toxins.

Author's tip 🙋: Vietnamese phở soup or hearty garlic soup also work for me when I have a hangover.

  • Potassium-rich foods: bananas, spinach, potatoes, avocados, or even yoghurt. Bananas contain a lot of potassium, which the body lacks as a result of dehydration. They are easy to digest and sweet, so they provide energy and minerals.
  • Light and carbohydrate-rich foods: Dry toast, biscuits or dried pastries (rusks) are recommended to help raise blood sugar levels and neutralise stomach acids. For example, pastries with honey also provide fructose, which can support the breakdown of alcohol in the liver.
  • Fruit and fruit juices: Watermelon, kiwi, strawberries, oranges and other citrus fruits contain a lot of water to replenish fluids, natural sugars for quick energy, and vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote regeneration and reduce inflammation after alcohol consumption.
  • Smoothies: Provide the body with fluids, electrolytes, natural sugars, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that quickly replenish energy, promote hydration and speed up recovery after alcohol consumption.
    • Option 1: 1 banana + 1 cup of pineapple (fresh or frozen) + 1 cup of coconut water + a tablespoon of honey + a few ice cubes.
    • Option 2: 1 banana + 1 kiwi + 1 cup of baby spinach + 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed) + 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.

Author's tip 🙋: I also add yoghurt to the smoothie, which provides protein and probiotics that support regeneration, calm the stomach and prolong the feeling of fullness after a hangover.

  • Fermented foods: People traditionally use sauerkraut or pickled cucumbers for hangovers – they contain salt and beneficial bacteria that help restore electrolyte balance and aid digestion after a hangover.
  • Eggs: They contain protein and the amino acid cysteine, which helps break down the toxic acetaldehyde produced when alcohol is broken down, while also providing B vitamins that are important for recovery. It doesn't matter whether you enjoy them scrambled or in an omelette.

❌ It is recommended to avoid fatty and spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach.

More tips on how to get rid of a hangover

  • Sleep and rest: Sleep and rest allow the body to focus its energy on regeneration, restoring fluid balance and breaking down residual alcohol. So if you can, take a short nap or even sleep through the whole of Saturday afternoon, as rest is the most effective "cure" for a hangover.
  • Silence, darkness and fresh air: Silence and darkness will relieve your hypersensitive senses, calming your body and mind, while fresh air will oxygenate your body and may alleviate fatigue and malaise.
  • Vitamins and minerals: Alcohol depletes the body of certain vitamins, especially B vitamins and minerals. A 2019 study tracked the diets of 23 people after alcohol consumption and found that higher intake of zinc and B vitamins was associated with less severe hangovers. Treat yourself to foods rich in zinc (e.g. seeds, whole grains and nuts) and B vitamins (meat, leafy greens and eggs).

Author's tip 🙋: Personally, I also find that couscous with roasted chicken, spinach and roasted pumpkin seeds helps with my hangover.

  • Natural "hangover cures" and supplements: Some natural substances are the subject of research:
    • A 2004 study found that when volunteers took prickly pear extract (from the Opuntia ficus indica cactus) 5 hours before consuming alcohol, the risk of a severe hangover was reduced by half. Participants also reported less nausea, dry mouth and loss of appetite than when taking a placebo.
  • Dihydromyricetin (Hovenia dulcis): Extract from the oriental raisin tree (purple oat), containing the flavonoid dihydromyricetin, is a traditional Chinese remedy for hangovers. Some studies in animals or small groups of people suggest that it may improve acetaldehyde breakdown and have a protective effect on the liver.
  • Research is also being conducted to determine whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to glutathione, can alleviate hangover symptoms by promoting detoxification.

Author's tip🙋: When I need to function after a big night out, I reach for Hemnia Recovery – Anti Hangover Patches, which contain glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamins B3 and B6. These substances can support detoxification, replenish nutrients and relieve fatigue, helping the body regain its balance more quickly.

  • Antacids (medicines for stomach acidity): If you have heartburn and an upset stomach, you can buy antacids over the counter at a pharmacy, which neutralise stomach acid and can relieve stomach discomfort.
  • Painkillers (analgesics): Commonly available ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will help with headaches and muscle pain. However, do not take them on an empty stomach.

 

Woman in pajamas waking up tired after a party, Hemnia Recovery anti-hangover patches – a solution for getting rid of a hangover

How to avoid a hangover? Preventive tips

  • Drink in moderation: Avoid excessive drinking and especially binge drinking.
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach: Eat food rich in protein, fat and carbohydrates before drinking.
  • Alternate alcohol with water: Have a glass of water or soft drink after each alcoholic drink.
  • Choose lighter types of alcohol: Clear spirits (vodka, gin) and light beer have fewer congeners (by-products of alcohol fermentation and distillation) than dark spirits and red wine.
  • Limit sweet cocktails: High sugar content can worsen a hangover.
  • Drink slowly: The body breaks down about 1 drink per hour (0.5 l of beer, 2 dcl of wine). However, the rate of breakdown depends on gender, age, body weight, genetics, liver condition, and whether the person has eaten.
  • Get enough sleep: Sleep helps with recovery.
  • Be careful with combinations: Do not mix alcohol with other drugs or energy drinks.
  • Try Hemnia Recovery - Anti Hangover patches: if you use the patch before the party starts, it can offer welcome prevention.

Conclusion

If you drink excessively at a party, you probably won't be able to avoid a hangover, but you can at least alleviate it. The key is hydration, replenishing minerals, light nutrition and plenty of rest.

You can also try Hemnia's helpers: Recovery anti hangover patches, which support detoxification and regeneration. Energy patches, which quickly provide energy, or Green Booster drink with superfoods, which provides the body with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Remember that even the most unpleasant hangover will end. In most cases, it will go away on its own and usually lasts no longer than a day.

FAQ

1. How to quickly stop a hangover?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle "cure" to stop a hangover immediately – the only guaranteed remedy is time. The body has to cope on its own by breaking down toxins, restoring fluid balance and returning to normal.

However, you can alleviate the symptoms by taking the following steps:

  • Hydration: Drink water, sports drinks or broth to replenish fluids and electrolytes. This helps with headaches, thirst and fatigue.
  • Light meals: Dry toast, soup, bananas or honey will boost your body and replenish sugars and minerals.
  • Rest and sleep: The best way to get rid of a hangover is to rest.
  • Hemnia Recovery - Anti Hangover patches: contain substances that promote regeneration and detoxification.
  • Hemnia Green Booster Vitality Drink: a natural drink with superfoods. It contains chlorella, spirulina, barley and acerola (rich in vitamin C and antioxidants) - it is the combination of these ingredients that aids detoxification, digestion, immunity and naturally replenishes energy.

2. What to do in case of a severe hangover?

It is important to distinguish between a hangover and poisoning – extreme symptoms such as confusion, slow breathing, unconsciousness and blue skin require immediate medical attention.

If you have a severe hangover, consider the following steps:

  • Start by replenishing fluids – if you are unable to keep fluids down due to nausea, an electrolyte drink or, if necessary, an infusion under medical supervision may help.
  • Eat light, easily digestible food that your stomach can handle.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication for nausea or other rehydration support. If you experience similarly severe hangovers repeatedly, take it as a sign to think about your drinking and consult a specialist if necessary.

3. What about a hangover accompanied by a headache?

  • Analgesics (ibuprofen, aspirin): These reduce inflammation and pain, but do not take them on an empty stomach.
  • Hydration: Headaches during a hangover are often related to dehydration, so drink plenty of water or sports drinks.
  • A calm environment: Silence, darkness and fresh air will reduce sensory overload, which often exacerbates pain.
  • Magnesium: Alcohol accelerates the loss of magnesium from the body, and a magnesium deficiency can worsen headaches. Replenish it, for example, in the form of magnesium-rich mineral water or supplements (ideally magnesium citrate or glycinate for better absorption). A diet higher in magnesium, such as bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds, or leafy greens, will also help.

4. Can CBD help with a hangover?

CBD does not directly cure a hangover, but it can help alleviate some symptoms:

  • Nausea: THC has the most significant effect against nausea, so it is advisable to use a full-spectrum CBD extract with at least a low THC content to support this effect.
  • Inflammation and stress: CBD can counteract inflammation and promote better sleep, indirectly contributing to faster recovery after a night of partying.

CBD oil can alleviate individual symptoms (anxiety, nervousness, sleep problems and possibly nausea) in some people, but do not take CBD at the same time as alcohol, as this combination can increase sedation and impair reaction times.

There is currently no direct scientific evidence that CBD helps with hangovers as such.

5. How are Hemnia Recovery - Anti Hangover Patches used?

The package contains 30 transdermal patches, which are discreet, transparent and measure 32 × 32 millimetres. They can be used preventively before a party to minimise the risk of a hangover. The patches can be used every day.

How to use:

  1. Carefully peel the patch off the foil.
  2. Stick it to your skin (e.g. the inside of your arm).
  3. Leave it on for up to 24 hours, then remove it.
  4. If you want to use another one, stick it on a different area.
  5. Any residue can be removed with soap and water.

 

Sources:

  

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

Foto: AI

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