The party last night may have been a blast, but brace yourself for the inevitable hangover the morning after.

Although there is no magic solution to a hangover, there are natural remedies you can use to ease its symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and headache.

Here are eight tried-and-tested remedies that you can use the next time you wake up with a terrible hangover.

Water

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which means you’re bound to use the bathroom more frequently the more you drink. The body becomes dehydrated as a result of the loss of fluid, which then causes blood pressure to drop. Dehydration also impairs proper blood circulation in the brain, which is why you tend to experience headaches when you have a hangover. Ideally, you should drink plenty of water as soon as you wake up to compensate for the lost fluid.

Drinks rich in electrolytes

Apart from the splitting headaches that it can cause, dehydration also depletes important electrolytes. Micronutrients like potassium and magnesium double as electrolytes that support energy production and regulate nerve functions. When you have low levels of electrolytes, you are more likely to experience muscle spasms, convulsions and fatigue. To replenish lost electrolytes, drink coconut water and homemade fruit juices.

Nutritious foods

Fruits are excellent sources of antioxidants that make quick work of alcohol in the body. Plus, micronutrients like potassium, for instance, can ease fatigue, reduce irritability and raise blood pressure back to normal. The natural sugar found in fruits can also give you an energy boost to counter the sluggishness you might feel. Avoid unhealthy comfort foods, such as bacon, white bread and breakfast cereal, all of which can worsen hangover symptoms. Instead, go for bananas, oranges, nuts and whole grain oatmeal.

Ginger tea

A hangover can also upset the gut, which might make it difficult for you to eat nutritious foods that you need to recover. Fortunately, you can restore digestion and gut health with ginger. As a medicinal spice, ginger is commonly used to treat nausea, motion sickness and other digestive problems. To soothe an upset stomach and minimize the urge to vomit, drink ginger tea.

Chamomile tea

A hangover can also take a toll on the mind, but it’s nothing a little herbal tea can’t fix. Chamomile, a flowering plant widely consumed as an herbal tea, can be an effective remedy for hangover-induced anxiety and stress. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease muscle spasms and frayed nerves.

Foods high in vitamin C and B complex vitamins

Immune-boosting micronutrients like vitamin C and B complex vitamins can greatly minimize hangover symptoms as well. For one thing, vitamin C restores the body’s immune system, which may have been compromised as a result of excess alcohol consumption. B complex vitamins, on the other hand, can boost brain functions and clear brain fog. To treat a hangover, eat foods like blueberries, beans and eggs.

Natural painkillers

Headaches and overall body pain might tempt you to reach for painkillers, but synthetic drugs will do you more harm than good. Certain drugs can interact with the alcohol in your system and worsen hangover symptoms, while others can cause side effects like dizziness and impaired concentration. Stick to natural painkillers like ginger, cherries and coffee.

Sleep

Get some sleep as soon as you’ve had water and healthy foods. Even after you’ve replenished lost fluids and nutrients, the body needs time to restore its internal balance. The best time it can do that is when you are asleep since the body can focus its energies on recovery. Adequate sleep can also eliminate hangover-induced anxiety and restore the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

A hangover can cause intense headaches, body pain, nausea and fatigue. Although you can always use home remedies to get back on your feet, it’s best to drink alcohol in moderation. Remember that excess consumption increases the toxicity of alcohol and heightens the risk of metabolic disorders like alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Sources:

EverydayHealth.com

Healthline.com