Pubs in the UK have been open for a week now and with fabulous weather forecast for this weekend, there’s no doubt that many of us will be winding down with a drink or two in the beer garden. But, as much as us Brits love a bevvy, we don’t much like the hangover that follows – fear not though, we have five of the best home remedies to help you feel fresh as a daisy the morning after.
First things first, what causes a hangover?
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, dilated blood vessels and lack of good quality sleep are all factors that cause hangovers as a result of drinking too much alcohol.
So, how do you cure a hangover at home?
1. Fill your body with antioxidants – too much alcohol causes oxidative stress that makes the body produce free radicals. Antioxidants help banish these radicals so fill your body with them to reduce the effects of a big night out. Foods like cherries, dark chocolate, grapes, carrots and ginger are all packed with antioxidant goodness.
2. Rest is your best friend – I think this goes without saying to be honest, but one of the best things to banish a hangover is to stay in bed as long as possible. According to studies, alcohol is known to disrupt your circadian rhythm and prevent REM sleep, which can result in low mood, nausea and anxiety.
3. Avoid caffeine – one of the biggest reasons you feel so rough after a heavy sesh is dehydration, so drinking coffee will only make you feel worse as it will dehydrate you more. Instead, grab a glass of water or juice to rehydrate your body and get those vitamins and minerals back into your system.
4. Reach for a sports drink – after a glass of water or juice, it’s a good idea to grab yourself a sports drink to restore your electrolytes. See, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more, so as you become more dehydrated, your body also loses electrolytes. Fermented drinks like Kombucha are also a great option as they’re rich in antioxidants, minerals and good-for-your-gut bacteria.
5. Pace yourself – now this isn’t exactly rocket science and after the year we’ve had, we’re not judging you if you want to have a big night, but if you really want to avoid the post booze blues, drink in moderation. Chances are, the more alcohol you consume, the worse you’re going to feel in the morning. So, the best way to make sure you’re feeling fresh the morning after – drink less.
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