What Food is Good for a Hangover?

At some point in life, everyone faces it – a nasty hangover. But who could resist that excessive drinking during an all-night-long swimming pool party, cousin’s anniversary, or best friend’s wedding? 

Even if it means facing a rather tough morning, to say the least. No worries! We are here to help. Knowing how to cure a hangover properly does make the difference. And as with many things in life, food, once again, is the best remedy. 

Do you want a good day instead of a day wasted under the sheets? 

Let’s combat a hangover together. Follow the list of the best hangover foods which will definitely help you get back on track.

Eggs

Easy to make and pleasant to prepare, eggs, which are rich in cystine and taurine, must be number one on your list of anti-hangover products. 

Eggs are a good source of protein and amino acids. They will help your organism process all the alcohol in your system and thus improve hangover symptoms. 

But don’t lean on greasy foods! It may upset your sensitive digestive system, making the hangover even worse.

Salmon

Salmon is a perfect choice for fish lovers. It’s packed with antioxidants that can combat the inflammation that comes with a hangover. Moreover, it’s high in Omega 3, making it a great food choice.

With salmon, you will definitely achieve hangover relief, whether puffy, dehydrated, or inflamed. Bake it in the oven with vegetables, or grab your favorite sushi with fresh salmon and salty soy sauce. Enjoy!

Coconut Water

The benefits of coconut water are endless. It can prevent kidney stones, improve metabolism and digestion, prevent various infections, etc. 

Regarding our problem, coconut water is full of potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes that can help you replenish and restore your body while quenching your thirst. 

By the way, coconut water is as effective as traditional sports drinks for rehydration. But compared to the last, coconut water is not loaded with added sugars and flavorings. What is more, it is low in calories and carbs.

If you are not a big fan of coconut water, try adding it to a smoothie instead. 

Chicken Noodle Soup

Take comfort in chicken noodle soup. Do you remember yourself being sick when your mom cooked you a good bowl of chicken soup? It’s really number one on any occasion, even hangover cures. 

Rich in protein from the chicken, electrolytes from the broth, and sodium, the soup can help replenish sodium and water levels and even cover all bases. 

For vegetarians, a perfect option is miso soup. It’s full of probiotics, which contribute to improved gut health. You should pay attention to this excellent sippable hangover remedy. 

Ginger

Ginger is a real superfood after heavy drinking. Ask any pregnant woman what the best natural way to ease morning nausea and sickness is. The answer is, you guessed it, ginger.

That’s because ginger is packed with bioactive components, such as phenolic and terpene compounds. It offers anti-inflammatory effects, which will help break down alcohol, detoxifying your body.

Don’t consume it raw, though. One of the best ways to enjoy ginger is by brewing tea when you wake up. Add one teaspoon of dried ginger, lemon, and two teaspoons of honey to a teapot with boiling water. Voila! Your best anti-hangover drink is ready.

Also, you can try mixing fresh ginger into a smoothie or use fresh ginger root by adding 3-4 slices to boiling water and letting it steep for 5-8 minutes before consuming. Get rid of hangover symptoms quickly and effectively with this natural remedy.

Fresh Fruits

Complex carbohydrates like fresh fruits are your best bet during a nasty hangover. They are perfect for your sensitive stomach after excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, fresh fruits will get your blood sugar levels regulated.

Fruit is a healthy alternative to chocolate, biscuit, or cakes. Natural sugars found in fruits can help you move the alcohol out of your system faster. 

Try eating grapes, oranges, mangos, and pears. Such berries as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, together with kiwi fruit, are also powerful antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin C, which can spare glutathione levels. To get the most out of it, you can also squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice into sparkling water.

Watermelon is also considered a great option during a hangover since it contains an extremely high amount of water as well as plenty of amino acids. 

By the way, if you feel as though your head is about to split into two, here is where watermelon comes. It is rich in L-citrulline, a nutrient that boosts your after-alcohol decreased blood flow, banishing both your headache and dry mouth in one go. 

Fuel your energy reserves with fresh fruits, and stay hydrated! 

Wholegrains

Whole grain bread, buckwheat noodles, granola, a bowl of oatmeal, rice, or wholewheat pasta make a perfect hangover food. 

These will give you the variety of vitamins and minerals you need, especially B vitamins, as alcohol depletes those. 

Wholegrains, which are complex carbohydrates, are high-fiber and high-nutrient foods. They will restabilize your blood sugar levels without roiling your stomach.

Coffee

For coffee addicts, this option is ideal for beating a hangover unless you have strong nausea. In this case, coffee can make you feel worse. 

Caffeine, paired with an anti-inflammatory, will help alleviate your hangover symptoms. Moreover, it will make you more energetic and functional. 

However, caffeine is a well-known dehydrator. Remember to drink plenty of water while sipping your favorite drink. 

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is one more good beverage to drink with a hangover. 95% of tomato juice is water. So it will certainly help rehydrate you. 

It also contains a great amount of vitamin C, a wonderful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect against liver injury by neutralizing the by-products of alcohol metabolism. 

Remember that this description doesn’t include carton juices you buy from a store. They can contain added sugars and preservatives. Additionally, tomato juices from your local supermarkets contain fewer essential nutrients as they are often watered down. 

Green Tea 

Green tea is extremely popular for its health benefits. It can also become your magic cure after drinking too much alcohol. 

One Korean study held on alcohol-administered rats found that compounds in green tea significantly decreased blood alcohol concentration in animals.

This tasty drink contains antioxidants which will undoubtedly help reduce such common hangover symptoms as hangover headaches, nausea, and lessened ability to focus and concentrate.

Carbs

Instead of pizza, a greasy burger, or tacos that don’t help “soak up” the alcohol, switch to foods rich in complex carbs to fill you up.

For example, crackers, bread, pasta, and sandwiches are easy to digest. Moreover, they have high sodium content – a good choice for your temporary condition. 

Carbs will help you bring your blood sugar back to normal, providing a slow and steady release of sugar into the bloodstream.

The Bottom Line

A hangover is not the most pleasant experience, especially with such symptoms as fatigue and weakness, dry mouth, thirst, poor sleep, nausea, dizziness, splitting headache, etc. 

While there is no known magical cure for hangovers, several foods and drinks may alleviate nasty symptoms.

First and foremost, 

Always remember to drink lots of water or orange juice which will boost your immune system with vitamins A, B, and C. Thus, you’ll prevent dehydration and the damaging effect of alcohol on your skin.

Also, sleep well, take vitamins, and don’t keep drinking!

Use your intuition. Read the above list of anti-hangover foods and choose the one you are really craving for. Replenish your body of essential nutrients with your favorite foods and pacify your hangover beast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hangover cures?

Some of the best hangover cures include staying hydrated, eating a nutritious meal, and getting enough sleep after a night of drinking. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages may help prevent dehydration, while foods like eggs, bananas, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients to aid recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide relief from headaches.

Which drinks can help alleviate a hangover?

After a hangover, it is essential to hydrate with water to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Sports drinks and coconut water contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which may help as well. Herbal teas, such as ginger or peppermint, can soothe an upset stomach. Avoid drinks with high amounts of sugar or caffeine, as they can exacerbate dehydration.

Which breakfast options are suitable for relieving a hangover?

A suitable breakfast for relieving a hangover includes a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to replenish energy levels and stabilize blood sugar. Options like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or a smoothie with banana and leafy greens provide essential nutrients for recovery. Including fruits like oranges or berries can also provide antioxidants and a natural energy boost.

Are there specific foods to consume before bed to avoid a hangover?

Foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates, consumed before bed, can help slow alcohol absorption and stabilize blood sugar levels overnight. This includes foods like whole-grain crackers with cheese or peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or a small serving of lean protein with vegetables.

How does eating certain foods help reduce hangover symptoms?

Eating certain foods can help reduce hangover symptoms by replenishing depleted vitamins and minerals and providing energy to the body. Protein-rich foods like eggs contain amino acids that support liver function and detoxification. Bananas provide potassium and other electrolytes to help with hydration. Whole grains and complex carbohydrates can stabilize blood sugar levels, alleviating some hangover symptoms.

Are there any foods to avoid when hungover?

When hungover, it’s best to avoid foods high in fat, grease, or excess sugar, as these might exacerbate a sensitive stomach or contribute to increased inflammation. Additionally, avoid spicy foods, as they can irritate the stomach lining. Opt for nutritious, easy-to-digest options like the ones previously mentioned to aid in recovery.

Follow Us
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
Follow Us
Latest posts by Cassie Marshall (see all)