How to Cure a Hangover?

A hangover occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption. Some people experience a hangover even after just two pegs. The symptoms of a hangover also depend on the type of alcohol consumed. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, thirst, body aches, dizziness, anxiety, and sensitivity to light and sound.

For some, a hangover lasts 24 hours, but for most, it lasts at least 6 hours. People suffering from a hangover often take headache tablets in the morning, but this isn't healthy. Experts suggest taking precautions before consuming alcohol to avoid a hangover.

Precautions Before Drinking Alcohol:

1. Eat Something Before Drinking:
   It’s advisable to eat something at least an hour before consuming alcohol. If possible, drink some yogurt. Foods made from grains, cheese, or even a few biscuits can help. These foods slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, which can help prevent a hangover.

2. Drink in Moderation:
   Drink wine, cocktails, and champagne in moderation. Alcohols that cause bubbles and foam (like champagne) can lead to worse hangovers. All brands of alcohol can cause a hangover, but dark drinks tend to cause more severe hangovers. To enhance aroma, color, and taste, chemicals are added to these drinks, which can poison your body, making the hangover worse. Brandy and whiskey fall under dark drinks, and you can opt for vodka or clear spirits instead.

3. Limit the Number of Different Spirits:
   No matter the brand or type, if you drink alcohol beyond your limit, it will lead to a hangover. Mixing two or three types of alcohol increases the severity of the hangover. If you want to drink for a longer period, it’s best to avoid brandy and whiskey.

4. Stay Hydrated:
   The best way to avoid a hangover is by drinking water in stages. Dehydration is a major cause of hangovers. Drink water an hour before drinking alcohol and continue drinking water between alcoholic beverages. This helps in reducing alcohol intake and prevents a hangover. Drinking a large glass of water before going to bed is also a good idea.

If You Didn't Take Precautions and End Up with a Hangover:

1. Immediately after waking up, take a cold shower for 3 minutes.
2. Drink water afterward.
3. In a liter of water, mix 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt, and sip it throughout the day.
4. Avoid coffee or tea on that day.
5. Reduce physical activity.
6. Ensure you have breakfast, especially foods rich in iron.
7. Drink juices rich in vitamin C.
8. Avoid painkillers.

By following these steps, you can reduce the severity of a hangover or avoid it altogether.