Make Sure You Do Not Need a Hangover Cure

If you have ever taken your night of drinking just a little too far, you probably know what it feels like to suffer from a hangover. While you may swear off of the bottle forever, it is not the alcohol’s fault – merely your own. But, by following a few simple steps, you can make sure that you are not one of the people needing a hangover cure the next day.

To do this, you need to understand the science behind a hangover, since once you get one there is little that you can do. Most of your pain and suffering can be summed up in one word: dehydration. No matter how much alcohol you drink, it still dehydrates your body, leaving you with a myriad of painful symptoms once your alcoholic buzz wears off. Therefore, the best thing that you can do for yourself is to remain hydrated. Drink water before you go out, while you are out, and when you get home. Drink as much water as you possibly can. If, for some reason or another, you forget this rule of thumb, start drinking water the moment you wake up in the morning. The more you can stay hydrated and the faster that you can re-hydrate yourself, the better you are going to feel.

Another secret weapon in your anti-hangover arsenal is Vitamin C. A water soluble vitamin, it tends to get flushed out of your system during your frequent trips to the restroom. Vitamin C can help fight against acetaldehyde, a by product of alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde is responsible for the disorientation, memory loss, fatigue, nausea, and other hangover symptoms you might suffer from. Take some Vitamin C before you leave for the night; take some before going to bed, and some more in the morning when you first wake up. Having a glass of orange juice will not only help give you the Vitamin C that you need, but it will provide potassium and help you to get hydrated again.

So, making sure you get plenty of water and Vitamin C may just be the magic cure you need to keep from getting a hangover. If you have failed to follow your own good advice, they can still be helpful with making your feel better and recovering faster.

Try juicing some ginger root and adding it to your orange juice if you are having a problem with nausea. Or, make your own vegetable juice cocktail (or just buy V8) to get you recharged in the morning. Horseradish added to it is supposed to help kick the hangover as well.
Many over the counter pain killers will help with your hangover problems. In most cases, you are better taking these the morning after, not the night before, since they may have toxic side effects when mixed with alcohol.

Of course, the only way to make absolutely sure that you do not need a hangover cure is to not drink, or drink in moderation. Knowing your own personal limit and how to say no thanks when enough has been enough for you is the best hangover cure of all.