7 things that actually help make a hangover go away

There are steps you can take to ease hangover symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

1. Mango

The tasty orange fruit, whether harvested from the tree or purchased at your local grocery store, may offer some protection against a hangover. The flesh and skin of the mango seem to reduce blood alcohol levels after consumption.

Whether you enjoy mangoes in a smoothie, in a salad, or diced on their own, snacking on these fruits may be more enjoyable if you wake up with a hangover.

2. Ginger

Ginger contains natural antioxidants, many of which are thought to help control alcohol-induced oxidative stress. It is also a popular remedy for nausea. Since an upset stomach can accompany a hangover, try sipping ginger tea or chewing pickled ginger to support your tummy.

3. Hydration

Alcohol causes your body to produce more urine, which can cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include headaches, lethargy and excessive thirst.

Loss of water and electrolytes like potassium and sodium through urine can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Staying hydrated (preferably with electrolytes, like an oral rehydration solution) helps replenish your body.

4. Maple sap

Tapping a maple tree will produce a natural liquid called sap that is full of electrolytes, prebiotics and antioxidants. Many people boil the sap to make maple syrup, but it’s healthy and delicious to drink it on its own before boiling (and you can buy it in this form at the store). Having a little to sip before going out can help stave off a hangover.

A 2011 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine found that giving rats maple sap (called “maple water”) 30 minutes before giving them alcohol reduced the rats’ blood alcohol concentrations compared to rats that did not consume water.

5. Red Ginseng

Although most data is based on small samples or animal subjects, taking red ginseng when consuming alcohol has shown promise in relieving hangovers.

In a randomized crossover study, researchers studied the effects of red ginseng on relieving alcohol and hangover symptoms in 25 healthy men. Men who took ginseng had decreased blood alcohol levels and hangover symptoms compared to controls, suggesting that red ginseng may have a positive effect.

6. Prickly Pear

The beautiful red fruits found on the nopal cactus may have potential hangover-relieving powers. Also known as prickly pear, tuna fruit or sabras, prickly pears are a sweet fruit that is quick and easy to snack on.

Research has shown that the fruit may reduce hangover symptoms, including nausea and dry mouth, by inhibiting inflammation. According to a 2004 study, eating prickly pear could reduce the severity of hangovers by half.

7. L-Cysteine ​​Supplements

Some research has shown that supplements containing the amino acid L-cysteine ​​may relieve hangovers. According to a small study, people who took 1,200 milligrams of L-cysteine ​​experienced fewer headaches and less nausea than they usually experienced during a hangover.