If you’ve over-indulged in too much alcohol, our hangover cures will show you how to get rid of that morning-after feeling!
Peppermint
Taken in tea form this herb is a great hangover remedy as it calms an upset stomach (as well as freshening your breath!).
Honey
Honey contains fructose (natural fruit sugars), which helps raise blood sugar levels, giving you energy. A couple of spoonfuls of honey on a slice of wholewheat toast will double the boost.
Citrus fruits
Oranges are full of vitamin C, one of the many vitamins and minerals destroyed by too much alcohol and smoking. Replace your stores with an orange or a glass of juice. Drinking a cup of hot water with a splash of fresh lemon juice is great for helping your liver remove the toxins.
Ginger
This is known for helping to settle stomachs and ease nausea. Substances in the spice can stop gastric acid building up in your stomach, which causes that nauseous feeling when you’ve had too much alcohol. Try adding a teaspoon of dried ginger to your favourite juice or smoothie, or whizz up your hangover remedy using fresh ginger if you have a juicer or blender.
Coffee
This is not usually recommended as one of the best hangover cures as it’s a diuretic, which means it may make your body get rid of all the water you may have drunk to try to get rid of your hangover(!). However, in moderation and in the short-term, coffee can make you feel better. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels in your brain, helping you get rid of that nagging headache. It also stimulates the nervous system, and research shows it improves concentration and alertness. But there’s no need to drink a lot, as caffeine stays in the body for several hours. Your first dose will last you for the whole morning and too much will make you jittery. Try an iced coffee or extra-milky latte – the milk will help to line your stomach.
Bananas
These are a superfood but they’re also one of the best hangover cures. They’re full of fruit sugars for energy, are easy to digest and rich in potassium, an essential mineral that keeps our nerves and muscles steady. Try a banana on its own, in a smoothie made with milk, or sliced on top of natural yogurt or muesli.
Oats
A bowl of porridge is just the hangover remedy to get you back on top form. Oats are a rich source of magnesium and zinc, which help to regulate your blood sugar levels. They also have a soothing effect on your nervous system and will keep you going all morning with slow-release carbohydrates. Try porridge with honey, fruit or maple syrup, low-sugar or homemade muesli.
How to avoid a hangover
Alternate each alcoholic drink with a soft drink or a glass of water. If you forget to do this, try and drink as much water as possible before you go to bed. Alcohol is a diuretic – it makes fluids leave your body more quickly – so it’s important to avoid the dehydration this causes.
Stick to long drinks like gin and tonic or vodka and orange, and spend plenty of time over each one. You’ll drink less and you won’t overload your liver.
Eat before you drink! Eating on an empty stomach means there’s nothing to absorb the booze you’re consuming. This makes you drunk more quickly.
Milk thistle could help protect your liver from alcohol damage. Try taking a daily supplement in the run-up to the festive season – it’s available from all good chemists and health food shops.