The festive season brings Christmas parties and the inevitable morning-after hangover. With busy schedules, many seek quick fixes, but health experts warn that common remedies may do more harm than good.
A greasy fry-up is a popular choice, but alcohol depletes nutrients and a heavy breakfast can trigger indigestion. Instead, a nutritious meal with fruit like bananas can restore potassium and blood sugar levels. Honey on toast is another easy-to-digest option.
Exercising vigorously is also ill-advised as the body is already dehydrated. A brisk walk in fresh air is gentler and helps release endorphins. Taking painkillers before bed is ineffective; they wear off by morning and can damage the stomach lining when mixed with alcohol. Coffee, a diuretic, may hinder recovery; if needed, stick to one cup and switch to water.
Fast food does not ‘soak up’ alcohol but irritates the stomach and causes weight gain. Eating a large meal before drinking is better. Hair of the dog merely delays the hangover, and the order of drinks does not matter—mixing any drinks is problematic. Water helps with dehydration but does not address congeners, the true cause of hangover symptoms.
