Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK will wake on Sunday morning nursing a hangover after England's 2-0 victory against Panama in the World Cup, combined with a Saturday night out in the sunshine. While hangovers have been around for centuries, they remain notoriously difficult to treat despite medical advances.
Free and Simple Hangover Remedy
According to WebMD, the "easiest" hangover solution is free and available to everyone: drinking water. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and leading to dehydration, which causes symptoms like dry mouth and headache. Water also slows alcohol absorption and keeps blood alcohol levels lower.
WebMD advises: "A big glass of water might be the easiest hangover solution." They recommend drinking water before bed and keeping a bottle by the bedside for when you wake up. Sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium if you have vomited or had diarrhea.
Other Tips to Ease Symptoms
WebMD notes that while no remedy cures a hangover, some can bring relief. Time and rest allow the body to clear toxins, rehydrate, heal gut irritation, and return immune and brain activity to normal. Eating carbohydrates like wheat toast or whole-grain crackers can raise low blood sugar levels, reducing dizziness and shaking.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help with headaches, but should be taken carefully as they may irritate the stomach. Paracetamol-based remedies are preferable, as aspirin can increase nausea.
NHS Wales Advice
NHS Wales recommends rehydrating with bland liquids like tap water or soda water, and using isotonic drinks to replace lost salt. They also suggest fructose from fruit juice or honey to help process alcohol faster, and bouillon soup for vitamins and minerals.
To reduce the risk of a hangover, NHS Wales advises limiting to one drink per hour, eating a meal before drinking, interspersing alcoholic drinks with water, and avoiding dark-colored drinks like red wine, brandy, and port that contain congeners.
