Hangover Food Cures: What to Eat and What to Avoid the Day After the Night Before

Hangovers are hell because the body is reacting to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headache, light sensitivity, dehydration and dizzy spells lasting for what can feel like an eternity.

Although Fresh Fitness Food nutritionist Sophie Dillon describes hangover cures as "mostly a myth", she believes "there are several things you can do which might help you feel a little better on the day."

Dr. Ross Perry, GP and Medical Director of CosmedicsUK, agrees, and suggests eating plenty of potassium can help banish a hangover.

He tells Newsweek: "It's widely known that drinking alcohol blocks the production of a hormone that helps your body hold on to water, therefore leading to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

"Eating foods containing potassium such as Bananas, oranges, apricots, grapefruit honeydew and cantaloupe melon, leafy greens, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, mushroom and peas will help to lessen the hangover and replenish the loss of electrolytes making you feel better quicker."

Dr. Perry also believes avoiding the temptation of greasy food can be another savior the morning after the night before.

He said: "Quite often following a hangover we have the urge to opt for carb-loaded foods which we eat in vast amounts and believe it will get rid of the nasty symptoms associated with a hangover.

"The reality is that greasy food such as a Chinese or fish and chips won't absorb the alcohol and the overall effect can actually lead to a bit of an icky tummy which we often associate with the alcohol but actually may be a combination of the food and alcohol combine."

Read on to find out the foods experts suggest can you feel a little better the morning after the night before.

Eggs

Nutritionist Cath MacDonald believes tucking into eggs the morning after will do more than just satisfy your hunger.

She tells Newsweek: "There are many hangover cures out there but very few with real nutritional foundation. Eggs are an excellent choice as part of a healthy balanced diet and aid hangovers; providing a nutritious and tasty remedy."

British Lion eggs research has found cysteine, an amino acid found in eggs, counteracts the poisonous effects of acetaldehyde, the chemical produced by the body as it metabolizes alcohol.

Acetaldehyde is responsible for the headaches, nausea and other unpleasant consequences of drinking one too many tipples.

Eggs are packed with the nutritional goodness of vitamin D, vitamin B1, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc. Being protein-dense means they also help us feel fuller for longer to help fight the inevitable hangover munchies that can lead to endless snacking.

Avocado Toast

Shyam Lakhani, Director at The Bottle Club, suggests the now-ubiquitous bright green fruit can help banish the hangover blues.

He says: "Avocado is full of potassium that will usually need replenishing after a night out drinking.

"Avocados will help boost energy and are full of nutrients that help keep a healthy digestive system - you may just want to pass on too many chilli seeds whilst your stomach recovers from the night before.

Nuts

Fitness, wellness guru and nutrition expert Penny Weston suggests eating nuts instead of ordering junk food is a wise idea.

She tells Newsweek: "Nuts are good sources of fat, fiber and protein and so they will make you feel fuller for longer, without giving you the sugar rush and subsequent dip that some sugary snacks will.

"By snacking on nuts such as walnuts instead you'll avoid this mood and energy dip and also reap the rewards of the boost that nuts give to your dopamine and serotonin levels."

Fermented Foods

Dr. Sarah Schenker, Consultant dietitian and nutritionist at Vadasz, believes fermented foods are a good choice to help you recover from a hangover.

She says: "Fermented foods are easy to digest and the probiotics produced during fermentation can help restore the balance of friendly bacteria in your gut, which can be disrupted by too much alcohol.

"Combined with drinking plenty of water, you should be feeling back to normal in no time."

"Typical Western diets characterized by high intakes of sugar, salt, and saturated fat, as well as unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the likelihood of the involvement of the microbiota in inflammatory diseases, which contribute to global epidemics of obesity, depression, and mental health concerns.

"The microbiota is presently one of the most important areas of scientific and medical research and has a significant influence on reducing risk of disease and maintaining good health."

Bananas

Nataly Komova, nutritionist and fitness expert for JustCBD, believes bananas may be best for beating a self-inflicted sore head.

She says: "Alcohol causes body dehydration, as it hinders hormones that aid the body in maintaining fluids.

"Dehydration leads to the loss of essential nutrients such as sodium, iron, and potassium. Bananas are nutritious fruits with high potassium contents.

"Eating a banana increases potassium levels in the body relieving your intense hangover experiences."

Congee

Andy Chu, Executive Chef at Mr Lee's Pure Foods, suggests this type of rice porridge traditionally eaten in Asian countries has restorative qualities.

He says: "Congee has been considered to have medicinal properties and has been used as a health food for centuries in Asia.

"Not only does it aid in digestive health and reduce inflammation but it also nourishes the immune system. It's the perfect comfort food for when you are feeling under the weather."