While the only thing that can prevent hangover nausea is refraining from drinking alcohol, there are certain things a person can do to relieve symptoms. Treatment may include keeping hydrated, taking antacids and ibuprofen, eating certain types of food, and getting rest. Medically known as vasalgia, a hangover is brought about by the swelling and dilating of blood vessels and is often characterized by nausea. Other symptoms often may include headaches, sluggishness, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Consuming alcohol dehydrates a person’s body. Drinking water or beverages with electrolytes, such as sports drinks, when experiencing hangover nausea helps to keep an individual hydrated. In addition, it naturally helps to flush toxins from the body, which helps a person to feel better. When consuming alcohol, a person may reduce the intensity of a hangover by drinking water in between alcoholic beverages.
While coffee does not help with hydration, it can help enhance the effect of pain medications. Also found in tea and soda, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor and can help relieve a headache. Caffeine narrows the size of blood vessels and offsets the effects of alcohol, which makes blood vessels swell. Drinking fruit juices, which are high in vitamins and nutrients, may also help with hangover nausea. The juices help to replace lost vitamins and nutrients after a night of drinking.
Taking certain medications may alleviate hangover nausea. Antacids or ibuprofen may help relieve stomach irritation or neutralize stomach acid. Aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication generally helps with headaches and other soreness attributed to overindulging in alcohol. Acetaminophen is often recommended to be avoided as during alcohol metabolism, acetaminophen negatively impacts the liver.
Certain foods can help with hangover nausea. If a person can tolerate it, greasy foods help to coat the lining of the intestine and absorb any leftover alcohol. Consuming eggs may also help, as they contain a substance called cysteine that aids in breaking down alcohol toxins while the liver is still recuperating. Eating bananas and other foods rich in potassium, such as kiwi may also help. These types of food help to replenish lost electrolytes and potassium from drinking.
Symptoms of a hangover may linger for up to 24 hours. An effective way to treat a hangover is through rest and relaxation. Alcohol affects chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, preventing a person from getting a good night's sleep. In time, the body will recover and the effects of alcohol will subside completely.
