It is that time of year again. School is back in session. College is a period dictated by all sorts of new experiences—good, bad and uncomfortable alike. During your pursuit of all activities new and exciting, you were invited to a party. You had a really great time, but you partied a little too hard and drank a little too much (or way too much) alcohol.
Although you may think twice about throwing back so many drinks next time, that does not change the migraine and nausea you experience when you wake up in the morning. Don’t fret: the internet, as well as the advice of more seasoned partiers or the occasional drinker, might help you get out of this terrible predicament.
Obviously, the failsafe way to avoid a hangover is to abstain from drinking entirely or to drink in moderation. But if you drink excessively, hydration is the key to curing your ailment. Water is the best option for hydrating yourself before, during, and after your misadventures in drinking. Although your body will need to regain lost electrolytes and you might be tempted to grab a sugary Gatorade, the artificial dyes it is packed with aren’t exactly going to help you. Coconut water might be an effective alternative.
According to foxnews.com, “A low-sugar coconut water contains just as many electrolytes as Gatorade.” Some fruit-flavored coconut waters are available as well.
When you drink alcohol, you drain great amounts of essential potassium from your body. The Discovery Fit & Health website says that bananas might be your best bet to replenish this necessary nutrient, but other potassium-rich foods such as white beans, spinach, and plain yogurt might be more appealing.
Cysteine, an amino acid that “can take some of the strain off your liver by helping to get rid of lingering toxins,” according to theatlanticwire.com, is another popular treatment. Cysteine is found in eggs, poultry, oats, and plenty of other foods, so your options are widespread.
Here at Shepherd, a few students and professors have their own ideas about what it takes to cure a hangover. Dr. James Lewin, an English professor, coordinator for the journalism minor and advisor for The Picket shared his three guaranteed cures for a hangover:
“1. Throwing up; 2. Dropping dead; 3. Reading the Critique of ‘Pure Reason’ by Immanuel Kant” are surefire ways to end hangover doom.
Dr. Rachel Krantz, an associate professor of French said, “If I’ve had a little too much wine, I try to get hydrated and eat a good breakfast. Later on, I’ll take a walk or go to the gym.” She also said that people should know their limits.
Kristin Kidd, a 22-year-old history major in her fifth year, swears by taking two fish oil pills prior to drinking and wolfing down a greasy McDonald’s breakfast the next morning.
Jade Flamenco, also a 22-year-old super senior double majoring in English and biology, said that the most important thing to keep in mind while trying to nurse a hangover is to replenish your fluids. He also recommends an egg, bacon, avocado and lettuce sandwich on whole wheat bread with some coconut water.
If your head is reeling in confusion and you’re not able to sort out all these supposed cures, it might be a good idea to just give yourself the sleep you need.
“If you have the luxury of ‘sleeping it off’ the next day, do so. Your foggy brain and achy body will thank you,” according to cnn.com.
Often, time might be a good solution for a hangover.
Do you want to know the most well-kept secret and scientifically-proven hangover cure, though? Ultimately, the only proven and known “cure” for hangovers is to simply not drink at all. Keep that in mind the next time you are feeling awful and saying for the 50th time that you’re never drinking again.
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