It happens… You’ve enjoyed your night and drank maybe a little too much alcohol. Now it’s the morning after and the hangover has kicked in. Reminding you never to drink again. Whether you listen or not, here are some foods to cure it.
Eggs
As well as being packed full of key vitamins and nutrients, eggs are also a great source of essential fatty acids, which help to keep your mind and body in top shape. “Eggs are a great cure for a hangover because they contain the amino acid cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxin that causes hangover symptoms,” says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. “Although you may not fancy it, a light breakfast may help you combat hangover queasiness and fatigue.”
Tip
Try eating a boiled egg with wholemeal toast – the grains in the bread contain magnesium, TIP which alcohol can deplete.
Water
Water is one of the simplest things you can ingest to help ease a hangover. “Dehydration is one of the key side-effects of drinking alcohol and is one of the main causes of suffering from sickness the day after. One of the easiest ways you can ease your symptoms is to drink some water,” reveals Alison. “Try drinking a pint before going to bed and again upon waking, which will help rehydrate your body and really speed up your recovery.”
Tip
Aim to drink your 6-8 glasses of the clear stuff every day. It will help improve your skin, digestion and brain function.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is low in calories and fat, and what’s more, the tangy fruit is packed with antioxidants. “Just half a grapefruit contains more than 50 percent of your RDA of vitamin C, and as alcohol lowers your immune system, munching on some of this fruit the morning after the night before can help ward off colds and flu,” explains Alison. “It also detoxifies the liver, so it’ll help get yours back to health after it has taken a beating from the party season.”
Tip
If you can’t stomach the zesty fruit for breakfast, try blending it into a delicious juice or chopping it up and adding to a salad.
Peppermint
As a powerful digestive tonic, peppermint that helps to regulate your gut. “Peppermint is most effective at treating stomach symptoms,” says Alison. “The leaves contain natural oils which help ease nausea and indigestion – common symptoms of overindulgence. Peppermint oil is antispasmodic for the gut and dispels wind, which is useful if bloating and tum misery are adding to the pain of your headache!”
Tip
If you’re really suffering and can’t stomach food straight away, try a peppermint tea first thing in the morning.
Whole grains
Whole grains are bursting with immune-boosting B vits. “Alcohol depletes the body’s levels of magnesium and B-complex vitamins, which can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue,” reveals Alison. “A prolonged deficiency of these nutrients can harm your liver, heart and other major organs.” Look after your body after a night of drinking by eating grains containing these essential minerals. “This will also help give you sustained energy. Rather than eating something sugary that just increases the feeling of being drained and jittery.”
Tip
Ditch the greasy fry-up and munch on a slice or two of wholegrain toast as you’ll feel fuller for longer.
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