If you’re looking for foods to eat to effectively cure a post-Christmas hangover you’ve come to the right place.
Health and nutrition experts at Prepped Pots powered by Musclefood.com have named the best foods to replenish nutrients and beat the queasy morning symptoms after a night of drinking.
The best way to avoid a hangover is to moderate alcohol consumption, however, it can be hard to do so at booze-fueled holiday gatherings.
Swigging back one too many festive drinks during Christmas dinner can leave you feeling rough and nauseous the next day.
To avoid spending Boxing Day hugging the toilet, it’s important to consume nutritious foods that are gentle on the stomach.
Opt for foods that replenish lost fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients such as eggs, avocados, lean meats, vegetables, soups and fruits.
Although these foods may not fully cure the hangover, they can alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
While a lot of people crave greasy foods and takeaways when they’re hungover, it can worsen their symptoms, as fast food is hard to digest.
Experts are also urging people to avoid the ‘hair of the dog’ method, as drinking more to cure the hangover will just prolong the recovery time.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to drink plenty of water because alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body.
Ashleigh Tosh from Prepped Pots powered by Musclefood.com said: “It’s common for people to have one or maybe even five drinks too many during Christmas celebrations.
“If you wake up with a sore head the day after, keep in mind that your food choices have a significant effect on how well your body recovers from drinking.
“Although many people still believe that fatty foods cure hangovers because they slow down the absorption of alcohol, this is far from the truth and can make you feel even worse.
“As festive celebrations can leave you dehydrated and depleted of essential nutrients, it’s important to fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods.
“For a hangover-fighting breakfast, make sure to prepare a meal that includes foods that support your recovery, such as hydrating foods, sources of protein, electrolyte-rich foods and complex carbohydrates.
“A good tip is to stock the fridge with these healthy foods before a Christmas party, so you’re less likely to be tempted to order a takeaway the next day.”
Experts from the team at Prepped Pots powered by Musclefood.com have named the seven best foods for curing hangovers:
- Eggs
Eggs are rich in an amino acid called cysteine which is used to eliminate the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism. They’re also a source of protein and provide various vitamins and minerals. This is why having eggs for breakfast is great for alleviating hangover symptoms. Another good thing about eggs is that they’re very versatile, so you can have them however you prefer, whether it’s fried, boiled, scrambled or prepared as an omelette.
- Fruits
Berries, oranges, and other fruits high in vitamin C are beneficial because they offer antioxidants that support the body’s recovery process. They fight the inflammation in your body and help get rid of alcohol. You can opt for a delicious fruit salad, add fruits and berries to your yoghurt bowl or porridge or have them as a refreshing snack on their own.
- Lean meats
Alcohol stops your body from absorbing certain amino acids and that can contribute to hangover symptoms such as fatigue and low mood. Given that our bodies break down protein into amino acids, high-protein foods are a good choice to beat the hangover. Opt for lean meats such as red meat and skinless chicken and turkey, and complement the meal with nutritious vegetables for extra health benefits.
- Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of electrolytes and potassium, which are often depleted during alcohol consumption. Additionally, they are filling, provide a boost of energy, and contribute to a healthy digestive system. Avocado toast is a tasty and effective hangover remedy that also supplies some carbohydrates from the bread.
- Broth-based soups
Chicken or vegetable broth can provide essential nutrients and hydration, and it’s also easy on the stomach. A hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup is the perfect hangover cure because of its high sodium and electrolyte content, plus it’s packed with vegetables and protein.
- Whole grains
Whole grains and complex carbohydrates, such as oats, wholemeal toast and brown rice, assist in stabilising blood sugar levels and provide a sustained energy release. They’re also gentle on the stomach and provide some necessary carbohydrates.
- Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts are a good source of nutrients and healthy fats. They’re particularly high in magnesium, which is an essential nutrient that can be depleted by alcohol consumption. Having nuts in salads, oatmeal or as a snack can help refill the magnesium stores and alleviate symptoms.