Coffee and other natural remedies that can help you recover from a hangover

 When you drink alcoholic beverages, your liver breaks down the alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can cause headaches, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. After a night of drinking too much alcohol, your body will try to eliminate the acetaldehyde by making you take numerous trips to the restroom.

Here are some of the symptoms of a hangover:

• Dizziness
• Excessive thirst
• Headache
• Losing concentration
• Mood changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Racing heart
• Sluggishness
• Trouble sleeping

Fortunately, there's something readily available that can help you recover from a hangover: coffee. But there's more to it that you need to know.

Benefits of drinking coffee after a hangover

Coffee is a popular hangover remedy because it contains caffeine, a stimulant that can help with some hangover symptoms. If you need a remedy for hangover fatigue, drink a cup of coffee so you can become more alert.

Since caffeine is a natural diuretic, drinking coffee can make you urinate more. This can help your body eliminate toxic substances.

Coffee can also help relieve headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain.  

Downsides of coffee when you're hungover

There are some downsides to drinking coffee when you're already hungover.

Caffeine is a stimulant, so if you're already dehydrated after drinking, it might make your dehydration worse.

Drinking coffee can make your hangover worse. It can also cause anxiety, jitters and heart palpitations in some people.

Should you drink coffee when you're hungover?

It depends. If you're only experiencing mild hangover symptoms and you're not too dehydrated, you can drink one cup of coffee to boost your energy levels in the morning and relieve some of your symptoms.

But if you're already dehydrated, avoid coffee and try the other remedies listed below.

Other remedies for a hangover

Here are some hangover remedies that can help with your symptoms:

Drink water

Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. Drinking water can help rehydrate your body and reduce the severity of a hangover.

Drink herbal tea

Soothing herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can help soothe an upset stomach and promote relaxation.

Replenish electrolytes

Drinking sports drinks or fresh coconut water can help replenish electrolytes lost during alcohol consumption.

Eat watermelon

Since headache associated with a hangover is usually due to dehydration and decreased blood flow to the brain, eating watermelon may help relieve your symptoms.

Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, a nutrient that may increase blood flow. It is also a delicious and hydrating fruit with a high water content.

Consume ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with a hangover.

Try drinking ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to your food.

Eat a healthy breakfast

Eating a healthy breakfast can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide nutrients to your body.

Alcohol blocks the production of a hormone that helps your body hold on to water, which can cause dehydration and the loss of electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

Bananas are full of potassium and can help replenish your body's stores. One medium banana contains nine percent of the daily value (DV) for potassium.

Get some rest

If drinking more water and tea doesn't help, try to get some rest and sleep until you feel better.

With some rest, your body can eventually recover from a hangover.

If you don't like getting hangovers, the best way to prevent them is to drink responsibly. Limit your alcohol intake and drink enough water throughout the night.

If you find yourself with a hangover the next morning, a cup of coffee might give you some temporary relief. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to alcohol and caffeine.