Ever wake up after a night of celebrating and think, what is the best way to cure a hangover? You’re not alone. That bleary-eyed, head-pounding, “never again” feeling has us all searching for the best hangover cure to feel human again. The good news: you can bounce back faster with the right strategies. In this friendly-yet-scientific guide, we’ll walk through everything from simple DIY remedies to cutting-edge hangover pills. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to go from miserable to motivated—fast.

We’ll start with tried-and-true home remedies and smart food and drink choices (backed by science and actually effective). Then, we’ll explore supplements (yes, even the pills) that claim to help – including a new detox and energy formula that’s making waves. According to Harvard Health, there’s no magic bullet for hangovers, but there are ways to relieve the symptoms and support your body’s recovery. So grab a big glass of water, and let’s get you feeling better!

For the full breakdown of causes, symptoms, and prevention, check out our Ultimate Hangover Cure Guide.

DIY Hangover Cures: Quick Remedies You Can Try at Home

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When you’re hurting the morning after, some simple at-home remedies can work wonders. These DIY hangover cures won’t instantly erase all woes (remember, only time truly “cures” a hangover), but they will definitely help you feel more like yourself. Let’s break down the best things you can do right now, in the comfort of your home:

Rehydrate, rehydrate, rehydrate

Dehydration is the core of most hangover symptoms, so start by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is your best friend – sip it before bed and first thing in the morning. For an extra boost, try sports drinks or coconut water to replace electrolytes lost to alcohol’s diuretic effects. According to Cleveland Clinic, rehydrating is the number one remedy for hangover misery (no surprise there). Just pace yourself; small sips are gentler on a queasy stomach than chugging a gallon at once.

Eat a light, carb-rich snack 

Drinking on an empty stomach or skipping meals can leave your blood sugar low, which makes hangovers feel worse. Even if food is the last thing you want, nibble on some toast, crackers, or pretzels to gently raise your blood sugar and settle your stomach. A little bouillon soup or broth is also genius – it’s easy on the tummy and helps replace salt and potassium that you lost while drinking. Got fruit juice or a sports drink? Those carbs and natural sugars can give you quick energy. Harvard Health notes that a glass of juice plus toast is a great morning-after fix to nudge your levels back to normal.

Soothe nausea with ginger and honey

That roiling stomach and nausea need some TLC. Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea – and yes, there’s solid science behind it. Research shows ginger is very effective at calming an upset stomach. Try sipping warm ginger tea or even ginger ale (preferably flat to reduce bubbles) to ease queasiness. Adding a spoonful of honey to your tea or toast can help too. Honey is rich in fructose, a natural sugar that may help your body metabolize alcohol faster. In fact, one study found that honey consumption increased the rate of alcohol elimination by about 32%. Sweet and helpful – we love to see it.

Grab a pain reliever (but be careful)

If your head is throbbing, an over-the-counter pain reliever can take the edge off a hangover headache. According to Harvard Health, anti-inflammatory meds like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can help with that all-over ache. Just take them with food and water, as NSAIDs may irritate a stomach already upset by alcohol. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), though – if alcohol is still in your system it can amplify Tylenol’s liver toxicity. Stick to NSAIDs in recommended doses, and never mix more alcohol with them. Relief is good; risking your liver is not.

Get some rest – sleep is healing

Ever hear the phrase “sleep it off”? It’s actually great advice. Alcohol disrupts your sleep quality, so you’re likely running on fumes after a big night. If you can, crawl back into bed and sleep a bit longer. Even a solid nap can help your body catch up on recovery. There’s no shame in a lazy morning when you’re hungover! By letting your brain and body rest, you’re giving your system time to rebalance and flush out the remaining toxins. With luck, you’ll wake up from round two of sleep feeling significantly better.

Skip the “hair of the dog” 

Pouring yourself a morning cocktail (the infamous “hair of the dog that bit you”) might sound tempting, but resist the urge. Having another alcoholic drink will only delay your hangover, not cure it. It’s true that a Bloody Mary might momentarily make you feel a little better by raising your blood alcohol level – but that just postpones the crash. As Harvard Medical School explains, the hair of the dog simply “perpetuates a cycle” and doesn’t allow you to recover. In other words, you’re just kicking the can (or keg) down the road. Your best bet is to stick to water and healthy fluids, and let the hangover cycle run its course.

Want the physiology behind these tips? Read our hangover cure science deep-dive.

By focusing on these DIY remedies, you’re tackling a hangover’s root problems: dehydration, low blood sugar, stomach irritation, and lost nutrients. No single trick is a miracle, but together they add up to real relief. And importantly, none of these involve gimmicks – just science-backed basics like fluid replacement and gentle nutrition.

Need an extra boost? Be sure to Browse our Hangover Cure Collection for a roundup of our favorite recovery aids (from rehydration helpers to soothing supplements).

Best Hangover Cure Foods and Drinks (Eat and Drink Your Way to Relief)

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When your body is begging for mercy, what you consume (and how you consume it) can make a world of difference. Let’s zoom in on the best hangover cure foods and drinks that can help you feel better faster. Think of these as your hangover grocery list – simple, nourishing choices that help replenish what you lost and repair the damage:

Water and electrolyte drinks: First and foremost, water is essential – keep sipping it all day. You can also level up your hydration by drinking coconut water or a sports drink like Gatorade. These beverages pack in electrolytes (like potassium, sodium, magnesium) to restore the balance alcohol messed up. Cleveland Clinic experts note that electrolyte-enhanced drinks or oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) can be extremely effective for rehydration and replacing nutrients post-party. Pro tip: if you have some coconut water or a sports drink before bed and in the morning, you’re ahead of the game.

Fruit juices and honey: As mentioned, drinks with natural sugars can ease hangover symptoms by helping burn off alcohol. A glass of orange juice for vitamin C, or better yet pear juice, can be beneficial. (Fun fact: a small study found drinking Korean pear juice before alcohol reduced hangover severity – pears for the win!) If juice is too intense for your stomach, even a spoonful of honey (high in fructose) on toast or in tea gives you a gentle sugar boost to speed alcohol metabolism. WebMD notes that fruits and fruit juices can make a hangover less intense by providing sugars and nutrients your body needs. Plus, juice helps hydrate you at the same time.

Fresh fruits (water-rich produce): Munching on juicy fruits is a hydrating, vitamin-packed way to combat a hangover. Slice up some watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, or oranges – these fruits are loaded with water and vitamins to rehydrate you and fight fatigue. Fruits also provide fructose and antioxidants to help clear out toxins. A banana is another all-star: it delivers potassium (an electrolyte you lose when you pee a lot) and magnesium to calm your muscles. In fact, nuts and bananas, high in magnesium and potassium, can replenish those minerals alcohol drains from your system. And they’re easy to nibble on when you’re not feeling 100%.

Bland carbohydrates (toast, crackers, oats): When in doubt, reach for bland carbs. A few pieces of toast, a plain bagel, or a handful of saltine crackers can help raise your blood sugar gently and soak up any residual stomach acid. These easy carbs are quick fuel for your brain (which is craving glucose after a night of alcohol). You can also try a simple bowl of oatmeal or rice – they’re comforting, easy to digest, and give you a steady flow of energy. Carbs often get a bad rap, but when you’re hungover, they are your friend. As one doctor quipped, “Bread is basically a sponge – let it soak up the misery.” (We’ll take it!)

Hearty breakfast foods (eggs, broth, protein): If your stomach can handle a bit more, whip up a light breakfast. Eggs are a near-perfect hangover food. They contain cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde – that toxic byproduct of alcohol that contributes to hangovers. Eggs also supply B vitamins and other nutrients depleted by drinking. Many people swear by a plate of scrambled eggs or a simple egg sandwich the morning after. And there’s science behind it: eggs really do help your body rebound. You could also sip on some chicken noodle soup or miso soup – not just for colds! The broth rehydrates and replaces salt, and the protein in the chicken or tofu gives your body something to work with. Soup is especially great if you can’t handle solid foods right away. Plus, it feels like a warm hug for your insides.

Herbal teas and coffee (with caveats): We’ve mentioned ginger tea, but other herbal teas can comfort you too. Peppermint or chamomile tea can soothe an upset stomach and help with headaches. What about coffee? Here’s the deal: a small cup of coffee or black tea might perk you up (caffeine is a stimulant, after all) and help clear that groggy brain fog. However, caffeine is also a diuretic and can narrow blood vessels, which might worsen dehydration and that pounding head. So if you’re a regular coffee drinker and really need your fix, go ahead and have a small cup – just chase it with extra water. But don’t overdo it: one caffeinated beverage, then switch back to water or decaf teas so you don’t sabotage your rehydration efforts. In short, coffee won’t actually “cure” a hangover and for some people it can make things worse. Listen to your body on this one.

Antioxidant drinks (tomato juice, green tea): Interestingly, some research suggests that drinks high in antioxidants and certain compounds might alleviate hangover effects. Tomato juice has been noted for containing compounds that could support liver function and reduce alcohol’s oxidative stress. And green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins – one study on animals found green tea extracts reduced blood alcohol levels and inflammation markers. While these aren’t magic bullets, sipping on green tea or a Virgin Mary (tomato juice with a pinch of salt and lemon) certainly won’t hurt and might help your body detoxify. At the very least, you’re hydrating and getting vitamins.

To sum it up, feed your hangover, don’t starve it – but feed it the right things. Prioritize water, electrolytes, and mild foods that give your body fuel without irritating it. Greasy burgers or late-night pizza might have sounded like a good idea before bed, but in the morning stick to gentle, nutrient-dense options. Your queasy stomach and aching head will thank you.

And remember, nothing fixes a hangover instantly. But each smart choice – each glass of water, each bite of banana or spoon of soup – is helping your body recover piece by piece. It’s like refueling a drained engine: one tank at a time.

If you need the best hangover cure, here’s our curated list.

Hangover Cure Pills and Supplements: Do They Work?

Image from Breakthrough Wellness

By now you might be wondering, “Isn’t there a pill I can just take to make this go away?” In recent years, dozens of hangover cure pills and supplements have hit the market, all claiming to be the ultimate fix. From fizzy tablets to herbal capsules, they promise you’ll “party hard and feel fine tomorrow.” It sounds too good to be true – and to a large extent, it is. There’s no magic pill that instantly erases a hangover (sorry!). Time and rehydration are still your best bet, as one Cleveland Clinic doctor bluntly puts it. That said, some supplements can support your recovery by addressing specific hangover causes. The key is separating science from snake oil.

Let’s look at what’s inside these hangover remedies. The better formulas usually contain a mix of vitamins, antioxidants, herbal extracts, and amino acids to combat the various effects of alcohol. Here are some ingredients commonly found in hangover supplements – and what science says about them:

B Vitamins and Zinc: Heavy drinking can deplete your B vitamins (like B6, B12, folate) and zinc levels. One study found people who had more B vitamins and zinc in their diet reported less severe hangovers than those who didn’t. B vitamins are also used by your liver to metabolize alcohol, so topping them up might help your body clear the booze a bit faster. Many hangover pills include B-complex vitamins and minerals for this reason. It’s not a cure, but it can ease fatigue and help restore your energy metabolism.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica): This is one of the few natural remedies that actually has a clinical study behind it. Prickly pear extract (from a type of cactus fruit) taken before drinking was shown to significantly reduce hangover symptoms in a placebo-controlled trial. Participants who took the extract had notably less nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite than those who didn’t, and their levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) were lower. Researchers concluded that prickly pear likely helps by dampening the body’s inflammatory response to alcohol. In plain terms: it can cool off the inflammation that contributes to those awful hangover feelings. Because of this promising effect, prickly pear is a popular ingredient in hangover supplements (especially formulas you take before or while drinking).

Dihydromyricetin (DHM): DHM is a flavonoid compound extracted from the Japanese raisin tree (and some other plants). It’s a rising star in the hangover world. Animal studies and preliminary research suggest DHM may help the body process alcohol and even counteract some of alcohol’s effects on the brain. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could explain why it might reduce hangover headaches or brain fog. One USC study even noted DHM might protect the liver from damage and potentially assist in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While human evidence is still limited, many hangover supplements now include DHM as a key ingredient. It’s not a license to drink excessively, but it might help buffer the impact. Think of DHM as a helper that takes some strain off your body’s cleanup crew.

Turmeric (curcumin): Turmeric isn’t just a trendy superfood – it contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. When you drink, your body becomes pretty inflamed (it’s one reason you feel so lousy). Curcumin can help reduce inflammation, which in turn eases headaches, muscle aches, and general “soreness” that come with a hangover. Some research has even looked at curcumin specifically for hangovers and found it may lessen the severity of symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory pathways. In short, turmeric can be a friend to your overtaxed immune system after a night of booze. Plus, it’s an antioxidant, helping mop up free radicals generated by alcohol metabolism.

Kudzu Root: A staple in traditional Chinese medicine, kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has long been used as a hangover remedy and to curb alcohol cravings. Kudzu contains isoflavones (like puerarin) that interact with neurotransmitters in the brain. Interestingly, those same neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin, dopamine) are involved in anxiety, mood, and even migraine headaches. Some modern studies found kudzu extract can reduce alcohol intake in humans – essentially, people drink a bit less when taking kudzu, possibly because it makes you feel the effects sooner. As a hangover aid, kudzu is believed to help relieve headaches and clear that mentally fuzzy feeling. It might also have a calming effect on the nervous system, easing the anxiety or irritability that sometimes accompanies a hangover. While more research is needed, kudzu’s centuries-long use (and promising early studies) make it a worthy ingredient in the mix.

Milk Thistle: Another herbal favorite, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is famed for its liver-protective properties. It contains silymarin, an antioxidant that supports liver cell repair. While milk thistle might not make you feel better immediately, it’s often included in hangover supplements to help the liver detoxify more efficiently and reduce oxidative stress from alcohol. Essentially, it’s there to give your hardworking liver a little love. Some folks take milk thistle as a daily supplement if they know they’ll be drinking, to mitigate liver strain. It’s not a hangover cure per se, but it’s a nice insurance policy for your liver health.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and other antioxidants: NAC is a precursor to glutathione, which is the body’s master antioxidant and crucial for detoxifying acetaldehyde (the toxic alcohol metabolite). Taking NAC (or vitamins C and E, or other antioxidants) before drinking has been floated as a way to lessen hangovers. Some hangover remedies include NAC or vitamin blends to boost your antioxidant defenses. The evidence here is mostly anecdotal or theoretical – but since antioxidants help combat inflammation and oxidative damage, they likely contribute somewhat to feeling better.

Other herbal heroes: A few more worthy mentions: Ginger (we know it’s great for nausea – some supplements include ginger extract to settle the stomach), Korean pear (as discussed, often in drink form for prevention), Red ginseng and Siberian ginseng (some studies suggest they reduce hangover symptoms if taken beforehand), and Electrolytes (like in powder packets) to rehydrate. Each of these tackles a piece of the hangover puzzle – whether it’s calming the stomach, supporting metabolism, or rebalancing electrolytes.

Now, do these ingredients actually work in concert? The honest truth from scientists: many of these remedies have mixed evidence or only “very low-quality” evidence in formal trials so far. Hangovers are surprisingly hard to study because they vary so much from person to person. However, anecdotally, countless people swear by certain supplements as their go-to hangover cure. And importantly, the science behind individual ingredients is promising (as we highlighted). The trick is getting the right combo of ingredients in effective doses.

Enter Revive: Your All-in-One Hangover and Energy Rescue

One example of a comprehensive approach is Breakthrough Wellness’s Revive Detox & Energy Recovery supplement – a formula designed to tackle hangovers and everyday fatigue in one go. We’ll spare you the sales pitch, but here’s why we’re proud of it: Revive brings together many of the science-backed ingredients we just discussed, in a balanced formula that supports your body on multiple fronts. Think of it as covering all your bases:

1. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant all-stars (like turmeric curcumin and green tea extract) to tame inflammation and oxidative stress.
   
   

2. It packs herbal aids like kudzu root and prickly pear cactus extract to target headaches, nausea, and the “morning-after malaise” via those neurotransmitter and inflammation pathways.
   
   

3. It includes a blend of B vitamins and minerals (like B1, B2, B6, B12, folate, zinc, magnesium) to replenish what alcohol depleted and boost your metabolism and energy.
   
   

4. You’ll also find DHM from Japanese raisin tree in the mix, helping your system metabolize alcohol and potentially protecting your liver (yes, Revive is looking out for your liver too).
   
   

5. Plus, soothing botanicals like ginger and amino acids help calm your stomach and support detox processes (bye-bye, queasiness and toxins).
   
   

The result? A supplement that helps you wake up fresh and bounce back faster – whether your rough morning is due to one too many cocktails, a grueling travel schedule, or just burning the midnight oil at work. The best part is it’s not just a hangover pill; it’s truly a daily recovery formula. So even on days you don’t drink, Revive helps with inflammation from a crappy diet, stress from a fast-paced lifestyle, or general fatigue from being a busy human (because let’s face it, life is demanding!). We like to think of it as “the go-to supplement for the modern lifestyle”, your secret weapon for feeling great despite the craziness.

Image from Breakthrough Wellness

Of course, we encourage you to do your own research and choose what fits your needs. But if you’re looking for a powerful hangover and energy recovery aid that’s evidence-based and well-rounded, Revive has you covered. It’s formulated to support you before, during, and after your celebrations – so you can make the most of your fun nights and your busy mornings.

(Psst... Ready to feel better already? Order Your Revive Detox & Energy Recovery Supplement now!)

Conclusion: Hangover Cures That Actually Help (and Remember, You’ve Got This)

So, what is the best way to cure a hangover? By now you’ve seen it’s not just one thing – it’s a combination of smart, science-backed steps. The ultimate “hangover cure” boils down to hydrating your body, refueling with the right nutrients, and giving yourself time to recover. Drink plenty of fluids (water is a must, plus electrolytes if you can). Eat something light and healthy to steady your blood sugar and replace lost vitamins. Soothe your stomach with ginger or tea. Get some rest so your brain can reset. And if you choose, use a well-formulated supplement to support and speed up the process.

There’s no instant miracle (unfortunately, you can’t snap your fingers and be 100%… at least not yet!). But the methods we’ve discussed will significantly ease your woes and have you feeling functional again much faster than just suffering in silence. Remember, as Mayo Clinic reminds us, time is the only sure cure for a hangover – symptoms usually go away within 24 hours on their own. The goal of all these remedies is to make those hours a lot more bearable and shorten the duration of misery.

Hangovers are basically your body’s way of saying, “Hey, that was a bit much!” It’s a reminder to take it easy and take care of yourself. By following this guide, you’re giving your body the TLC it needs after a rough night. And hopefully, you’ve picked up some tips to prevent feeling so terrible next time (hello, water-between-drinks and not drinking on an empty stomach!). As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Lastly, don’t beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us! Today might start slow and painful, but soon enough you’ll be back on your feet – perhaps even feeling better than before, armed with new knowledge (and maybe a bottle of Revive on your shelf). Take it as a learning experience and a funny story for later. After all, some of life’s best memories come with a hangover tax the next day.

Here’s to feeling better ASAP – hydrate, rest, nourish, and you’ll be on the mend. Your bright-eyed, bushy-tailed self will return, promise. Now go be kind to yourself (and maybe swap that next tequila shot for a water). Cheers to a speedy recovery!

FAQs About Hangover Cures

Q: What is the best way to cure a hangover?

A: There’s no single “best” way that instantly cures a hangover – but the combination of remedies is your best bet. Start by rehydrating with plenty of water and electrolytes, since dehydration is the main culprit behind symptoms. Eat a light meal with carbohydrates (toast, crackers, fruit) to get your blood sugar back up and settle your stomach. If you can, sleep it off a bit longer; rest helps your body recover. You can also take an ibuprofen or aspirin for headache (avoid acetaminophen), and sip some ginger tea to ease nausea. All these methods together will greatly relieve your hangover. Remember, time is the only true cure – your body needs to metabolize the alcohol – but these steps make the process much more comfortable. Essentially, the best “cure” is taking care of your body: rehydrate, refuel, and rest. In the future, pacing yourself and drinking water between alcoholic drinks can help prevent severe hangovers in the first place.

Q: Do hangover supplements or pills actually work?

A: Hangover supplements can help, but manage your expectations. There’s no magic pill that can completely erase a hangover, according to medical experts. However, the best hangover pills contain ingredients that address various hangover effects and may reduce symptom severity. For example, some include prickly pear extract, which studies show can cut hangover symptoms by reducing inflammation. Others have DHM (dihydromyricetin), a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and liver-supporting benefits that could ease headaches and fatigue. Good formulas also add vitamins (like B-complex and C) and minerals to replenish what alcohol depleted. Many people report feeling better faster when they use these supplements as directed (often before drinking and again after). That said, scientific evidence for most hangover products is still limited or low-quality. They work best as an aid, not an absolute cure. Our advice is to choose supplements with science-backed ingredients (avoid gimmicky “proprietary blends” that don’t disclose what’s in them). A product like Revive Detox & Energy Recovery, which includes proven ingredients like turmeric, ginger, B-vitamins, DHM, and more, is formulated to support your body holistically. It can definitely help you feel more functional. Just remember to still do the basics (hydrate and eat) – and think of supplements as giving you an extra boost, not a free pass to overindulge. If in doubt, consult the product’s info and even your doctor, especially if you have any health conditions.

Q: How can I get rid of a hangover fast?

A: We all wish there was a quick fix! The reality is you can’t snap your fingers and be hangover-free, but you can take steps to feel better faster. Begin as soon as you wake up: drink water right away, and keep sipping fluids steadily (dehydration won’t resolve until you rehydrate). Some people find drinking a big glass of water before sleep (after drinking) significantly lessens their hangover – so that’s a good habit too. Next, have a small snack or breakfast; even a piece of toast or a banana can start restoring blood sugar and electrolytes, which will improve symptoms within an hour or so. If you tolerate it, an over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or aspirin) can quickly reduce headache and aches – you might feel relief in 20-30 minutes after taking it. For nausea, brew some ginger tea or nibble a ginger candy; ginger’s effects against nausea can kick in pretty fast. Caffeine is a toss-up: a small coffee or tea might make you feel more alert in short order, but it won’t actually cure the hangover and could dehydrate you more, so use sparingly. One of the fastest ways people report feeling better is taking a specialized hangover drink or supplement upon waking. Something with electrolytes, vitamins, and herbal boosters (like a packet of electrolyte powder with added B-vitamins, or a dose of Revive supplement) can start working within an hour to perk you up. Finally, if you have the luxury, go back to sleep after hydrating and eating a little – even another 30–60 minutes of snoozing can do wonders so you wake up in a better state. So, while you can’t completely eliminate a hangover instantly, following these steps in tandem will significantly speed up your recovery. Many people find that by early afternoon they’re feeling much better if they’ve hydrated and refueled in the morning.

Q: How long does a hangover usually last?

A: It can feel like forever, but most hangovers last about 12 to 24 hours. The duration and intensity depend on how much you drank, your body chemistry, and other factors. Generally, as your body processes the alcohol and clears the toxic byproducts (like acetaldehyde), you’ll gradually improve. Mayo Clinic notes that hangover symptoms typically go away within a day (24 hours) at most. The worst of it is often in the morning and it tends to subside as the day goes on – especially if you’re doing the right things to help yourself recover. If you drank a lot or didn’t sleep, you might feel some effects in the late afternoon or evening. On the other hand, mild hangovers can resolve in just a few hours with rest and hydration. If your hangover lasts more than a day or you still feel extremely bad after 24 hours, it might be something more serious (or you could be dehydrated enough to need medical attention). For example, severe vomiting or diarrhea can lead to prolonged dehydration that needs IV fluids. But in the typical case, you can expect to be back to normal by the next day. Keep in mind, factors like taking care of yourself, drinking water, and eating can shorten the perceived length of the hangover. Also, as we age, hangovers can hit harder and last longer (unfortunately). So that one-day rule is an average for a healthy adult. The bottom line: hang in there, because relief is usually on the horizon within 24 hours. If you’re proactive with the cures we discussed, you’ll weather it as swiftly as possible. And hopefully, you’ll also pick up a few habits to make your next celebration a bit kinder on your body!

Q: Should I “hair of the dog” or drink more alcohol to cure a hangover?

A: In a word: no. The “hair of the dog” method – having another alcoholic drink in the morning to ease your hangover – is one of those enduring myths that doesn’t truly solve anything. While a morning drink might temporarily make you feel slightly better, it’s only because you’re delaying the withdrawal from alcohol. You’re essentially pushing off the hangover later, and often, it’ll hit even harder when it does. Medical experts universally advise against this approach. As Harvard Health explains, taking another drink just perpetuates the cycle and doesn’t let your body recover. The Cleveland Clinic likewise warns that “more toxins is not the solution for excess toxins” – you’re just adding to the burden on your body. Moreover, starting to drink in the morning can be risky behavior and could lead to unhealthy dependence. The best thing to do instead of reaching for a mimosa or Bloody Mary is to reach for water or a sports drink. Rehydrate, get some nutrients in you, and if you need something “hairy,” maybe make it a strong cup of coffee (which, as we discussed, has its own pros and cons, but at least isn’t adding more alcohol to your system!). In short, resist the hair of the dog. It’s a quick fix that isn’t actually fixing anything – your poor liver and brain will have to deal with that alcohol eventually. Give them a break. You’ll recover faster by abstaining from alcohol, not adding more. If you absolutely must have some sort of ritual drink in the morning, make it a virgin mocktail packed with electrolytes or a soothing herbal tonic. Your body will thank you later.