Ah, the dreaded hangover. You wake up with a pounding headache, a mouth that feels like a desert, and a queasy stomach that won't let up. It's enough to make you swear off drinking forever until the weekend rolls. And, you think you have a cure: coffee.
Coffee is commonly idealized to treat hangovers, but is it effective? And more importantly, is it safe? Let's take a closer look at the science behind coffee and hangovers.
First things first: why do we get hangovers in the first place?
The answer is simple: When you drink, your liver breaks down the alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can cause headaches, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. After a night of extreme alcohol consumption, your body will likely attempt to eliminate the acetaldehyde by making numerous trips to the restroom.
Now back to coffee
Coffee is widely recommended as a hangover treatment because it contains caffeine, a stimulant that can help with some hangover symptoms.
Caffeine is a natural diuretic, so it may cause you to urinate more and perhaps assist your body in eliminating certain toxic substances. It can also help alleviate headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain.
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But there are downsides too
However, there are some downsides to drinking coffee when you're hungover. Caffeine is a stimulant, so if you're already dehydrated, it might only make you more so.
It can make your hangover worse in the long run. Additionally, caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety, and even heart palpitations in some people, which is the last thing you want when you're already feeling lousy.
Also Check: How to Tell If Your 'Hanxiety' (Hangover Anxiety) Could Be A Problem?
So, what's the verdict? Is it safe to drink coffee when you're hungover?
The answer is...it depends. If you're only experiencing mild hangover symptoms and you're not too dehydrated, a cup of coffee might help perk you up and alleviate some of your symptoms. If you are already dehydrated, it is best to avoid coffee and instead use the remedies listed below.
Other remedies that might help reduce hangover
Here are some hangover remedies that can help alleviate symptoms besides coffee:
- Drink water: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration. Drinking water can help rehydrate the body and reduce the severity of a hangover.
- Drink herbal tea: Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can help soothe an upset stomach and promote relaxation. [ Check This Out: Caffeine Free Herbal Tea ]
- Replenish electrolytes: Drinking sports drinks or coconut water can help replenish electrolytes lost during alcohol consumption.
- Get some rest: Resting and sleeping can help the body recover from a hangover.
- Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate a headache or body aches associated with a hangover.
- Try ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with a hangover. You can 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 the body. [Check This Out: The Best Foods To Cure A Hangover]
Wrapping it up
Ultimately, the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink responsibly and stay hydrated throughout the night. But if you do find yourself nursing a hangover, a cup of coffee might provide some temporary relief. Just be sure to listen to your body and don't overdo it. And always remember: moderation is key when it comes to alcohol and caffeine.
