10 ways to ward off a killer hangover: Foods & drinks to try (and avoid)

A fun night out can quickly turn into a regrettable morning if you don’t take the proper precautions. Hangovers, with their pounding headaches and queasy stomachs, are no one’s idea of a good time. The good news? You can minimize your chances of suffering the next day by following some simple tips.

Dealing with a hangover doesn’t have to feel like a battle. Eating and drinking the right things can prevent or alleviate symptoms, while avoiding the wrong ones can save you from making it worse. Here are 10 effective foods and drinks, plus some to steer clear of.

What to eat and drink

Bananas
Have one on its own or add it to your morning smoothie or oatmeal for an energy boost. Rich in potassium, they help restore electrolytes lost through alcohol consumption.

Eggs
Scramble, fry, or boil them, and enjoy them with whole-grain toast or avocado for a filling meal. Eggs are high in cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxin produced when the body processes alcohol.

Avocado
Mash them on toast, mix them into a smoothie, or simply slice and eat as a side dish. Full of healthy fats and potassium, avocados help replenish electrolytes and provide stomach-soothing properties.

Oatmeal
Make a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits like bananas or berries for added nutrients and hydration. Oats are rich in fibre and slow-releasing carbs that help regulate blood sugar levels.

Chicken or bone broth
Sip on a warm cup of broth as a light meal or snack, especially if you’re feeling nauseous or too weak for solid foods. These broths are hydrating and rich in electrolytes, plus they contain amino acids that support liver function.

Watermelon
Enjoy chilled, sliced watermelon or blend it into a refreshing smoothie to hydrate while soothing your stomach. High in water content, watermelon helps rehydrate and replenish natural sugars for a quick energy boost.

Ginger tea
Brew a cup of fresh ginger tea or add grated ginger to hot water with honey for soothing relief. Ginger helps calm nausea and reduce stomach upset, making it a great hangover remedy.

Coconut water
Drink a glass of coconut water first thing in the morning or throughout the day to keep hydration levels up. Packed with electrolytes, coconut water is a natural alternative to sports drinks that rehydrates and replenishes lost minerals.

Honey
Swirl a spoonful of honey into warm tea, spread it on toast, or eat it directly from the spoon for quick relief. Honey contains fructose, which helps metabolize alcohol faster and stabilize blood sugar.

Tomato juice
Drink a glass of fresh tomato juice or blend it into a smoothie with some lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Full of antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, tomato juice helps restore nutrients and aids liver function.

What to avoid

Greasy fast food
Skip greasy burgers and fries, and opt for something light and easily digestible like a smoothie or soup. High-fat foods can irritate your stomach and worsen nausea.

Sugary drinks and snacks
Stay away from sugary sodas, juices, or candies. Stick to water, coconut water, or natural fruit juices instead. Sugar exacerbates dehydration and leads to blood sugar crashes, making hangovers worse.

How to Avoid:

Caffeinated drinks
Skip the coffee and opt for herbal teas like ginger or peppermint that are gentler on the stomach. Caffeine can dehydrate you further and irritate your stomach lining, increasing the hangover symptoms.

Alcohol
Resist the temptation to "cure" your hangover with more alcohol. Focus on hydration and nutrient-rich foods instead. Drinking more alcohol may temporarily mask symptoms but will prolong dehydration and make your hangover worse.

Pro tip: Plan ahead
To prevent a hangover, focus on hydration and nutrient-dense foods before and during drinking. Keep some of these recovery-friendly foods and drinks handy for the next morning to bounce back quickly.