Tricks to Cure a Hangover Naturally

Load up on B vitamins

Alcohol depletes B vitamins from your system, which can make you feel worse the next day, explains Boston-based nutritionist Dana Greene, RD. Taking a 50 milligram B complex vitamin before you start drinking and another one, while you’re drinking, may help lessen or even your hangover in the morning. “The keyword here is may,” she adds. Also, here’s why you should talk to your doctor before taking vitamins.

Stick to clear spirits

Darker liquors contain higher amounts of toxic substances called congeners, which contribute to hangovers, Greene says. Consider vodka or gin cocktails instead of rum or whiskey to avoid the hangover in the first place. “Of course, the best way to prevent a hangover is not to overdo it,” she says. Check out this list of celebrities who don’t drink alcohol.

Brew some ginger tea to settle your stomach

Ginger is one of the best remedies for settling an upset stomach, which is often a component of a hangover. Drinking ginger ale or munching on slices of fresh or pickled ginger will also ease an upset stomach, Greene says, Check out these surprising benefits of ginger.

Gulp some coconut water

Rehydrating is one of the quickest ways to feel better after a hard night at the bar, and one cup of this refreshing liquid contains more electrolytes than most sports drinks—and more potassium than a banana, Greene says. “If you don’t have coconut water, sip Gatorade to replenish electrolytes and you should also keep drinking plain water, too.”

Try to sweat it out

The simplest way to overcome or cure a hangover is to get any remaining alcohol and toxins out of your system. Soaking in a hot bath or shower will help your body rid itself of nasty toxins that are making you feel worse. Be careful not to overdo it, though—and drink a cold glass of water while soaking to avoid further dehydration, Greene says.

Eat a banana

Low levels of potassium leave you feeling weak, and can cause muscle cramps and soreness, and bananas are packed with potassium, which should help replace the minerals and electrolytes that your body lost while drinking, Greene says.  It won’t further upset your stomach, she says. Bananas are part of the BRAT diet which is recommended for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. BRAT is an acronym for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast, she says. See all the other benefits of bananas.

Drink some tomato juice

Tomato juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that are lost after a long night of drinking, Greene says. It also contains fructose, which aids in metabolizing alcohol that is still in your system. And as far as juice goes, tomato juice is one of the good guys. Check out all the health benefits of tomatoes.

Sip something fermented

Fermented foods contain healthy bacteria that can help an irritated tummy feel good as new. One example? Miso soup, which rehydrates your body with water, sodium, and other nutrients that were depleted through the diuretic effect of alcohol, Greene says. Other fermented foods that are known for their hangover relieving or curing qualities include sauerkraut and kombachu, a fermented drink of sweetened black or green tea. Fermented foods are also good for your vagina.

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Sleep it off

Sometimes sleeping it off is the best way to cure a hangover, Greene says, again stressing that not drinking too much is the best way to avoid feeling hungover.  “If you can sleep in, go for it,” she says. “If you can’t, you may think twice before tying on one next time if you know you have a full day ahead of you.” See all the ways your diet may be ruining your sleep.

Next, read what you need to know about alcohol and blood sugar.