In a few hours, many of us will be waking up after a night of heavy partying and, perhaps, heavy drinking. There are many “cures” for the common hangover, but the only real cure is time and rest. In the meantime, you can try these foods and beverages to ease the transition back your normal self (I write this from my own experience, though I did browse to get some ideas and check some facts. You can check some of the sources here and here)
Photo courtesy Timothy K. Hamilton, Creativity+ Photography
1. Water.
The biggest reason why people have hangovers is because people are dehydrated. Alcohol is a natural diuretic, meaning you expel more liquid than you consume. Unfortunately, your brain needs hydration to function properly, and alcohol robs you of this important source of hydration. If you plan on drinking tonight, have several ounces of water before you go to bed and a tall glass first thing when you wake up.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup is the jack of all trade in the food world. You feel better when you’re sick and you have a bowl. So, too, will you feel better when you’re hung over. Why? First, the soup hydrates you. Second, food coats your stomach, which is already irritated from all that firewater you consumed last night. Plus, who doesn’t feel better after a steamy bowl of yummy goodness?
3. Gatorade, Powerade, or some other sports drink.
This is very similar to water, because of replenishing your body’s liquid stores. But, sports drinks are particularly useful if you got a little sick. When you up-chuck, you mess up your body’s natural balance of salts and minerals. Sports drinks replenish these important nutrients and restore the natural salt balances in your body.
4. Bananas.
Like with sports drinks, this all purpose fruit has several minerals that your body needs, particularly after taking a pounding the night before. Like with chicken noodle soup, eating a banana will coat your stomach and lessen the effects of any irritation.
5. A big, juicy, greasy burger and french fries.
Okay, so this flies in the face of conventional wisdom that says when you eat after a night of heavy drinking, to eat bland foods. But, often times, after my stomach has had a few hours to wake up after my brain does, this is the only thing I crave. The reason it works probably has to do with the starch in the bun and the potatoes, but I like to think the grease soaks up any remaining alcohol in your stomach. Regardless, this has always worked for me, so I’m recommending it to you.
Hopefully, you had fun last night, or will have fun tonight! Hopefully these tips will help you recover more quickly. I’d love to hear what else works for you in the comments–I might need them myself 
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