How to Get Rid of a Hangover + 9 Home Remedies

If you’ve ever spent an evening overindulging in alcohol, chances are you’ve experienced the group of unpleasant symptoms known as a hangover. Headaches, nausea, vertigo and abdominal pain are just a few of the troublesome symptoms associated with consuming alcohol to excess. When you awaken, your first thoughts may center around how to get rid of a hangover and if there is a magic cure!

There is no magic cure, but there are natural hangover remedies that will help lessen some of the symptoms.

The challenge with finding a cure for a hangover is that there are so many underlying processes affected by alcohol. Dehydration, low blood sugar and exhaustion stem from separate issues. Dehydration comes from excess urine production, the alcohol causes low blood sugar, and a lack of food and exhaustion are brought on by poor sleep quality.

That’s why multiple natural hangover remedies must be employed. Of course, the best way to never have to wonder how to get rid of a hangover is to never drink alcohol in excess.

Binge drinking, common on college campuses, can lead not only to hangovers, but to a serious, life-threatening condition known as alcohol poisoning. If you ever see anyone experience a loss of consciousness or turn blue after drinking, call 911 immediately.

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What is a hangover?

A hangover is a group of symptoms that develop after drinking too much alcohol. The more alcohol you consume, the more likely you are to experience a hangover.

While symptoms typically abate within 12 hours, they can last up to 24 hours, and finding out how to get rid of a hangover becomes more and more critical.

Hangover symptoms actually begin as blood alcohol levels start to drop, meaning after you’ve had your last drink. And they continue to worsen, reaching their most intense when blood alcohol levels return to zero.

Hangover symptoms

Everyone experiences a hangover differently. Symptoms depend on your personal chemistry, the amount of alcohol consumed, food in your system and other factors.

Each person is different and must learn personal symptoms and strategies for how to get rid of a hangover. Common symptoms of a hangover include:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Rolling stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration and excessive thirst
• Poor concentration
• Poor balance
• Poor memory
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Vertigo
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Excessive sweating or clamminess

Causes and risk factors

Of course, the basic cause of a hangover is drinking too much, but there are other factors that also play a role, such as:

• Consuming excess alcohol
• Drinking on an empty stomach
• Drinking darker-colored alcoholic beverages like bourbon, scotch, tequila, brandy, dark beer or red wine
• Alcohol causes the body to produce more urine, which causes dehydration
• Drinking interferes with brain activity during sleep, causing exhaustion
• Drinking scrambles hormones that regulate biological clocks

Dangers of a hangover

Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly on a regular basis, can lead to alcoholism, liver disease and a wide range of other severe health conditions. However, the real danger is when symptoms are mistaken for being drunk or hungover when they are really a sign of a life-threatening condition called alcohol poisoning.

Signs of alcohol poisoning include:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow breathing
• Irregular breathing
• Blue-tinged skin
• Pale skin
• Low body temperature
• Unconsciousness and can’t be awakened

If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence.

In addition, hangovers often cause sufferers to miss work and school and not perform optimally. As poor balance and vertigo are common symptoms while blood alcohol levels are dropping, falls and accidents are also dangers.

How to get rid of a hangover

When considering how to get rid of a hangover, it is important to address all of the underlying issues causing the symptoms. Dehydration, low blood sugar, exhaustion and digestive upset all require different treatments.

Use the following hangover home remedies in concert with one another for best results. Without ado, here are some natural ways for how to get rid of a hangover.

1. Magnesium

For a headache, taking magnesium may help relieve the pressure and the pain.

If you regularly drink alcohol or have diabetes, you may have a magnesium deficiency. In that case, before going to bed, take magnesium, and then when you awake, take another dose to prevent a headache from occurring.

2. Coconut water

Dehydration from excessive urine production and vomiting requires drinking plenty of liquids. Research shows that for some people coconut water is easier to consume than plain water or sports drinks and is not associated with nausea or stomach upset.

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Coconut water is high in electrolytes, including potassium, which your body sorely needs after overindulging in alcoholic beverages.

Other electrolyte drinks that can help when it comes to how to get rid of a hangover include:

• Mineral water
• Milk
• Watermelon juice
• Pickle juice

3. Ginger tea

To settle the stomach and stave off vomiting, sip ginger root tea sweetened with just a touch of raw honey. In addition to helping with digestive upset, it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which are adversely affected by alcohol consumption and poor eating.

4. Eggs

Eating eggs for breakfast may just help your body release the aftereffects of the alcohol that lurk in your system. In fact, eggs contain L-cysteine, an amino acid that is responsible for breaking down toxins and releasing them.

Of course, they are also a great source of protein and will help you rebuild energy reserves.

5. Complex carbohydrates

As drinking alcohol lowers blood sugar in many people, boosting energy with healthy carbs may help relieve hangover symptoms.

Sweet potatoes are a perfect choice. They are loaded with beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

For brunch when nursing a hangover, have a couple of eggs alongside this nutrient-dense and satisfying sweet potato hash.

6. Vitamin B6

Decades ago a study found that taking 1,200 milligrams of vitamin B6 before, during and after drinking is associated with fewer hangover symptoms, and today vitamin B6 is still associated with being an effective treatment.

However, high doses of vitamin B6 can interact with prescription medications, including antidepressants, antibiotics, certain asthma drugs, medications for high blood pressure or tuberculosis, and chemotherapy drugs. Before taking vitamin B6, speak to your doctor if you take any of these medications.

7. Bone broth

For an upset stomach and to help restore electrolyte balance, sipping on bone broth can help relieve hangover symptoms. A bonus is that it contains minerals that are easy to absorb.

Select a high-quality bone broth from grass-fed beef, or make your own in the days before you know you may overindulge on alcohol.

8. Milk thistle

Used for thousands of years because of its ability to draw out toxins and support liver health, milk thistle can help relieve common symptoms, including indigestion and digestive distress, while supporting healthy liver function, according to researchers.

To support healthy liver function take 50 to 100 milligrams daily.

9. Siberian ginseng

For nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and tiredness, take Siberian ginseng. According to a study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology, Siberian ginseng has been shown to provide significant improvement of some hangover symptoms.

If you are taking drugs for diabetes or depression or a blood thinner such as warfarin, do not take ginseng, as it may interact with these medications.

Quick tips for how to get rid of a hangover

DO:

• Rehydrate.
• Eat a healthy meal with protein and complex carbohydrates.
• Replenish electrolytes by drinking kefir, drinking coconut water or eating fresh watermelon.
• Take a nap.
• Take a walk, or go to the gym.
• Call 911 if you see someone who is unconscious after drinking.

DON’T:

• Drive or operate machinery or tools, as balance and coordination are diminished.
• Rehydrate with conventional sports drinks.
• Load up on a heavy, greasy meal.

Hangover prevention strategies

1. Don’t smoke while drinking. Nicotine and alcohol together can increase hangover symptoms.
2. Have a glass of water (or other non-alcoholic drink) in between each alcoholic drink consumed.
3. Drink a large glass of water before going to bed.
4. Eat while you are drinking. Food in your stomach reduces how high your peak blood alcohol concentration can get. While tempting, don’t gorge on typical bar food. Instead opt for high-protein foods and complex carbohydrates to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
5. Take a prickly pear supplement four hours before drinking. In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, participants received either a placebo or a prickly pear supplement prior to dinner and drinking. The results show that those who took the prickly pear supplement had less severe hangovers. In the following weeks, the same groups were tested again. This time the original placebo group got the prickly pear and the prickly pear group received the placebo. The findings remained constant: Prickly pear recipients experienced fewer hangover symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

What causes a hangover?

A hangover is caused by several factors, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, inflammation, low blood sugar and the buildup of toxic alcohol byproducts, such as acetaldehyde. Alcohol also disrupts sleep quality and stresses the liver, which can intensify hangover symptoms the next day. The more alcohol consumed, especially sugary or dark liquors, the more severe a hangover may feel.

How long does a hangover last?

Most hangovers last between eight and 24 hours, though symptoms can linger up to 48 hours after heavy drinking. The duration depends on how much alcohol was consumed, hydration levels, sleep quality and overall liver function. As the body metabolizes alcohol and restores balance, hangover symptoms gradually fade.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a hangover?

The fastest way to get rid of a hangover is to rehydrate aggressively, replenish electrolytes, eat nutrient-dense foods and rest. Drinking water, coconut water or an electrolyte beverage helps counter dehydration, while foods with protein, potassium and B vitamins support recovery. Light movement and exposure to fresh air may also help reduce fatigue and brain fog.

Does drinking water cure a hangover?

Drinking water won’t instantly cure a hangover, but it is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluid loss that contributes to headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Consistent hydration helps your body flush alcohol byproducts and supports faster recovery.

What foods help with a hangover?

The best hangover foods include eggs, bananas, oatmeal, bone broth, yogurt and toast. Eggs provide cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde, while bananas replenish potassium. Broths and soups restore sodium and fluids, easing nausea and weakness.

Can coffee help a hangover?

Coffee may temporarily improve alertness, but it does not get rid of a hangover and may worsen dehydration or anxiety for some people. Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, which may briefly relieve headaches but also increase jitteriness. If you drink coffee, pair it with plenty of water.

Do pain relievers help with a hangover?

Some over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce headache or muscle aches, but they should be used cautiously. Acetaminophen can stress the liver when alcohol is still in the system, while NSAIDs may irritate the stomach. Hydration and nutrition should come first when treating a hangover.

Is there a hangover cure?

There is no instant cure for a hangover, but symptoms can be significantly reduced with hydration, electrolyte support, proper nutrition, rest and time. The body needs time to metabolize alcohol and repair inflammation. Prevention, such as pacing drinks and staying hydrated, is the most effective strategy.

Why do some people get worse hangovers than others?

Hangover severity varies based on genetics, body weight, hydration status, liver enzyme activity and drinking habits. People who metabolize alcohol more slowly or drink on an empty stomach may experience stronger symptoms. Sleep deprivation and stress can also make a hangover feel worse.

How can you prevent a hangover?

To prevent a hangover, eat a balanced meal before drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, avoid sugary mixers and stop drinking well before bedtime. Choosing lighter-colored alcohols and getting adequate sleep can also help. Moderation remains the most reliable way to avoid a hangover altogether.

Conclusion

• Hangovers are complex and uncomfortable because alcohol affects multiple systems in the body at once: hydration, blood sugar, sleep quality, digestion and liver function.
• There is no single “magic cure,” but understanding what causes hangover symptoms makes it easier to reduce their severity and recover more quickly.
• Wondering how to get rid of a hangover? Addressing dehydration, replenishing electrolytes, stabilizing blood sugar and supporting the liver are the cornerstones of effective hangover relief.
• Natural strategies such as drinking coconut water, eating protein-rich foods like eggs, consuming complex carbohydrates, and using supportive nutrients like magnesium or vitamin B6 can work together to ease symptoms.
• Gentle movement, rest and time also play essential roles, as the body needs adequate recovery to fully metabolize alcohol and repair inflammation.
• When symptoms are severe or accompanied by warning signs like confusion or unconsciousness, it’s critical to recognize the difference between a hangover and alcohol poisoning and seek emergency help immediately.
• Ultimately, prevention is the most reliable approach.
• Drinking in moderation, eating before and during alcohol consumption, alternating drinks with water, and prioritizing sleep can dramatically reduce the likelihood and intensity of a hangover.
• While occasional overindulgence happens, mindful habits and supportive remedies can help you bounce back faster and protect your long-term health in the process.