Doctors reveal foods that can help alleviate hangover symptoms after January 1st.

Recovering from a New Year’s hangover is not just about replenishing the body’s strength, but also about avoiding foods and habits that can worsen the effects of heavy drinking. Doctors believe our diet contains enough foods that can either exacerbate or alleviate a hangover, as reported by New York Post.

Certified dietitian Stephanie Schiff from Northwell Huntington Hospital discusses some beneficial dietary options and warns against others. Dehydration and the loss of essential minerals like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium can intensify symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, making the morning after heavy drinking particularly tough.

To aid recovery, Schiff recommends starting with water while drinking and replenishing fluids afterward with options like coconut water or electrolyte drinks rich in the missing minerals.

Foods like bananas, avocados, ginger, and white toast can be especially helpful for hangovers. Bananas help restore potassium levels, aid digestion, and provide a quick energy boost due to their natural sugars and B vitamins. Avocados, which contain nearly 15% of the daily potassium requirement per serving, stabilize blood sugar and promote satiety, helping to ease nausea. Ginger, known for its anti-nausea properties, can be consumed fresh, dried, or as tea to soothe the stomach. White toast contains simple carbohydrates that are easily digestible, combating nausea while also raising blood sugar levels.

Schiff emphasizes that while no single food is a magic cure for a hangover, these options can significantly alleviate its symptoms. Conversely, she advises against consuming fried, fatty, or spicy foods, as they can irritate the stomach and slow digestion. Coffee, although a common way to "wake up," acts as a diuretic, similar to alcohol, and can worsen dehydration.

Similarly, contrary to the stereotype of "fighting fire with fire," having another alcoholic drink will only further burden the liver, which is already processing the toxins from the previous night. As an additional measure against hangovers, recent studies highlight the role of hydration in maintaining cognitive functions during recovery from alcohol consumption. For instance, research published in the International Journal of Research and Public Health found that even mild dehydration can impair concentration and increase irritability, underscoring the importance of consuming fluids to restore balance.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.