We all know the morning-after regret of drinking too much the night before. It’s that heavy morning feeling of fatigue, nausea, headaches and dehydration.For many people, the go-to drink of choice when fighting a hangover is a cup of coffee.
Are there any scientific studies that might support using coffee for a hangover cure? Well, there is some evidence that caffeine can give you a much needed energy boost and improved alertness. The most obvious benefit is to make people feel wide awake and have the clarity to make good decision. In addition, coffee contains certain antioxidants which can help to improve the feeling of overall well-being while helping the body to become rehydrated.
However, this doesn’t mean drinking lots of coffee will make your hangover go away. Drinking too much coffee can also contribute to dehydration, which can make your hangover symptoms even worse. In addition, drinking large amounts of coffee can contribute to heightened levels of nausea and anxiety.
It’s generally accepted that the best way to deal with a hangover is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Alcohol affects our bodies in many ways, but something that isn’t always discussed is how alcohol dehydrates us. Dehydration is one of the main causes of a hangover, so experts suggest that drinking one glass of water per alcoholic drink can help to combat dehydration.
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently when it comes to hangovers. Drinking coffee may work for some, but for others it can contribute to their feelings of nausea and exhaustion. Everyone should be mindful of their own body and when it needs rest rather than caffeine.
Therefore, although having a cup of coffee can be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of a hangover in certain people, the best cure is still prevention. Drinking water throughout the night and avoiding sugary drinks can be the best way to protect your body from dehydration and all the other negative effects that come with a hangover, such as increased anxiety levels.
However, it is true that moderate consumption of coffee can help with the drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches that one often feels with a hangover. Simply having a few sips, or even a warm cup of tea, can help to give you that much needed energy. In some cases, drinking coffee in moderation can help to reduce the severity of the hangover.
Impact on Health
Although moderate consumption of coffee can help to reduce the effects of a hangover, it is important to be aware of the long-term impacts of your drinking habits. An overload of coffee consumption can eventually lead to various health problems, including aggravated digestion, increased heart rate and headaches. All too often people overlook the fact that too much caffeine can also increase the risk of an addiction to coffee.
Furthermore, when considering the impact of drinking coffee on a hangover, it’s important to remember that you must also consider the effects of the alcohol as well. For instance, some types of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, are high in sugar content, which can cause a sugar crash and make you feel more tired.
Alcohol also makes it more difficult for your body to absorb electrolytes, which are essential for keeping your muscles functioning and your energy levels up. Without being replenished by foods or drinks such as coffee, your electrolyte levels can remain depleted. This can cause further dehydration and create unwanted headaches.
Therefore, it is important to remember that coffee may give you a short-term energy boost, but it should also be used in moderation and while taking other preventative measures such as drinking plenty of water. It’s best to discuss the side-effects of excessive drinking and caffeine with a doctor or other medical professional.
Alternatives
One way to reduce the effects of a hangover is to find non-alcoholic alternatives that don’t exacerbate dehydration. Drinking sparkling water with flavours can help to cleanse your system and rehydrate your body.
Furthermore, having high protein foods such as nuts, eggs or natural yoghurt can help the body fight off fatigue.
There are also alternatives to caffeine from natural sources. If you’re looking for a non-caffeinated energy boost, drinking ginger or peppermint tea can help to calm the stomach and alleviate some of the symptoms of a hangover. In addition, there are many herbal “hangover remedies” available, such as Kombucha, as well as supplements and vitamins that bode well for many.
Ultimately, different approaches work for different people. Finding what works best for your body and sticking with it is key to protecting your health and maximizing your performance. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works as a natural way to refuel your body and soothe symptoms of a hangover.
Research Insights
A few medical studies have investigated the effects of caffeine on alcohol hangovers, and although the findings are inconclusive, they are worth noting. An experiment conducted by the University of Vermont in 2019 involved 152 participants who completed questionnaires assessing the severity of their hangovers after having consumed various beverages throughout the evening.
The researchers concluded that drinking caffeinated drinks during the night had only a small effect on reducing hangover symptoms the following morning. However, the studies showed that drinking coffee after the alcohol had been consumed could reduce the severity of hangovers in some people.
When considering the results of this study, it is important to keep in mind that the effects of caffeine on a hangover can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, if you do decide to use coffee as a way to counter a hangover, it is important to ensure that you consume it in moderation.
In addition, it’s worth noting that some of the most effective remedies for hangovers don’t involve putting anything into your body. Taking a reminder to get plenty of sleep and an afternoon nap can be just as effective as drinking coffee when it comes to improving how you feel.
Moreover, it is important to remember that drinking coffee with a hangover can have a detrimental effect on your body in the long term, which is why it is important to use it in moderation. Consuming coffee should be a conscious decision, always aiming to stay within appropriate levels that keep your body feeling energized and in peak condition.
Mindset
It is also helpful to bear in mind the impact of mindset and attitude when it comes to dealing with hangovers. People who work at building their mental strength can, to some extent, manage the effects of hangovers.
Having an optimistic outlook can be key to overcoming physical ailments such as hangovers. Positive self-talk and visualization techniques can help people to start the process of recovery, enabling them to take positive steps that help to improve their mental and physical health.
For example, it has been proven that if you start the day after a night out with a positive mindset, it can help to reduce the severity of the hangover. Additionally, keeping hydrated and eating food with a balanced diet can also assist in overcoming physical and mental hangovers faster.
Adopting healthy food and exercise practices prior to a night of drinking can also increase the body’s tolerance to alcohol, allowing those that indulge in alcohol to drink responsibly. For instance, the presence of vitamin B-6 in an individual’s diet can help to reduce the toxins that build up in the body that are associated with heavy drinking.
Furthermore, making sure you maintain important personal boundaries and practice self-care can help to combat the repurcussions of drinking alcohol. Taking time to relax, refocus and reflect can help to create a more positive attitude towards a hangover.
