How to Get Rid of a Hangover Headache

We’ve all been there: One too many drinks the night before, and now you’re left with a hammering headache that seems to be jamming a drum solo in your head. Hangover headache—one of the most dreaded side effects of a night out – is one that leaves you searching for a cure for hangover headaches. But don’t worry! Whether you need a quick fix for a hangover headache or a trusted hangover headache home remedy, we’ve got your back. This guide will discuss exactly what causes a hangover headache, look at the most effective solutions, and provide tips to help ease the ache. So, pour yourself a glass of water (it’s a must; you’ll need it), and let’s get into the most effective ways to tackle those pounding headaches after a crazy night drinking alcohol.

What Causes a Hangover Headache?

Why does your head throb after a night of drinking? One of the primary reasons is dehydration and a toxic by-product called acetaldehyde. Alcohol is a diuretic: it causes you to urinate more frequently, resulting in fluid loss [1]. When there is fluid loss from the body, there is a shrinkage of the body's cells. And the brain does not take this lightly, and it shows its displeasure through a splitting headache after drinking alcohol. And acetaldehyde is one of those nasties that is toxic to our body by causing various kinds of damage [2]. It's highly recommended you stay away from it!

But that’s not all! Some alcohols have congeners — chemical by-products of the fermentation process that can intensify the hangover and headache after alcohol [1]. Darker liquors such as whiskey and red wine, are known for worsening your hangover headaches [3]. So, if you wake up with a brutal alcohol headache, blame dehydration and those pesky congeners.

Possible Remedies

Now that we know what causes your head to throb, let’s discuss the best remedies for a hangover headache after drinking. Here are some best practices:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes us urinate more. Also, a heavy night of drinking, which leads to hangovers, can make us sweat a lot and possibly even vomit. In such situations, this water loss is accompanied by a loss of electrolytes as well [1].

So, while dealing with hangovers, keep hydration at the top of your priority list. Drinking lots of water, preferably with electrolytes, can help restore these lost minerals, helping you recuperate better!

Breakfast — Have Your Healthy Fuel

The food you consume before and during a night of drinking is a key factor in how soon you heal. Many studies have shown that consuming food before and during booze night of booze can help reduce hangover severity [4].

Use a Home Remedy for a Hangover Headache

If you are a fan of natural remedies, ginger tea, Korean pears, ginseng, and herbal tea can work wonders [5]. These are said to balance electrolytes and quell nausea. Include these in your post-alcohol morning meal and watch your hangover leave you faster than it hit you!

Tips to Ease the Pain

Need more tips to ease the intense pain of hangover headaches? Here are a few additional tips to help with hangover headaches to speed your recovery.

Get Some Rest

Your body requires time to get over the hangover. Alcohol can throw the normal functioning of the body off in many ways. The most preferred form of tackling for the body is rest and sleep. While excess alcohol in the system can cause disturbed sleep, try to indulge in another nap to help recover better and faster [1].

Choose the Right Fluids to Rehydrate

Plain water is fine, but electrolyte beverages replenish lost minerals more quickly.

Avoid Caffeine Overload

Coffee can be very tempting to “wake” us up [6]. But resist the urge to down a whole mug of coffee! Coffee can mess with the body’s flow of breaking down alcohol. This means, *drum rolls* a longer hangover, which sounds tiring even when sober. Choose hydrating fruit juices or just plain water instead.

Hair of the Dog? No, thank you!

Many people think that drinking a small amount of alcohol the morning after heavy drinking (a.k.a. “hair of the dog”) is a way to cure hangovers and headaches. But, in reality, it can be symptoms of a hangover and prolong it further [1]. We recommend good sleep and better hydration for the best you the next day!

Conclusion

Hangover headaches are the worst, but they don’t need to ruin your whole day. Understanding the causes helps you take appropriate steps toward recovery. Whether that’s drinking more water, eating a balanced meal, or using a home remedy for a hangover headache, you now have plenty of tools in your toolkit to find some relief from that pounding headache after alcohol.

Knowing one’s alcohol tolerance and preference will help us drink better, at a slower pace. But if a rare night of indulgence got the better of you, this guide will be in your arsenal and help you get rid of the headache in no time!

FAQs

• How long do hangover headaches last?
  A hangover headache typically lasts from 8 to 24 hours, depending on how much booze you gulped, how dehydrated you are, and your steps for recovery. [1]. Getting adequate rest, proper hydration and healthy meals can help shorten its duration.
• Can you sleep off a hangover headache?
  Partially! Sleep helps your body repair itself and can considerably reduce the intensity of a hangover headache. For best results, ensure that you’re well-hydrated before and after sleep.
  
• Why is my hangover headache so bad?
  Dehydration, especially on an empty stomach, coupled with drinks with high levels of congeners (whiskey or red wine), can worsen a hangover headache. The lack of food and fluid consumption the previous night also intensifies hangover headaches.
• How do you get rid of a hangover headache fast?
  In short, the most effective way to alleviate a hangover headache is to hydrate, take electrolytes, eat a nutritious meal, and rest.
  

Now, nurse that headache by hitting the snooze button, drinking a glass of electrolyte-rich water, and adding one stick of Liquid I.V.™ Hydration Multiplier to 500 ml of water, and gradually getting better!