As the holiday season rolls in, gatherings—whether at the office, with family, or on New Year’s Eve—often lead to overindulgence and, inevitably, hangovers the following day. Social media is swirling with various hangover cures, ranging from greasy breakfasts to unusual “dog hair” cocktails, but experts argue that most of these remedies miss the mark when it comes to how our bodies actually handle alcohol.
Dr. Hilary Lin, an internist based in New York City, shares that, “Most hangover ‘cures’ fail because they treat the liver like a sponge rather than a chemical processing factory.” This seems to encapsulate the problem quite well.
The National Institutes of Health defines a hangover as the body’s reaction to the toxic byproducts produced during alcohol metabolism. Unfortunately, experts are clear: there aren’t any miraculous quick-fixes available.
“You can’t biohack a hangover once it starts,” Lin adds with a touch of frustration.
Experts have taken the time to debunk several common myths about hangover remedies:
1. “Dog hair”
Using “dog hair” as a remedy or opting for another round of drinks will simply worsens symptoms, according to Lin. While it might dull the pain momentarily, it ultimately adds to the burden on the liver. Alexa Ryan, a neurotherapist and clinical nutritionist from California, emphasizes that it doesn’t tackle dehydration, inflammation, or the toxic byproducts of alcohol.
Ian Anderson, co-founder of the mindful drinking app Sunnyside, warns that combining smoking with drinking can heighten hangover severity and impair cognitive function.
2. Greasy breakfast
Reaching for a hefty breakfast believing it might absorb the alcohol only prolongs discomfort. Lin points out that by the time you wake up, the alcohol is long gone from your stomach. “There’s literally nothing left to ‘soak’,” she adds.
Experts recommend focusing on eating before drinking to slow ethanol absorption. While certain foods like eggs and bananas might help with recovery, it’s worth noting that scientific backing is limited.
3. Coffee or lemon water
Many people turn to coffee or lemon water thinking they’ll detox, but that’s simply not how it works. By hangover time, your body has already transformed alcohol into acetaldehyde—a toxic substance that can wreak havoc on your well-being.
Ryan states, “Coffee and lemon juice don’t accelerate alcohol metabolism,” which is an important clarification. Further, Anderson notes that coffee can exacerbate dehydration, leaving you feeling worse.
4. Patches or supplements
Not all patches and supplements are on equal footing. Most don’t work fast enough to be effective for hangovers. However, some emerging probiotics may break down acetaldehyde in the intestines before it gets into the bloodstream, which could be a game changer. A quality electrolyte drink before bed is also recommended.
5. Sweaty exercise
Contrary to popular belief, exercising won’t speed up alcohol elimination from your body; that’s the liver’s job. “You can’t excrete alcohol through sweat,” Ryan declares. Working out while hungover can worsen dehydration and dizziness, adding unnecessary stress to your system.
No quick solution
In the end, experts agree there’s no magic remedy for hangovers. The best prevention is straightforward: drink less and avoid binge drinking. For reference, the CDC classifies binge drinking as five or more drinks for men and four or more for women in a single session.
To mitigate hangover effects, Anderson suggests alternating alcoholic drinks with water. Still, it’s essential to recognize that no alcohol consumption is entirely risk-free, as even slight amounts can elevate cancer risks.
If you find yourself in the aftermath of festivities, the best approach is simple: rest, hydrate, and allow time for recovery. “Prioritize fluids with electrolytes, eat small balanced meals, and give your liver the necessary time to detox,” Ryan concludes.
