Party hangover remedies that actually help

Woke up after a party feeling rough? A pounding head, nausea, and zero energy don’t have to ruin your day. Hangovers are mainly dehydration, low blood sugar, and inflammation — so the fastest relief targets those issues. Read on for quick, safe fixes you can use right now and tips to avoid the worst of it next time.

Quick fixes that actually work

Drink fluids slowly and steadily. Plain water helps, but you’ll feel better faster with an electrolyte drink or oral rehydration solution. If sports drinks feel too sweet, mix water with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fruit juice.

Eat something light but nourishing. A banana fixes low potassium, toast or crackers settle the stomach, and eggs deliver protein to help restore energy. Avoid greasy food if you’re nauseous — bland is safer until your stomach calms down.

Use over‑the‑counter pain relievers wisely. Ibuprofen or naproxen can ease headache and muscle aches; take with food to protect your stomach. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) after heavy drinking — combined with alcohol it can stress the liver.

Tame nausea with ginger or OTC motion‑sickness meds. Fresh ginger tea or ginger candies often help. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can reduce vomiting and dizziness, but read directions and avoid mixing with lots of alcohol or sedatives.

Rest and move slowly. Sleep is one of the best recovery tools. Gentle walking or light stretching gets circulation going without making nausea worse. Give your body time to clear the toxins.

Simple natural aids and supplements

Peppermint tea or sucking a mint can soothe a queasy stomach. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C may help energy and recovery for some people; they aren’t a miracle cure but they’re low risk. N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) is discussed often for alcohol support — talk to your doctor before trying it, especially if you take other meds.

Skip the “hair of the dog” trick. Having more alcohol can ease symptoms briefly but prolongs dehydration and delays real recovery.

Keep caffeine light. A small coffee can boost alertness, but too much makes dehydration and anxiety worse.

If you vomit a lot or can’t keep fluids down, try small sips of broth or an electrolyte popsicle. The goal is steady, tiny amounts rather than gulping, which can trigger more nausea.

When to seek medical help: get immediate care for severe confusion, fainting, very fast breathing, blue lips, seizures, or continuous vomiting — these can signal alcohol poisoning or dehydration that needs professional treatment.

Prevention tip: drink water during the night, eat before drinking, pace your drinks, and avoid mixing lots of sugary cocktails. A few simple choices the night before save you a rough morning.

Feel better soon — and next time try a glass of water between cocktails. Your future self will thank you.