Having long been used to overcome headaches associated with hangovers, a new study published in the online science journal PLoS ONE confirms that coffee and aspirin are indeed the best medicine.
Caffeine helps to block the effects of acetate, the main cause of headaches from drinking too much alcohol. They recommend drinking coffee four hours after consuming alcohol, since this is when acetate levels are at their peak.
A hangover often comes with more symptoms than just a pounding headache. There is also usually dehydration, nausea and fatigue-like symptoms that resemble the flu.
For symptoms of nausea, suggested remedies include bananas, coke, coffee, chocolate milk, ginseng, vegemite or peanut butter sandwiches, and cold pizza.
To rehydrate and balance minerals in the body, try 600mg of vitamin C, multivitamins, orange juice, ginseng, tomato, or a raw egg.
Of course, the best way to avoid a hangover is to limit alcohol intake, but if that’s not the case, try to avoid sweet drinks and sip the occasional glass of water to help rehydrate the body.