Buzz
Unless you're under 21 or don’t drink—kudos to you—we’ve all endured that dreadful morning-after feeling. The symptoms of a brutal hangover range from a parched mouth and dizziness to lingering intoxication (depending on when you collapsed versus when you woke up) and an overwhelming sense of nausea.
I can’t explain why we repeatedly put ourselves through this, party after party, or why we accept the aftermath—whether you call it une gueule de bois or la cruda—as a necessary evil. Maybe the thrill of getting “completely wrecked” makes it worthwhile, especially since humanity has devised countless remedies to “fix” it. However, there’s no true cure for a hangover—just a slow, regret-filled recovery process, complete with vows to avoid tequila forever and a desperate need for comfort food.
If you can stomach food while battling a hangover, it’s crucial to choose wisely—and forget about calories for now. While no meal can magically erase a hangover, the right foods can help prevent one and speed up your recovery by replenishing your body. And let’s be honest, nothing hits the spot quite like a greasy cheeseburger after a night of heavy drinking.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 foods that can help you recover from—or even prevent—a hangover.
10. Yogurt
Plain or vanilla yogurt is a soothing option for an unsettled stomach. If you're feeling rough after a night of drinking, a spoonful—or a bowl if you can handle it—can help calm nausea, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce bloating. However, yogurt tends to get mixed reactions.
It really depends on how you feel when you wake up and consider consuming thick, fermented dairy. If you can mentally embrace the benefits of yogurt for a hangover, it’ll work wonders. But if the idea repulses you, it might not end well.
9. Avocado Toast
Why do Millennials love avocado toast so much? Beyond being a trendy dish, the healthy fats from avocado and the carbs from toast are perfect for a hangover. It’s a staple at boozy brunches for good reason. Unlike greasy burgers, the fats in avocados are nutritious and can help restore balance to your stomach and overall system.
Alcohol consumption depletes potassium levels in your body. Potassium is essential for fluid regulation, and a deficiency can cause dizziness, muscle cramps, and overall fatigue. Avocado is packed with potassium, making it a hangover superhero. Get familiar with this nutrient-rich fruit!
If you want to keep it simple with avocado, avoid going all-out with guacamole. Ingredients like onions, cilantro, and citrus might counteract your goals. Instead, opt for a basic avocado mash seasoned with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and just a touch of lime.
8. Bloody Marys
The phrase 'hair of the dog' refers to the idea of drinking more alcohol to alleviate a hangover. Whether you love or hate tomato juice, a Bloody Mary is a classic choice for this method. In recent years, it has evolved into a full meal rather than just a drink.
Tomato juice is thick and filling, and it’s rich in salt to replenish electrolytes, as well as lycopene, which benefits heart health. But let’s talk about the garnishes—restaurants have taken Bloody Marys to the next level. Gone are the days of a simple celery stick. Now, you can find shrimp cocktail, bacon, stuffed olives, and more. One spot in Long Beach, California (The Attic), even serves Bloody Marys topped with a quarter waffle, a fried egg, and a slider.
You’re not limited to vodka for your 'hair of the dog' remedy. Try a Bloody Maria with tequila, a Red Snapper with gin and clamato juice, or a Michelada—a Mexican-inspired beer cocktail with lime and salt (we recommend Modelo). Be cautious with tequila, though, as its high congener content can worsen hangovers. Request a lighter pour of alcohol to stay safe.
7. Bananas
When a hangover makes eating seem impossible, a banana is your best bet. Packed with potassium, bananas help restore your body’s fluid balance. They also contain magnesium, which eases headaches by relaxing blood vessels, and vitamin B6, which, while not a cure, can significantly alleviate hangover symptoms.
You might have heard about B vitamins as a hangover remedy. While they won’t cure a hangover, they’re a fantastic energy source for your body, especially your liver. B1, B2, B3, and B6 provide the energy your liver needs to accelerate the detox process.
6. Lemon Water
While not technically a food, lemon water is a must-have in your hangover recovery toolkit. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, including processing alcohol. Dehydration is another major factor in hangovers, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the kidneys to expel fluids more rapidly.
Both water and lemon aid the liver in breaking down alcohol and rehydrating the body. The antioxidants in lemon peel can activate liver enzymes, and the vitamin C boosts your immune system. While it won’t provide a massive dose of antioxidants, it’s enough to make a difference.
Simply dropping a lemon slice into your water isn’t as effective as squeezing fresh lemon juice into it. For the best results, give that lemon a hearty squeeze.
5. Salmon
Cooking fish while hungover isn’t ideal, and fast-food fish fillets aren’t the answer. Instead, eat salmon before drinking. Packed with essential fatty acids, salmon is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, providing about 50% of your daily recommended intake in a single serving.
Alcohol consumption can lower your B12 levels by hindering the vitamin’s absorption from food. Eating B12-rich foods like salmon before drinking, when no inhibitors are present, can help maintain these levels throughout the night.
Sophisticated folks might recommend pairing your salmon with asparagus. Studies indicate that asparagus can protect liver cells from alcohol-induced damage and reduce inflammation in these cells. While the research was small-scale and conducted on rat cells, the findings suggest potential benefits for humans. After all, animal studies are often a stepping stone to understanding human health.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another excellent pre-drinking option. They’re more nutrient-dense than white potatoes (though sweet potato fries are still fried food). They’re also filling, help stabilize blood sugar, and can curb those wild drunk-food cravings. Surprisingly, sweet potatoes even contain electrolytes, making them a great choice both before and after a night out.
3. Literally Anything
Eating before drinking is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a bread basket, sushi, or a whole Domino’s pizza, having food in your stomach before alcohol gives you a significant advantage. Opt for fatty, salty, and greasy options—this is one time when the American Heart Association’s guidelines can take a backseat (unless you have a medical condition). Just eat something. You’re not in your early 20s anymore; don’t make rookie mistakes.
2. Cheeseburger
We’re wrapping up this list with the iconic cheeseburger! While I can’t vouch for Impossible burger meat, I’d still give it a shot. The combination of protein and fat in a cheeseburger helps absorb alcohol, slowing its impact on your system.
However, the key is to eat the burger before you start drinking, no matter how tempting McDonald’s golden arches might be. Consuming a burger after drinking can upset your stomach, as the grease may irritate it further.
1. Pickles
Pickles aren’t exclusive to pregnant women—they’re a lifesaver for the hungover and overindulgent. While I’m not sure how well someone on the verge of nausea would handle pickles (even during pregnancy, I struggled to balance morning sickness with cravings—yes, I was that cliché), their high salt content helps restore electrolytes. Skip the unappetizing pickleback shots; just eat a plain pickle.
