Buzz
Some folk remedies are effective in relieving the discomfort caused by a hangover, which can feel almost like a prank played on you by friends. In the past, people had no better remedies, and sometimes no pharmacy nearby. Fortunately, there are gentle remedies that can really help you feel better and ease nausea and indigestion in the morning.
Steps to follow
Use drinks that soothe the stomach
Water, broths, sports drinks, or ginger tea can be helpful. The nausea and mild stomach pain following a night of drinking are usually due to irritation of the stomach lining and excess acid. The following drinks can help return your stomach to normal:
- Plain water is often sufficient and works effectively without needing anything else. Sip it slowly, in small amounts as needed.
- Vegetable broths or isotonic sports drinks can address multiple issues at once by replenishing salts in your body.
- Ginger tea is a folk remedy supported by scientific evidence, though some people may unfortunately experience the opposite effect.
Nibble on some bland carbohydrates
Plain bread or crackers can help you recover. These foods stabilize the stomach and help your body stop shaking and prevent energy loss due to low blood sugar. It is best to eat slowly to avoid nausea or vomiting.
Drink carbonated water or sugary beverages only when needed for nausea and acid reflux
These drinks may help with nausea, although they can also make your stomach ache worse. Carbonated water is a home remedy many people use to treat nausea and acid reflux, but it can sometimes aggravate indigestion and stomach pain. Similarly, the sugar in fruit juices or sodas can help soothe your stomach and other hangover symptoms, but it’s best to avoid drinking them if your stomach hurts.
- Carbonated water, especially soda, can be quite acidic. Surprisingly, though, it may help treat acid reflux and stomach acid in most people. Some individuals may have an adverse reaction, so start with small sips and see how it goes.
- Avoid caffeine and dairy products. These drinks can worsen stomach pain and nausea after a night of drinking.
Take over-the-counter medicine for heartburn or indigestion
Antacids or acid blockers can offer quick relief and are safe for addressing symptoms lasting for a few days. As with any other medication, avoid taking more than one type at once without consulting a healthcare provider. Here’s a brief guide:
- Antacids are easily accessible and quite effective. Medications containing sodium bicarbonate (such as Alka-Seltzer) are less potent but tend to cause fewer side effects.
- H2 antihistamines (also known as acid blockers) are an excellent choice. Ask your pharmacist or look for generics like cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine, or famotidine.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole are highly effective for prolonged symptoms but are less efficient at providing quick pain relief.
- If these treatments don’t alleviate your stomach pain or if symptoms persist after several days, consult a doctor.
Try using baking soda if you don’t have any medication on hand
Baking soda has a mild antacid effect but is easy to obtain. If you’re unable to get to a pharmacy, consider searching your kitchen for a solution. Though not as effective as most antacids, baking soda can provide some relief from heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. Mix half a teaspoon (3 mL) of baking soda with half a cup (120 mL) of water.
- Baking soda should only be used as a short-term home remedy. This solution isn’t safe for those following a low-sodium diet and can interfere with the absorption of other medications.
Take Vitamin B6 tablets
Vitamin B6 could be beneficial, but it's most effective when taken the night before. A study found that individuals who took Vitamin B6 the night before drinking alcohol experienced half the symptoms of a hangover. While it's not a miracle cure for those feeling the aftermath the next morning, it can still provide some relief. It generally helps replenish nutrients lost due to alcohol consumption.
- A 10 mg dose is adequate for most people. Higher doses may cause nausea, heartburn, or other severe symptoms, but this is rare unless you consume over 200 mg or take high doses regularly for several months.
Choose acetaminophen instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Aspirin and ibuprofen may irritate the stomach. Many people turn to these pain relievers to ease severe headaches after drinking alcohol. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to avoid medications that can cause irritation, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol or Tylenol) at low doses is a safer option when dealing with stomach discomfort.
- Warning: acetaminophen can harm the liver, much like alcohol. If you frequently drink heavily and feel unwell the next day, this is not the best solution. Consult your doctor for recommendations on treatments that can protect your stomach and make NSAIDs safer to use.
Avoid trigger foods if the pain lasts more than a day
A gastritis-friendly diet can help alleviate persistent stomach pain and bloating. Alcohol can cause acute gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. A burning or aching sensation in the stomach, bloating, or discomfort that fluctuates before and after meals may indicate gastritis. Adjusting your diet can make a difference:
- Stick to easily digestible foods like lean meats, rice, potatoes, and steamed vegetables for a few days.
- Triggering foods can vary from person to person, but you should avoid spicy, fatty, and sour foods, along with caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid large meals, and try not to lie down for a few hours after eating.
See a doctor if you experience severe or persistent stomach pain
If the pain lasts a week or more, medical attention is required. Sometimes, alcohol (along with stress and other factors) can damage the stomach lining enough to cause ulcers or make it more susceptible to H. pylori infection. A doctor can diagnose the condition and prescribe antibiotics or other medications if necessary.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience vomiting blood, have blood in your stool (especially black stools), or if you have severe pain.
Seek emergency care immediately if you have severe pancreatitis symptoms
Severe abdominal pain and fever are warning signs. Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to pancreatitis, which can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Call your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain as described below:
- Pain (sometimes tender or swollen) in the middle of your abdomen, which worsens when you raise your back
- Pain intensifies when lying flat or eating fatty foods (curving forward, lying sideways, or curling up may alleviate the pain)
- Abdominal pain accompanied by fever, jaundiced eyes (or other yellowing skin signs), and/or a rapid heartbeat
