You partied a little too hard on Dec. 31, 2013, and you've started the New Year with a raging hangover, what's the first thing you do?
The answer to the above question differs from person to person, but if you told your employer you'd be at work on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, here are 5 things you can try to rid yourself of your hangover.
1. Drink lots and lots of WATER
"Water is the silver bullet to hangovers. One of the main contributing factors to hangovers is dehydration. Alcohol suppresses the hormone vasopressin, which regulates the water levels in the body and causes the body to lose more water in the urine." (Source: Live Science)
Note: Pedialyte can also help your dehydration.
2. Hit up a diner and eat the greasiest meal on the menu
"If you're craving a big breakfast full of fatty foods, follow your instincts. Fat contains more calories than protein or carbs, so it's the fastest way to help your body process out the breakdown products of alcohol, Dr. Burke says. Sausage, ham and bacon are also rich with B vitamins, which help further metabolize alcohol's breakdown products. And then there are eggs and cheese, whose antioxidants will help ease your overall discomfort." (Source: TIME)
3. Sleep it off
Alcohol might put you to sleep faster, but the withdrawal symptoms your body is feeling later will wake you up. Sleep deprivation will only enhance your symptoms, so sleep it off if you can. (Source: Health.com)
4. Alka-Seltzer is your friend
"This famous fizzy elixir is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and aspirin, Dr. Burke explains. The former neutralizes stomach acid and the latter targets inflammation, both of which will help ease your pain and get you on track for a nausea-free day." (Source: TIME)
5. Don't drink so much next time
While all the above will help your hangover, there is no foolproof way to cure one. Drink responsibly, if you have a hangover, don't get behind the wheel. Feeling sick will inhibit your ability to focus while driving.
