The holiday season often brings celebrations filled with food, drink, and festivities, but it can also lead to a common problem: hangovers. As people seek remedies to alleviate their discomfort the following day, many turn to popular myths that claim to provide relief. Experts, however, confirm that these widely-held beliefs do not effectively address the body’s processing of alcohol.
According to Dr. Hillary Lin, a physician based in New York City, many hangover remedies fail because they treat the liver improperly. “Most hangover ‘cures’ treat the liver like a sponge rather than a chemical processing plant that it is,” she told Fox News Digital. A hangover results from the body’s response to the harmful byproducts created when alcohol is metabolized.
There is no swift solution to this issue. “You can’t biohack a hangover once it starts,” Lin stated. To better understand what truly works, experts have debunked five common hangover myths.
Myth 1: ‘Hair of the Dog’
The belief that consuming more alcohol can relieve a hangover, known as “hair of the dog,” is misleading. Dr. Lin explains that while it may temporarily dull symptoms, it ultimately adds more work for the liver. Alexa Ryan, a neurotherapist and clinical dietitian nutritionist from California, adds that this approach does not resolve underlying issues such as dehydration and inflammation.
Moreover, Ian Anderson, co-founder of the mindful drinking app Sunnyside, warns that combining alcohol with other substances, such as tobacco or cannabis, can exacerbate hangover symptoms and impair cognitive function.
Myth 2: Greasy Breakfasts
Many believe that a hearty, greasy breakfast can help alleviate a hangover. Dr. Lin counters this idea, stating that a heavy meal will merely sit in an already irritated stomach and slow digestion. “By the time you wake up, the alcohol has long since left your stomach,” she said. Instead, experts recommend eating before drinking to slow alcohol absorption. Some foods, such as eggs, bananas, and water-rich fruits, might support recovery, though evidence remains limited.
Myth 3: Coffee or Lemon Water
Reaching for coffee or lemon water in hopes of flushing out alcohol is another common misconception. “By the time you wake up with a hangover, alcohol has already disrupted sleep and irritated the stomach lining,” Ryan explained. She emphasizes that coffee does not speed up alcohol metabolism and can actually hinder rehydration and elevate blood pressure, worsening hangover symptoms. Simply put, plain water is the best option when recovering from overindulgence.
Myth 4: Patches or Supplements
While various patches and supplements promise relief from hangover symptoms, experts caution that most of these products act too late to make a significant difference. Some emerging probiotics may help by breaking down acetaldehyde in the gut before it enters the bloodstream, according to Dr. Lin. She also suggests consuming a high-quality electrolyte mix before bed to aid recovery.
Myth 5: ‘Sweat-It-Out’ Exercise
The notion that exercising can speed up alcohol clearance is inaccurate. Ryan notes that alcohol is metabolized by the liver at a consistent pace, and exercising while hungover can worsen dehydration and increase feelings of nausea or dizziness. “You can’t sweat out alcohol,” she stated. Adding stress to the body during recovery generally leads to adverse effects.
Despite the plethora of claims surrounding hangover remedies, experts agree there is no universal cure. The most effective strategy, as suggested by Anderson, is to consume alcohol in moderation and avoid binge drinking, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as five or more standard drinks for men and four for women on a single occasion.
A practical tip for limiting hangovers is to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages. Health experts also emphasize that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely safe, with even low amounts increasing the risk of cancer. When hangovers do occur, recovery centers on hydration, rest, and time. Ryan advises that prioritizing fluids with electrolytes, consuming a small balanced meal, and allowing the liver time to detoxify are the most effective strategies for overcoming a hangover.
