What to Eat After Drinking Too Much Alcohol?
If you are wondering what to eat after drinking alcohol, let me guide you based on my personal experiences. As someone who loves a night out with friends and the occasional drink, I often wake up feeling the consequences the morning after. I believe many of you can relate to that groggy, unpleasant feeling after a night of excessive drinking.
From my experience, it is better to “combat” hangover effects BEFORE going to sleep. This can help you feel better and get your head back to your shoulders almost immediately.
While there are countless articles online about the best foods to eat when hangover, let’s focus on what to eat immediately after a night of heavy drinking.
These insights are based on my own experiences, so join me as we explore the best foods to bounce back from a night of indulgence.
What to eat immediately after drinking too much alcohol?
After a night of heavy drinking, it’s important to nourish your body with the right foods.
Here are my top five options that I use to get my head back on my shoulders after some heavy drinking.
- Water to rehydrate
- Bananas for potassium
- Sandwiches for carbohydrates and protein
- Pasta for energy
- Pickle Juice
1. Water
After (and during) a night of heavy drinking, it’s important to hydrate your body with a sufficient amount of water. Hydration is the most effective method to combat the negative effects of alcohol.
Drinking water can help flush out toxins from your body and support the detoxification process. It also aids in preventing hangovers by replenishing the fluids that alcohol depletes.
Personally, I always drink a glass of water for every 1-2 drinks I have. This way, I stay hydrated and avoid getting too drunk. Even after the night is over, I always have a large bottle of water in my car and drink water until I go to bed. This helps me feel better and more refreshed the next day.
2. Bananas
I always make sure to have a couple of bananas with me after a night of heavy drinking. Bananas are a convenient and nutritious option to help replenish your body after consuming too much alcohol.
They contain electrolytes, such as potassium, which can help restore the balance of fluids in your body and support basic bodily functions.
Just grab two bananas and put them in your bag or your car. As soon as you finish drinking, eat them and you’re done.
3. Sandwiches
After a night of heavy drinking, I always make sure to have a couple of sandwiches with me.
Sandwiches are a quick and easy to prepare snack that provides the necessary carbohydrates to replenish energy levels and help with digestion.
When choosing healthy sandwich options, I suggest opting for whole grain breads that are high in fiber and nutrients.
Toppings like lean proteins, such as turkey or chicken, can be beneficial for hangover recovery, as they provide essential amino acids.
Adding vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers can offer hydration and additional vitamins and minerals.
DIY sandwich recipes for after a night of drinking can include options like a turkey and avocado wrap or a grilled chicken and vegetable sandwich.
Again, you can prepare them at home and store them in your car (if your going for drinks away from home) or your back pack (if you carry one).
In my opinion, the best bread choices for post-drinking sandwiches are ones that are nutrient-dense and easy to digest.
4. Pasta
After a night of heavy drinking, my personal favorite food for replenishing nutrients and satisfying my hunger is a plate of pasta.
Not only is it readily available at most restaurants – in case your are having your drinks our of your home, but it can also be easily prepared at home in just a few minutes.
Pasta is a high carb food that, in my experience, provides an instant boost of energy, making it a perfect choice for those sluggish mornings.
In terms of nutritional benefits, pasta is rich in complex carbohydrates, which, in my belief, help restore depleted glycogen levels in the body.
It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, which can be lost due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Finally, I find that pasta dishes can be customizable by adding protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, making them a well-rounded option for a hangover meal.
5. Pickle Juice
Another thing you can consume right after you drink alcohol is pickle juice.
I know what you might be thinking (like whaaat?)
I learned this from a Russian friend of mine and I can tell you from first hand, it makes wonders.
Pickle juice has basically all the same nutrients as Gatorade but without the sugar.Â
Pickle juice not only satisfies my taste preferences, but it also provides numerous health benefits and serves as an effective alternative remedy for hangover prevention.
One of the main reasons pickle juice is effective is because it helps restore electrolytes in the body. Alcohol consumption depletes electrolytes, leading to imbalances and hangover symptoms.
The salt and vinegar in pickle juice truly help replenish these electrolytes, alleviating headaches and dehydration.
Additionally, pickle juice has gained popularity as a hangover remedy, with Dr. Oz himself endorsing its use.
6. Coffee
Another personal favorite after drinking too much alcohol is a cup of coffee. Not only does coffee gives me an instant boost, It helps my brain enter “alert mode”.
I believe coffee contains antioxidants and can aid in liver health, which is important as alcohol puts strain on the liver. [1]
Additionally, I find that coffee has diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and potentially help with dehydration caused by alcohol.
However, it’s important to remember that coffee isn’t a cure-all for hangover remedies. I believe hydrating with water and consuming a balanced meal is more effective for replenishing essential nutrients.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, alternatives like green tea or coconut water can also provide hydration and a gentle energy boost.
TIP: You can get yourself some coconut water from Amazon, have it in your fridge and pop a couple after some heavy drinking.
7. Oranges, Lemon
Oranges, tangerines, lemons and citrus fruits in general always make me feel better after having a couple of drinks.
Apart from my personal experience, science comes to explain why citrus fruits gives you that instant boost.
You many know that oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is known for its antioxidant properties. What you may don’t know is that Vitamin C prevents the loss of glutathione, an antioxidant that decreases during alcohol consumption. [2]
Glutathione, often referred to as the Master Antioxidant, plays a crucial role in supporting immune function and detoxification. When alcohol is consumed, it depletes glutathione levels, leading to several effects
By consuming oranges, you can provide your body with the vitamin C it needs to keep glutathione levels stable and potentially reduce hangover symptoms.
8. Chicken or Vegetable Soup
Another great food for eating after drinking alcohol is chicken or vegetable soup.
Soup, in general, offers numerous benefits when it comes to recovering from a drinking session. It provides essential nutrients that your body may lack due to alcohol’s diuretic effects.
Both chicken and vegetable soups are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help replenish your system. Additionally, soup aids in hydration as it contains water and electrolytes that can counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
When comparing chicken and vegetable soup, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Chicken soup provides protein that aids in muscle recovery, while vegetable soup offers a lighter option packed with fiber and beneficial plant compounds.
Personally, when I know that I am about to have some drinks – usually at night – I always (ok not always) prepare vegetable soup at home. Whether I’m having my drinks at home or at a bar, the soup is sitting on my stove, waiting to sip it hot into my tummy.
9. Alcohol Defense Supplement
Although technically not a food, it is something that gets eaten.
After a night of heavy drinking, I incorporating the Alcohol Defense supplement into your post-drinking meal is the best choice. Alcohol Defense is a supplement that can help prevent hangovers and support liver health.
It contains ingredients that aid in the detoxification process and promote the metabolism of alcohol in your body. By speeding up the breakdown of alcohol into harmless substances, Alcohol Defense reduces the amount of time that acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, stays in your system.
This can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover and support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
Therefore, I think that incorporating Alcohol Defense into your post-drinking meal can provide the benefits of hangover prevention and support liver health, making it an excellent choice for those looking for natural remedies after a night of heavy drinking.
You can get Alcohol Defense here.
10. Survivor
Survivor, is another supplement – that I haven’t tested – but looks very promising in accelerating the breakdown of alcohol’s toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde. [3]
Survivor contains Ampelopsis grossedentata and Pueraria lobata, which enhance the activity of the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde.
By taking Survivor after drinking, you support your body’s alcohol detoxification process and promote liver health. [4]
This supplement aims to assist with alcohol metabolism, potentially reducing the duration and severity of hangover symptoms. While natural remedies for hangovers vary in effectiveness, Survivor offers a convenient and targeted approach to help prevent hangovers.
It’s important to remember to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine.
What happens in your body when you drink alcohol?
Here’s what happens when you consume alcohol.
- Alcohol has a significant impact on liver function. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, but excessive consumption can overwhelm its capacity and potentially lead to liver damage over time. [5]
- Dehydration is another consequence that occurs when you consume alcohol. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and causing fluid loss, which can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. [6] [7]
- Alcohol also affects the central nervous system. It acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and impairing coordination, judgment, and reaction time. That’s why I personally believe it’s crucial to avoid driving or operating machinery after drinking. [8]
- Additionally, alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns. While it may initially make you feel drowsy, it can interfere with deep sleep, leading to a restless night and feeling groggy the next day. [9]
- Excessive alcohol consumption can have long-term effects on the body. It can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer.
- Furthermore, it weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Therefore, I personally believe it’s important to drink alcohol in moderation and be mindful of its potential consequences on our health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
After a night of heavy drinking, it’s important to nourish your body with the right foods to aid in recovery. While scientific studies and expert opinions provide valuable insights, personal experiences and trial and error can also offer valuable lessons.
By choosing the best foods to eat immediately after excessive alcohol consumption, we can help our bodies bounce back and get back on track towards feeling our best.
So next time you indulge, remember to fuel up with the right foods to support your recovery journey.
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