Nausea after drinking can feel like an unwelcome guest that overstays its welcome, overshadowing the good times that may have taken place earlier in the evening. It’s not uncommon to wake up the next day feeling queasy, and this sensation can ruin your day before it even starts. This feeling often arises from various factors, including the consumption of alcohol, dehydration, or the impact of congeners—those pesky compounds formed during fermentation that can also contribute to hangovers. When it happens, knowing a few tricks to alleviate that horrible bout of nausea can help you regain your sense of normalcy.
Hydration is Key
You can’t underestimate the importance of hydration when fighting nausea post-drinking. Alcohol is a diuretic, which essentially means it makes you urinate more, leading to dehydration. This loss of fluids can upset your stomach and contribute to nausea. To counteract this, drink plenty of water. As soon as you wake up, chug down a glass of water to kickstart your hydration. If water alone seems unappealing, you might find relief by sipping on electrolyte-rich drinks, such as sports drinks or coconut water. The electrolytes will help replenish lost minerals and fluids, making you feel significantly better, faster.
Ginger: Your Go-To Natural Remedy
Ginger has earned a solid reputation as a natural remedy for nausea. This root has been used for centuries to settle upset stomachs. You can consume ginger in many forms—fresh in tea, as candy, or even in capsule form. If you’re up for it, try making some ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Not only does it taste refreshing, but the natural compounds in ginger can help calm your stomach, easing that uneasy feeling. If you have ginger ale on hand, opt for the real stuff made with actual ginger, as the sugary sodas won’t have the same effect.
Snack Your Way to Relief
For many people, having an empty stomach can exacerbate feelings of nausea. Instead of letting that empty pit cause more discomfort, try nibbling on some bland foods. Crackers, toast, or dry cereal can work wonders when you’re feeling queasy. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can absorb excess acid, helping to settle your digestive system. Even bananas can be a great option, as they’re easy to digest and can replenish potassium levels, giving you a boost if you’re feeling drained.
Rest and Sleep: Your Body’s Best Friend
Sometimes, all you need is a little shut-eye to help your body recover from a night of drinking. Rest gives your liver time to process the alcohol and allow your body to heal. If you’re really feeling rough, don’t hesitate to snooze a few more hours. Laying down in a dark and quiet room can also help alleviate nausea. Just make sure to prop yourself up slightly—it could aid in preventing that yucky feeling from overwhelming you further.
Try Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve discomfort. One popular point for soothing nausea is located on your inner wrist, about two inches down. By using your thumb to press firmly on this point for a few minutes, you may find some relief from your symptoms. The technique is straightforward, and you can do it anywhere, making it incredibly handy when you’re trying to recover from the after-effects of drinking.
Fresh Air and Movement
Getting outside for some fresh air can be invigorating when you’re feeling nauseous. It may seem counterintuitive to move around when your stomach is upset, but gentle physical activity can aid digestion and ease malaise. Take a leisurely stroll around the block, focusing on your breathing as you go. Sometimes just breaking the cycle of sitting still can help alleviate nausea. Even a few deep breaths can introduce oxygen into your system and promote a sense of calm.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, you might want to consider over-the-counter medications designed to combat nausea. Products containing dimenhydrinate or meclizine can provide relief; however, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medications, especially after consuming alcohol. These medications can alleviate your discomfort by blocking specific signals in the brain that trigger the sensation of nausea, allowing your body to settle down.
Avoid Further Alcohol Consumption
It may be tempting to have a “hair of the dog” to ease your symptoms, but this won’t help in the long run. Drinking more alcohol to cure nausea typically prolongs the inevitable recovery process. Instead, allow your body the time it needs to detox and recover. Your liver has enough to manage after a heavy night, and further drinking will only complicate the situation.
Aromatherapy for Nausea Relief
Certain scents have been known to alleviate feelings of nausea. Essential oils, like peppermint or lavender, can be quite effective. Simply inhaling these aromas can help soothe your stomach and ease that uneasy feeling. You can use a diffuser or even place a few drops on a cotton ball to carry around with you. Breathing in these scents can create a calming environment and help reduce nausea significantly.
Food Choices Matter
Make sure to be mindful of what foods you consume after a night of drinking. Greasy or spicy foods can exacerbate nausea and cause further digestive distress. Instead, lean towards easy-to-digest meals like rice, broth, or oatmeal. These options can provide sustenance without overworking your stomach. If you’re feeling brave, adding a bit of honey or plain yogurt can also help with digestion, while providing a gentle source of nutrients.
