We all dread what follows a big night out, with headaches, nausea and dehydration rearing their ugly heads.
And things can go up a notch when we ring in the New Year.
With so many so called ‘hangover cures’ out there, it’s difficult to know what is actually good for you or what, like ‘hair of the dog’, will only delay the inevitable.
For those who would rather try natural remedies to sort out their heads, nutritionists have shared some of their best tips and tricks for battling the morning after.
1. Water
Even though it seems so easy, we have all fallen victim to neglecting hydration when going on a booze up.
We have all fallen victim to neglecting hydration when going on a booze up.
(Image: Getty Images)
This often leads to headaches, fatigue and a lack of energy, and just simply taking a glass of water to bed with you can do a world of good.
Ensuring that you stay hydrated when hungover should be a number one priority, with even just a few drinks being enough to cause dehydration.
Rhiannon Lambert, a Harley Street nutritionist and author of the book Re:Nourish (Yellow Kite, £19.99), says that she makes sure she drinks more water on days following alcohol consumption, even despite her not being a big drinker.
Whether it’s drinking water as soon as you get in or first thing in the morning, it’s vital to stay on top of it, taking regular sips throughout the day.
2. Ginger
Ginger has been an established cure in Chinese medicine due to the spice’s anti-nausea benefits.
This is also backed up by data, with a 2016 study concluding that ginger is “an affective and inexpensive treatment for nausea”.
If you want to tackle both dehydration and nausea at once, experts suggest it could be as easy as a cup of ginger tea, with nutritionist Rob Hobson recommending 1-2 tsp of ginger powder, half a lemon, and 2 tsp of honey topped up with boiling water.
He said: “The zingy flavour is very energising, and the honey will help to re-balance low blood sugar levels.”
As ginger also has anti-inflammatory and heart benefits, ginger tea can also be a healthy part of your daily routine.
3. Eating a balanced breakfast
If you haven’t tried the ginger tea and instead, are left feeling sick, the last thing that feels possible is eating a balanced breakfast.
A lack of appetite is a common side effect following a night of booze, and if you’re one of the more fortunate who can stomach it, the popular morning after fry up is one that experts advise to ‘ditch’.
Instead, Lambert suggests healthier foods, with granola and sliced fruit providing both natural sugars and well needed vitamins.
She said: “Foods containing potassium can help your body to recover lost electrolytes from a night of drinking. Bananas and avocados are good sources.”
4. Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear is a cactus which has a vivid red fruit and studies have shown that the extract from this fruit can be hugely beneficial for hangovers.
Being used to help nausea, dizziness and headaches, the supplement named Hovenia Dulcis extract could be a good natural staple for the morning after.
5. Artichoke extract
According to Hobson, Artichoke is another extract which can alleviate the nasty aftermath of alcohol.
He said: “This supplement stimulates bile production and can help to relieve bloating and other symptoms of indigestion associated with alcohol consumption.”
6. Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important cures, with a good nights sleep helping prevent the fatigue we’ve all experienced on a Sunday morning.
Sleep can be one of the most important hangover cures
(Image: Alamy/PA)
If you’ve had a late night, or copious amounts of booze has had you tossing and turning all morning, it’s important to try and nap your way through your hangover.