Overview
- Alcohol’s diuretic effect drives many symptoms, so rehydrate steadily with water, electrolyte solutions, broths or coconut water to replace lost fluids and minerals.
- Prioritize light, nutrient-dense meals and skip refined carbs, sugary drinks, fatty or very salty foods and spicy dishes; coffee can worsen dehydration and stomach irritation.
- Avoid acetaminophen while alcohol may still be in your system due to liver risk, use NSAIDs with care if needed, rest, sleep, and do not keep drinking to “cure” a hangover.
- Doctors explain that the liver prioritizes ethanol metabolism and the stomach empties more slowly after heavy, fatty meals, with symptoms typically starting 6–8 hours after drinking and lasting up to 24 hours or longer.
- Experts warn that very heavy or rapid alcohol intake can lead to alcoholic hepatitis or pancreatitis requiring medical care, and commercial “detox” cleanses lack scientific support.