Last updated: October 2026
There’s no proven hangover cure. Time is the only thing that clears one. What helps most is rehydrating with water or an isotonic drink, eating something bland, resting, and taking paracetamol for a headache rather than aspirin. “Hair of the dog” doesn’t work. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink less, eat first and alternate with water.
Below: what actually helps a hangover, foods and drinks to try, how long hangovers last, how to prevent one, hangxiety, and when to get help.
What actually helps a hangover
A 2022 review by researchers at King’s College London found only very low-quality evidence for any hangover remedy, so no product can be recommended as a cure. These steps ease the symptoms while your body recovers:
| Symptom | What helps |
|---|---|
| Thirst, headache | Water, soda water or an isotonic drink, sipped steadily |
| Headache, aches | Paracetamol. Aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate an already upset stomach |
| Nausea | Small amounts of bland food, a clear soup or broth, an antacid |
| Tiredness | Rest and sleep. Alcohol breaks up sleep, so you’re likely short of it |
| Low blood sugar | Toast, crackers, a banana or a sweet drink |
Hangover myths
- “Hair of the dog”: more alcohol only delays the hangover.
- A big fry-up cures it: food helps if you can face it, but it won’t cancel out the alcohol.
- Coffee sobers you up: it may perk you up, but it doesn’t speed up how fast alcohol leaves your body, and too much can upset your stomach.
- Sweating it out: a hard workout can dehydrate you further.
Best food and drink for a hangover
- Water, little and often
- Isotonic or rehydration drinks. See electrolytes
- Toast, crackers, porridge or other bland carbohydrates
- Eggs if you can face them
- Bananas for potassium
- Clear soup or broth
- Ginger or peppermint tea for nausea
How long does a hangover last?
Most hangovers ease within 24 hours, though a heavy night can leave you feeling rough for longer. After a heavy session, give your body a couple of alcohol-free days to recover. UK guidance is to have several drink-free days each week.
How to prevent a hangover
- Eat before you drink, and snack through the evening.
- Alternate every alcoholic drink with water or a soft drink.
- Pace yourself and count your units. The UK guideline is no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days.
- Choose lower-strength drinks or alcohol-free options. See alcohol-free nightcaps.
- Have a glass of water before bed.
- Plan a lie-in after a big night.
Thinking of cutting down for good? See Dry January and damp drinking.
Hangxiety and sleep
Many people feel anxious, low or on edge the day after drinking, often called hangxiety. Alcohol also breaks up sleep in the second half of the night. Be kind to yourself, get outside for some daylight, and plan an early night. See hangxiety.
For the evening after, a warm, alcohol-free drink can be a nice ritual. Our Reishi Mushroom Adaptogenic Complex is a cosy hot chocolate, and our Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex is a berry bedtime drink. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
When to get help
Call 999 if someone who has been drinking is confused, being sick while drowsy, having fits, breathing slowly or irregularly, or can’t be woken. These are signs of alcohol poisoning. If you’re worried about your drinking, speak to your GP or a support service such as Drinkline.
FAQs
What is the best hangover cure?
There’s no proven cure. Water or an isotonic drink, bland food, rest and paracetamol for a headache ease the symptoms while you recover.
Does hair of the dog work?
No. Drinking more alcohol only delays the hangover.
What should I eat with a hangover?
Bland, easy food: toast, crackers, porridge, eggs, bananas or a clear soup, plus plenty of water.
How long does a hangover last?
Usually up to 24 hours. After a heavy session, give your body a couple of alcohol-free days to recover.
Which painkiller is best for a hangover?
Paracetamol is usually the better choice, as aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Follow the dose on the pack.
Sources
- Roberts E et al (2022). The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions for alcohol-induced hangover symptomatology: a systematic review of the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials. Addiction.
- NHS. The risks of drinking too much.
- NHS. Alcohol units.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Evopure makes the Reishi Mushroom Adaptogenic Complex and Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex.
