For Year-End Hangovers, Try This Food Instead of 'Hangover Soup' [Health Talk]

As year-end gatherings and parties increase, interest in ways to relieve hangovers is also growing, reports The Financial News.
Experts emphasize that hangovers are a complex bodily reaction to toxic substances produced during alcohol breakdown, making it difficult to completely eliminate symptoms with a single food. However, they note that choosing the right foods can influence the speed of recovery.

According to the medical community and British media on the 23rd, a hangover is not a single condition but a complex response of the body to alcohol and the toxic byproducts generated during its metabolism. Acetaldehyde, produced in the liver as alcohol is metabolized, is a major cause of headaches, nausea, and digestive issues due to its strong inflammatory effects.


In addition, symptoms are compounded by disrupted sleep, dehydration, blood sugar fluctuations, and inflammation in the brain, liver, and intestines. Since these processes unfold over several hours, experts agree that it is difficult to fully resolve a hangover with just one food or supplement.
Nevertheless, some advice suggests that the foods you choose while hungover can affect the pace of recovery. Public health nutritionist Emma Derbyshire recommends avoiding overeating or fasting during a hangover. Instead, she emphasizes eating foods that supply energy without burdening the stomach to aid recovery.

Dr. Derbyshire advises against extreme choices such as overeating or skipping meals when hungover. She recommends foods that are gentle on the stomach while providing energy.
Eggs are considered one of the most effective foods for hangover relief. They are rich in Cysteine, an amino acid involved in breaking down acetaldehyde, the main culprit behind hangover symptoms. Eggs also provide Vitamin D, Magnesium, and essential amino acids, all of which help restore energy depleted by alcohol. Eating eggs with bread can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which often become unbalanced after drinking.

Adding Avocado to your meal can help achieve nutritional balance. Avocado is packed with Glutathione (GSH), which is involved in alcohol metabolism, and healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients depleted by drinking. Some studies also highlight the role of micronutrients in hangover symptoms. In 2019, Dutch researchers found that people with higher intakes of Zinc and Vitamin B3 experienced milder hangover symptoms. While this was an observational study and cannot confirm causality, it suggests a link between diet and the severity of hangovers.
Oysters are a prime source of Zinc. Even a small serving can provide more than the daily recommended intake, and oysters also offer omega-3 fatty acid, which helps reduce inflammation.

Alcohol’s diuretic effect quickly depletes electrolytes such as potassium, making fruits like bananas and oranges useful during a hangover. Bananas rapidly replenish potassium, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function, while oranges are a good source of Vitamin C, aiding recovery from fatigue. Pectin in apples has also drawn attention for its potential to slow alcohol absorption, according to some studies.

Among grains, oatmeal is regarded as effective for managing hangovers. Oatmeal is rich in Beta-glucan, which helps protect the intestinal lining, reduce inflammation, and prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. If warm porridge feels too heavy, blending oats into a smoothie is another option.
Experts stress the basics for minimizing hangovers: avoid drinking on an empty stomach, stay well-hydrated before and after drinking, and ensure a balanced intake of protein, vitamins, and electrolytes. While there is no magic food to completely eliminate hangovers, they advise that smart dietary choices can significantly ease discomfort the next day.


hsg@fnnews.com Reporter Han Seung-gon Reporter