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The 10 Best Hangover Foods

Hangovers happen, we get it. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll experience one the morning after the election, whether it’s the byproduct of sweet relief or utter despair.

For starters, you can prevent hangovers. Additionally, there are products and supplements that can ease the throbbing pain. During particularly foggy mornings, it’s tempting to go the easy route and count on a BLT or traditional English breakfast to provide the cure. Or, go hair of the dog and whip up a stiff Bloody Mary to vanquish the headache. But you owe your body more than that.

There are healthy ways to best a hangover. All that’s required is a little foresight and some items in your fridge and pantry to make them happen for when the time comes. And it will, when you least expect it. So counteract the effects of a night of overdoing it with a day of mindful eating and rehabilitating. 

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pancakes will sop up some of the toxins still floating in your system and the whole wheat will do your body good. Forego the butter and go with honey and some fresh fruit like blueberries as they’ll offer a helpful boost of antioxidants.

Smoothies

making smoothies at home
Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash

A fresh smoothie can do wonders for even the worst of hangovers. Sneak in some healthy savory like leafy greens or thicken it up with some powerful additions like banana or peanut butter.

Broth-y Things

kyoto japan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A great way to up your sodium is by way of broth. Try a vegetable-based Pho, ramen, miso, or noodle soup. That, or take a few quick swigs of pickle juice. 

Electrolytes

Roar Organic Electrolyte Infusions
Roar Organic

An easy and healthy way to get your energy levels back in check is via electrolytes. On top of your usual water, drink sports drinks like Gatorade or even Pedialyte to bounce back all the quicker. 

Healthy Proteins

Manuka Glazed Roasted Side of Ora King Salmon.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The amino acids inherent in a lot of major protein sources will offer all kinds of support. Egg whites are a great option, as are fish (think cod, halibut, tuna, salmon), lentils, and tofu.

Probiotics

Float Mod/EyeEm / Getty Images

Getting your gut right is a good way to help contain a hangover. Have things like Greek yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh at the ready.

Wellness Shots

So Good For You Detox Wellness Shots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Shots, shots, shots! No, not that kind. Instead, something like this, powered by ingredients like ginger, vinegar, and green algae to power your immune system while you feel down and out.

Rice and Beans

Rice and Beans Bowl
The Marmot/Flickr

Sometimes, simplicity is all that’s needed. A big bowl of rice and beans will energize and satisfy, in a nice bland sorta way if you’re not exactly feeling adventurous. Dress it up with some avocado or even fish sauce if you’d like.

Edamame

Edamame Bowl
Joy/Flickr

Think of edamame as a more robust pea or bean, capable of being a hearty snack as well as a good source of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Have a big bowl and hit ’em with some light soy sauce.

Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo Sandwich
Jocelyn & Cathy/Flickr

Fine, we can’t always be healthy. If there was ever a sandwich devised by a drunk, it’s the Monte Cristo, touting egg, ham, melted cheese, and deep-fried goodness — it’s both satisfying and a quick fix. 

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Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
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