The best natural remedies for a hangover
Written on March 31, 2025, by Pauline de Santarome
Waking up is brutal: headache, nausea, dry mouth... No doubt about it, last night's party has left its mark. Rather than suffering through this hangover, why not relieve it naturally? Hydration is the priority: opt for a hydration tablet in a large glass of mineral water to compensate for the loss of electrolytes. When it comes to food, eggs will help your liver eliminate toxins, while a banana will replenish your potassium levels. And to avoid the afternoon slump, a magnesium-rich dietary supplement can make all the difference. More details in this article.
Why does alcohol cause a hangover?
After a night of heavy drinking, waking up is often difficult: headaches, fatigue, nausea... But why does alcohol make us feel so bad? Several mechanisms are at play behind a hangover. Alcohol disrupts the body's balance by dehydrating it, putting a strain on the liver, and irritating the digestive system. Here's a detailed explanation of why you feel so bad after a few too many drinks.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Alcohol acts as a diuretic: it causes the kidneys to eliminate more water than usual, leading to dehydration. The result? You wake up with a dry mouth, intense thirst, and often a nasty headache. What's more, this loss of water is accompanied by an imbalance in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium), which are essential for the body to function properly. This explains why you feel tired, dizzy, and sometimes even experience muscle cramps after a night of heavy drinking.
Impact on the liver and elimination of toxins
The liver plays a key role in eliminating alcohol. It converts it into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance which, in excessive quantities, causes nausea, hot flashes, and a general feeling of discomfort. The problem is that the liver can only process a limited amount of alcohol at a time. When you drink too much, your body struggles to eliminate these toxins, which exacerbates the symptoms of a hangover.
Digestive problems and inflammation
Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and disrupts the production of digestive enzymes, leading to nausea, heartburn, and sometimes even diarrhea. It also promotes generalized inflammation, which can cause aches and pains and a general feeling of malaise. By disrupting the gut microbiota, it can even affect your mood, making you more irritable or anxious when you wake up.
The best natural remedies to relieve a hangover
During a hangover, the body needs a real boost to recover. By adopting a few natural habits, you can help rehydrate your body, support your liver, and soothe headaches and nausea. Food, plants, essential minerals... Here are the best remedies to help you recover gently.
Stay hydrated to recover faster
L’alcool déshydrate fortement l’organisme, ce qui explique la soif intense et les maux de tête du lendemain. Pour compenser cette perte d’eau, buvez régulièrement : de l’eau riche en minéraux, des tisanes apaisantes ou encore un bouillon de légumes pour recharger votre corps en électrolytes. Une bonne option pour accélérer la récupération ? Les pastilles hydratation HYDRA’MAX de Santarome, 100 % naturelles, qui allient 6 électrolytes et 8 vitamines pour une hydratation efficace et un regain d’énergie.
Foods to prioritize
Your post-party breakfast should be both nutritious and easy to digest. Eggs are perfect for helping your liver eliminate toxins thanks to their high cysteine content. A banana will provide you with potassium to rebalance your body and reduce feelings of fatigue. Finally, a bowl of oatmeal with a little honey will provide you with slow-release carbohydrates to stabilize your energy levels and soothe your stomach.
Ginger for nausea
If you have an upset stomach, try ginger, a well-known natural anti-nausea remedy. You can drink it as an infusion, by adding a few slices of fresh ginger to hot water, or as a juice with a little lemon. Its soothing effect will help calm feelings of discomfort and gently stimulate your digestion.
Milk thistle to support the liver
Milk thistle is a plant well known for protecting and regenerating the liver. It promotes the elimination of toxins and helps your body better manage the impact of alcohol. You can consume it as an infusion or as a dietary supplement for a more targeted effect. A good ally for taking care of your liver after a night of heavy drinking!
Magnesium and B vitamins for energy
Alcohol depletes magnesium and vitamin B reserves, which may explain the intense fatigue and feeling of weakness after a hangover. To regain energy more quickly, consider magnesium! Santarome's Magné Marin 360 dietary supplement combines marine magnesium and B vitamins for a complete revitalizing effect.
By combining these natural remedies, you will give your body everything it needs to recover faster and get back on track!
What you should absolutely avoid when you have a hangover
When you wake up with a hangover, you often look for a quick fix to feel better. But be careful, certain habits can actually worsen your symptoms and slow down your recovery. Whether it's food, medication, or supplements, there are mistakes to avoid so as not to make the situation worse.
Foods and beverages to avoid at all costs
When your head is pounding and your stomach is upset, it can be tempting to drink coffee to wake yourself up. Bad idea! Caffeine dehydrates the body even more and can make headaches worse. The same goes for fatty foods like burgers and fried foods: they put extra strain on your liver, which is already working hard to eliminate toxins.
Finally, avoid drinking alcohol again to alleviate symptoms (the famous "hangover cure"). This only prolongs the presence of ethanol in your body and delays your recovery.
Ginseng and vitamin C to restore energy
If you are looking for an energy boost, avoid overly powerful stimulants. Ginseng, often taken to boost vitality, can actually increase fatigue by putting more pressure on the body. Similarly, too much vitamin C can be overly stimulating and interfere with recovery. It is better to let your body recover naturally and focus on optimal hydration, proper nutrition, and adequate rest.
Let's not forget that alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. It can have long-term harmful effects on the liver, heart, and nervous system. If you need a little help to recover better, hydration, a healthy diet, and targeted supplements are your best allies.
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