Understanding Hangovers and Their Causes
Hangovers are caused by having one too many alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more frequently, causing dehydration. Dehydration is one of the main reasons for those unpleasant hangover symptoms like headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Alcohol also irritates the lining of your stomach, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It disrupts sleep cycles too, so you may wake up groggy after a night of heavy drinking.
Furthermore, alcohol causes your blood sugar levels to drop sharply overnight. This blood sugar crash contributes to weakness, tremors, sweating, and mood disturbances during a hangover.
Using ACV to Relieve Hangovers
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a hangover cure. But does it really work and if so, how?
ACV contains acids like acetic acid, citric acid, and malic acid along with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. This unique combination of nutrients may help provide relief from those awful hangover symptoms.
Hydrating Effects
Dehydration is a huge contributor to hangover symptoms. Since ACV is mostly water, sipping some ACV with honey can rehydrate the body. Try adding 2 tablespoons ACV and 1 teaspoon honey to a glass of water.
Alleviates Nausea
ACV can calm an upset stomach. Its high potassium levels replenish electrolyte imbalance. ACV also helps move food out of your stomach by promoting digestion and detoxification.
Relieves Headaches
Headaches after drinking result from dehydration and toxins. ACV's natural pain relieving abilities can reduce headache intensity while rehydrating to eliminate toxins.
Lowers Blood Sugar
ACV may help regulate blood sugar spikes and crashes from alcohol consumption. It improves insulin sensitivity and slows down conversion of starch into glucose in your system.
How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar for Hangovers
To use ACV most effectively for hangovers, there are some simple guidelines to follow so you can start feeling better quickly.
Choose Raw, Unfiltered ACV
Always opt for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the "mother" to treat hangovers. This type provides probiotics and enzymes missing from filtered vinegars that aid digestion.
Add Some Honey
Although ACV is acidic, adding just a teaspoon of honey mellows the taste. Honey not only improves palatability, but provides a quick boost of antioxidants, vitamins and natural sugar to fuel your recovery.
Dilute It Well
Since ACV is highly acidic, make sure to dilute it before drinking! Mix 2 tablespoons with a glass of water. Can add lemon juice and mint too to mask the strong vinegar flavor. Too much ACV at once may worsen nausea.
Drink Between Alcoholic Beverages
Sipping ACV intermittently as you drink alcohol may help minimize hangover severity. ACV's acids could help break down alcohol quicker. Drinking ACV boosts electrolytes lost from alcohol so you stay hydrated.
Have Some Before Bed
After a night of drinking, have a glass of honey ACV water before bed. This lets ACV's nutrients start combating dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations overnight while you rest.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipes
These delicious ACV drink recipes provide an easy way to get ACV's hangover healing benefits...
ACV Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ACV
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
Directions: Stir together ACV, lemon juice and honey first, then add cold water and ice. Garnish with lemon slices.
Mint ACV Spritzer
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ACV
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Directions: Muddle mint leaves, ACV, lemon juice and honey in a glass. Add ice and top with sparkling water.
Ginger ACV Shooter
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ACV
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 14 cup hot water
Directions: Combine ACV, ginger, honey and hot water. Shoot it back to instantly relieve nausea and headaches!
FAQs
Does apple cider vinegar completely cure hangovers?
No, there is no cure that can instantly make a hangover go away. However, ACV contains key nutrients that help relieve many unpleasant hangover symptoms. It's best used along with staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
How much ACV should you drink for a hangover?
About 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) diluted in water is enough. You can drink this amount upon waking up after drinking and before bed. Drinking too much undiluted ACV may worsen nausea.
When is the best time to drink ACV for hangovers?
The best times are before bed after a night of heavy alcohol consumption and immediately upon waking. This helps replenish depleted electrolytes and nutrients while you sleep and ease morning-after hangover misery.
Can ACV interact with medications?
Yes. The acids in ACV may reduce potassium levels when taken with certain diuretics and laxatives. Talk to your doctor before regularly consuming ACV if you take medications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment