5 scientific ways to relieve hangovers and rebuild your mental energy after a night of drinking

But what does something that can make you feel so good (at least for a while), make you feel So Bad soon after? According to Uma Naidoo, MD, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist and the author of the upcoming book, Calm your mind with food, it’s simple: alcohol functions as a depressant of the central nervous system that can have both long and short-term effects. Dr. Naidoo delves into the short-term effects of anxiety, and ways to reduce symptoms the morning after a long night out.

What is Hankyeti?

According to Dr. Naidoo, hangover is the phenomenon of feeling an increase in anxiety after a bout of heavy drinking, often accompanied by other symptoms of a hangover such as fatigue, nausea and irritability. “Alcohol functions in the brain as a depressant of the central nervous system. That is, it works by slowing our brain activity down, which is why it is common for some people to reach for alcohol when they feel anxious or need help falling asleep, “she says. On the flip side, however, once the sedative effect Wear away, so do feelings of calm and relaxation, which can also increase feelings of anxiety.

Related Stories

In addition to the psychological impact, hangovers can also come with feelings of jitteriness, heart palpitations, excessive sweating and dehydration, which are physiological reactions to alcohol consumption. Keep in mind, the more alcohol consumed, the more intense the hangover and accompanying side effects will likely be.

“Alcohol functions in the brain as a depressant of the central nervous system. That is, it works by slowing our brain activity down, which is why it is common for some people to reach for alcohol when they feel anxious or need help to sleep.
—Uma Naidoo, MD, nutritional psychiatrist

5 ways to reduce anxiety before it fully creeps in

Although the only truly foolproof method for preventing hangovers is abstaining from drinking alcohol, Dr. Naidoo says there are ways to help reduce the symptoms. Without went cold turkey. “It is comforting to keep in mind that the anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal is temporary [in most cases]But there are tools you can use to ease the symptoms,” she says.

1. Rehydrate ASAP

First and foremost, Dr. Naidoo notes that since alcohol is extremely dehydrating—and dehydration is one of the key players in feelings of anxiety—it’s critical to rehydrate as soon as possible after a drinking event. “It’s very important to make “Make sure you’re hydrating with plenty of water, electrolytes and hydrating fruits and veggies the day after consuming alcohol to help clear any anxious thoughts,” she says.

Looking for something soothing And Hydrating? Dr. Naidoo recommends relaxing herbal teas, such as chamomile, lavender or passionflower. Or, coffee – if you can stomach it after drinking – packed with polyphenols, which act as antioxidants.

2. Sip on L-theanine-rich drinks

In addition to adequately hydrating, Dr. Naidoo says there are several foods and drinks that can help reduce hangover symptoms. From a beverage standpoint, your go-tos include green or black teas due to their L-theanine content, an amino acid that has been shown to help reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Additionally, she says the caffeine content in the teas can also help maintain energy levels the day after consuming alcohol.

3. Eat gut-friendly, fermented foods and fiber-rich foods

From a food standpoint, Dr. Naidoo says fermented foods such as plain, unsweetened whole-milk Greek yogurt (topped with berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon for some sweetness and an extra antioxidant boost) are a great choice.

Although a late-night meal delivery service may sound like a good idea at the time, fried or overly-sugary foods may not be as beneficial for eliminating hangovers. “These foods may initially feel satisfying but are drivers of inflammation in the gut and brain that can further exacerbate symptoms,” the nutritional psychiatrist says. Better hangover brain food from Dr. Naidoo’s perview includes: a package of air-fried zucchini fries or a homemade burger (beef, turkey, salmon, tofu or veggie).

In addition to fermented foods, Dr. Naidoo suggests fiber-rich plant foods that help reduce inflammation loaded with vitamins and minerals. “B vitamins, specifically, are important to make it through a hangover because alcohol consumption has been associated with B vitamin deficiency. As well as increased stress and low mood, certain B vitamins help to metabolize alcohol faster,” Dr Naidoo says. Foods rich in vitamin B include eggs, nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy greens and dairy products.

Pro tip: Dr. Naidoo suggests preparing your “drunchies” ahead of time and leaving them in your fridge so they’re ready to go, sparing you the expensive take-out order and potentially less healthy choice. Or “pregaming” with a meal filled With plenty of fiber-rich veggies and protein that can potentially reduce the effects of alcohol (and subsequent hangovers).” Research has found that fiber and protein also help keep the belly full and reduce the body’s ability to absorb alcohol. ,” says Dr. Naidoo.

4. Get at least 10 minutes of sunlight

Having a breathwork exercise, practicing some mindfulness, and spending at least 10 minutes in daylight are three easy things Dr. Naidoo says can help manage your anxiety symptoms. “All of these habits help lower stress in your body and brain and help calm the mind,” she says.

5. Sleep it off

When in doubt, Dr. Naidoo says sleep it off. “If you can rest, it may be beneficial to simply sleep it off.” After a night of drinking, this can allow your mind to get back to its healthiest state most efficiently and help reduce anxiety-inducing inflammation.

A RD settles the wine vs. champagne debate:

;