{"id":61691,"date":"2023-11-20T14:00:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T19:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61691"},"modified":"2026-01-25T13:30:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T18:30:55","slug":"hangover-headache-cure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hangover-headache-cure\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get rid of a hangover headache"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of us have been there, but it\u2019s still no fun to wake up with our heads throbbing after a big night out. Hangovers, one symptom of which is headaches, are caused and exacerbated by a handful of factors associated with excessive alcohol consumption. A 2015 study published in the <\/span>Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology <\/span><\/i>journal found that hangovers <\/span>affect 75% of the general population<\/span> after moderate alcohol consumption. <\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no magic hangover headache cure backed by science, but hydration, a cup of coffee, a balanced meal, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help decrease a headache after drinking alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to cure hangover headaches<\/span><\/h2>\n

A quick Google search will turn up a host of <\/span>possible hangover headache products<\/span><\/a> and suggestions, though the only scientifically proven way to avoid hangovers is via alcohol abstinence. That being said, people swear by all kinds of hangover remedies like raw eggs, vitamin C, bananas, Korean pear juice, ginseng, red ginseng, sodium bicarbonate, and others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is \u201chair of the dog\u201d good for hangover headaches?<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the most common myths about treating a headache after drinking alcohol is that it can be treated by drinking more alcohol. This is often called taking the \u201chair of the dog that bit you.\u201d But it\u2019s a bad idea, says <\/span>Saya Nagori<\/span><\/a>, MD, who is Chief Medical Officer at <\/span>EyeFacts<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThis inhibits your body\u2019s natural healing process and sucks you into a harmful cycle of non-recovery: you will have to face symptoms sooner or later.\u201d It’s one of the worst things a hangover sufferer can do and often leads to an even worse hangover or may contribute to alcohol addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does exercise help hangover headaches?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Exercise may have positive effects on hangover headaches, but it\u2019s not for every case. \u201dExercise can help release endorphins, which can ease headaches,\u201d Dr. Nagori says. \u201dBut some may feel extremely nauseated.\u201d Exercise may exacerbate their symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does drinking coffee help hangover headaches?<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to avoid caffeine withdrawal, says <\/span>Sean Ormond<\/span><\/a>, MD, of <\/span>Atlas Pain Specialists<\/span><\/a> in Glendale, AZ.\u201dIf you regularly consume caffeine and miss your usual dose because of drinking, you might be experiencing a <\/span>caffeine withdrawal headache<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Dr. Ormond says that in these cases, having one\u2019s regular cup of coffee or tea might help a hangover headache. However, it\u2019s important to be cautious, as caffeine can also exacerbate dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Nagori said she recommends taking B vitamins and drinking black coffee for nutrients and caffeine. \u201cBoth help ease the pain of a hangover and make your body recover quicker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there specific foods or drinks known to alleviate hangover headaches?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

High-carb food and drinking a glass of water or sports drinks are other recommendations from Dr. Nagori. Sports drinks such as Gatorade contain electrolytes, which can help restore the salt and potassium that\u2019s lost from drinking alcohol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bouillon soup can also help correct the electrolyte imbalance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFoods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and whole grains, can help alleviate some hangover symptoms,\u201d Dr. Ormond says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers found that <\/span>an herbal blend<\/span><\/a> of Barbados cherry, prickly pear, ginkgo biloba, willow, and ginger root extracts seemed to lessen certain hangover symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n