Science of Hangovers

• Post-drinking nausea primarily occurs due to dehydration of the body and subsequent electrolyte imbalance. Alcohol, which is a diuretic, instigates the outflow of copious amounts of urine from the body resulting in dehydration. It also irritates the lining of the stomach and facilitates accumulation of triglycerides in liver cells. A report published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" implied that alterations in the metabolic state of the stomach, liver and pancreas due to alcohol consumption may collectively result in nausea.

Foods

• To alleviate nausea and hangover symptoms, you must find foods that reverse the negative effects of alcohol metabolism in your body. Eggs contain taurine and cysteine, two important amino acids that break down acetaldehyde, a toxin that is produced during ethanol metabolism. Foods containing complex carbohydrates such as bread, oatmeal, crackers, toast and cereal help to raise blood sugar levels and diminish nausea. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas, pumpkins, spinach, broccoli, kiwi and kale are loaded with magnesium, iron and potassium -- important electrolytes that are depleted during consumption of alcohol.

Drinks

• When experiencing post-drinking nausea, reach for a glass of water to rehydrate your body. Sports drinks and coconut water may be moderately effective in curing a hangover, since they raise blood sugar levels and restore electrolyte imbalance. Juices containing fructose such as cranberry juice, tomato juice and carrot juice are also good for restoring blood sugar levels. Half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in water can also help to neutralize the acidity in the stomach thus diminishing irritability.

What to Avoid

• Contrary to popular belief, “taking a hair off the dog that bit you” or further imbibing in drink does not help to alleviate nausea. If anything, this could dehydrate you further and worsen the hangover symptoms. Avoid citric fruits such as lemons, oranges, guavas and grapes, since they contain a lot of acid. This, coupled with the overproduced gastric acid in your stomach would only lead to further aggravation. Coffee, being a diuretic like alcohol, results in further dehydration and will worsen your condition.