Can food cure a hangover?

Once a hangover sets in, alcohol has already been absorbed into the bloodstream, and food won’t make much of a difference, says Mary Jo McClintic, a registered dietitian at Bloomington Hospital. The same goes for cold showers, hot coffee, raw eggs, or other hangover remedies – most of them simply don’t work.

The best way to beat a hangover, then, is to just let it run its course. McClintic advises getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Even though food won’t help the hangover, it can make a big difference before a night of partying. “Definitely one of the worst things you can do would be to drink on an empty stomach,” she says. “It’s a good thing to be well-nourished and well-hydrated before you drink.”

Her tip? Eat a balanced meal with carbohydrates (breads and pastas), proteins (tofu, fish, or lean meats) and healthy fats at least 15 minutes before you start drinking. You’ll feel full, causing you to drink less. The food will also soak up some of the alcohol, she says, so it won’t enter your bloodstream as quickly.

For pre-party meals, she says a simple turkey sandwich is a satisfying, healthy option. A pizza is fine, too, as long as you stick to a piece or two and skip the fattening toppings.

But healthy eating also requires some planning. Once you start downing drinks, McClintic says it’s common for students to relax and lose their inhibitions. “If you’ve been drinking alcohol, you might make poor nutrition decisions,” she says.

Counteract that by getting plenty of healthy foods in advance, McClintic says. That way, when it comes time to eat, you’ll have a variety of nutritious choices ready and waiting.

Can your diet affect your mood?
Heidi Boruff, a registered dietitian for IU’s Residential Programs and Services, says these foods can help you feel...

Awake
Complex carbs, protein, and fat can help jumpstart your morning. Boruff’s breakfast favorite? Pancakes (carbs) rolled around peanut butter (protein and fat) and bananas.

Energetic
Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. All of these contain B vitamins, which help you utilize the energy in your body.

Relaxed
Turkey sandwich with cheese on whole grain bread. This healthy option releases tryptophan, which can trigger the brain’s feel-good chemical, serotonin.

Wired
Peanut butter – it has carbs, protein and fat, and it slowly absorbs into the body, giving you energy all night. “I put it in everything when I was in college,” Boruff said.

Sexy
Feeling frisky? Strawberries, oysters, avocado, bananas, and honey could put you in the mood.

Sleepy
Warm milk, turkey, or anything else with the amino acid tryptophan (which might be why Uncle Harry passes out on the couch after every Thanksgiving).