After New Year’s Eve, the risk of waking up with a hangover is very real. A question then arises: are there foods capable of mitigating the effects of the evening? If no miracle cure exists, a dietitian reveals her ideal menu.
After a drunken evening, the effects are felt
While some swear by a double cheese the day after New Year’s Eve, others prefer the traditional onion soup. But before deciding on the ideal anti-hangover menu, let’s return to the effects of alcoholic beverages on the body.
Once alcohol enters the body, it acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and causes a significant loss of water and essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
“This dehydration causes headaches, fatigue, dry mouth and greater difficulty concentrating,” recognizes Julie Boët.
Beyond this “simple” dehydration, alcohol also puts considerable pressure on the liver – the organ responsible for metabolizing ethanol. Your glasses of wine are thus converted by the liver into “acetaldehyde”, a highly inflammatory toxic metabolite. “However, an accumulation of acetaldehyde can promote the appearance of nausea, tremors and headaches. underlines the dietitian.
So many reasons why you should eat better after the evening, in order to reduce the intensity of your symptoms.
Water above all else
Rehydrate the body with water, but also drinks rich in electrolytes such as coconut water or certain salty broths, “helps to restore this water and electrolyte balance disrupted by alcohol”, assures the nutritionist.
Eggs, chicken or even yogurt
Certain foods rich in amino acids such as cysteine - present in eggs, poultry or even certain dairy products – can support the liver in the detoxification process.by promoting the degradation of this acetaldehyde“, assures the specialist.
Wholemeal bread or potatoes
After a night of drinking, blood glucose levels can drop, increasing feelings of fatigue, dizziness and irritability. “In this context, consuming complex carbohydrates such as oats, wholemeal bread or potatoes provides a more stable source of energy and gradually increases blood sugar levels without causing sudden peaks and drops,” admits the expert.
Berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables
Finally, since alcohol promotes the production of free radicals that are toxic to the body, foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can help.
“Berries, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and fish rich in omega-3s can help alleviate this oxidative load,”
specifies Julie Boët.
And if, after an evening, it is often easier to turn to a croque-monsieur than to a green cabbage, the dietitian reminds us that “fat does not absorb alcohol in any way“.
“Heavy and very fatty foods the next day can increase inflammation, put more strain on the liver and worsen digestive symptoms such as nausea, heaviness or diarrhea. Conversely, light proteins, easy-to-digest carbohydrates, and nutrient-dense foods are more beneficial for getting your system back on track!“, concludes the dietitian.
Enough to revise your shopping list, now!