Nine foods that really WILL ward off a hangover, by a top nutritionist

Nine foods that really WILL ward off a hangover, by a top nutritionist
Source: Daily Mail Online

We've all been there: you swear you're only going to have a glass or two at your work festive do, only to roll into bed at 2am and spend the next day feeling like death.

Social media is full of suggestions for how you can try to shift a hangover, from drinking pickle juice to a raw-egg smoothie.

But which of them actually works? We asked nutritionist Toral Shah, adviser to Wiley's Finest omega-3 brand, for advice on the best foods and drinks that'll actually help clear your head.

From smoked salmon to a chocolatey treat, here's what to stock up on to beat the hangover this party season.

Nutritionist Toral Shah suggests smoked salmon, pickle juice and omelettes are all great ways to beat a hangover

Pickle juice

OK, we know it tastes gross. But according to Shah, pickle juice is one of the quickest ways to settle your stomach and rid yourself of a headache.

'Pickle juice is rich in sodium and electrolytes,' the nutritionist explains. 'These help replenish minerals lost through increased urination and sweating when you consume alcohol.'

Don't stress too much if you hate the taste: Shah says it works just as well if you dilute it down.

Adding a squeeze of lemon and some sparkling water should disguise the distinctive sourness.

Smoked salmon

Smoked salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, Shah explains. 'Two in particular, DHA and EPA, are really good at reducing inflammation caused by drinking.'

That's not all. 'Omega-3 is vitally important for brain health and cognition,' Shah says. 'During the hectic holiday season, eating omega-3 rich foods like salmon can reduce stress and anxiety, particularly that awful hangxiety triggered by alcohol.'

Rocket leaves

It might not be top of your hangover craving list, but if you're feeling woozy after a night out, try adding rocket to a green juice for breakfast.

'Bitter greens like rocket aid your detox by supporting bile production and liver function,' Shah explains. 'This helps your body break down alcohol as quickly as possible, as well as supporting your liver's health and preventing long-term damage.'

Dark chocolate

'Alcohol depletes your body's magnesium levels,' says Shah. 'This is an issue because magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining hydration levels, nerve functionality and muscle health.'

'Consuming magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate, lentils, peanuts and cashews can help reduce symptoms of a hangover by helping your body rehydrate, and hence getting rid of headaches or cramps.'

Miso soup

Soup might be synonymous with treating tummy bugs, but it's also a great way to help a hangover.

'The Japanese staple miso soup is full of sodium,' Shah explains. 'This helps the body retain fluids and replace electrolytes lost when you drink.
'It's also packed with probiotics, or beneficial bacteria that improve gut health and aid digestion.
'Have a cup first thing in the morning to help settle your stomach and replenish your electrolytes as quickly as possible.'

Tomato juice

Turns out a Bloody Mary (but hold the vodka) really is a great way to kickstart your day after a night out.

Shah says: 'Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant compound that helps protect the brain and liver when drinking alcohol accelerates the rate at which the enzymes in your liver break down alcohol and expel it from your body.
'Tomatoes are also around 94 per cent water and packed with potassium, an electrolyte that helps your body retain fluid.'

So they're a great - and delicious - way to rehydrate, particularly when served with lemon and celery as a virgin Bloody Mary.

Artichokes

Not only do they make a delicious canape: artichokes are a great dish to opt for the day after drinking because they're full of liver-boosting compounds.

'Artichokes contain chemical compounds called cynarin and silymarin,' Shah explains. 'They support the liver in producing enzymes that detoxify the body and promote good liver health.
'Use them roasted in a salad or frittata on the day of and after drinking, and you should find your hangover symptoms are reduced.'

Eggs

'Drinking alcohol can decrease the body's ability to absorb vital B vitamins, including thiamine, pyridoxine, cobalamin and folate,' says Shah. 'These are essential for energy production and brain function, so a lack of B vitamins can lead to brain fog and tiredness.'

Try eating a mushroom omelette as both eggs and mushrooms are full of water-soluble vitamin B that supports liver health. Eggs also contain cysteine, which helps to break down alcohol toxins and other byproducts.

Kimchi or Sauerkraut

This might not sound like the most appealing thing on a hangover, but Shah says Kimchi or Sauerkraut (both dishes include fermented vegetables) are a great hangover cure.

'Fermented foods contain probiotics that support gut health and provide electrolytes and antioxidants to counteract alcohol's effects,' Shah says.

Your best option to make it palatable on a hungover stomach? 'Add kimchi to a whole grain cheese toastie or in a wrap.'