The Best Foods for Hangover Relief

It happens to the best of us, especially during the party-filled holiday season: the dreaded hangover. While there are no quick fixes as time is the only sure cure, foods that are rich in the vitamins and minerals that alcohol diminishes from your system can give your body and mind a much-needed, healthy boost. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top hangover relief foods and tasty recipes that can be mastered even when you’re not feeling your best.

Replenish the B-complex vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid, which support and increase metabolism and enhance the immune and nervous systems. Natural sources of these water-soluble vitamins are derived from whole, unprocessed foods including leafy green vegetables, eggs, dairy, lentils, turkey, potatoes, and whole grains. After a breakfast of a delicious, but hassle-free Spinach-and-Cheese Omelet and Crisp Potato Hash Browns, we promise you’ll be feeling at least 50% better.

Vitamin A deficiency reduces the body's resistance to disease and impairs vision, among other important biological functions. Since imbibing too much alcohol may release the body’s entire supply of vitamin A from the liver into the bloodstream at one time, it’s going to need a serious reboot the next day. Rely on foods such as carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, butter and leafy greens. Curried Carrot, Sweet Potato, and Ginger Soup enjoyed with a warm, crusty baguette will be both comforting and healthy. Fresh ginger is also excellent for aiding digestion and easing nausea.

Vitamin C is known for the invaluable role it plays in boosting the immune system. Alcohol blocks absorption of this necessary vitamin, but have no fear; there is a long list of foods that can replace what your body needs to recuperate. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include papaya, mango, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, oranges and cauliflower. For a morning re-charge, whip up a Mango-Berry Smoothie and for dinner, Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Bell Peppers provides a filling, vitamin C-rich meal.

Since alcohol is a diuretic, an evening of indulgent drinking results in an increased loss of water-soluble vitamins such as zinc, magnesium and potassium from your body. Replenish your system’s zinc supply, which strongly affects the immune system, through foods such as chicken, eggs, cheese, oysters, beef, beans and peanuts. Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce makes a delicious and hearty hangover food choice.

Magnesium serves several important functions in the body including enzymatic, muscular and energetic, all of which certainly suffer when hungover. Dark green, leafy vegetables are the best sources of dietary magnesium followed by bananas, avocados, nuts, legumes, soy products and whole grains. Thai Fried Rice with Tofu is an ideal option since it includes bok choy and tofu. Substitute brown rice for the jasmine rice and your magnesium uptake increases even more.

Potassium is a very important mineral for metabolism, hydration and overall proper body functioning. Magnesium is ubiquitous in the American diet, but is particularly plentiful in red meat, chicken and fish. Vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, kiwi, bananas, citrus fruits and dried apricots are also excellent sources. Start your day with a Sweet Potato Hash and a Banana Breakfast Smoothie, which calls for magnesium-rich milk, and you’ll be well on your way to a speedy – or rather, speedier - recovery.