Consuming excessive quantities of alcohol can lead to a group of symptoms the next day that people commonly refer to as a hangover. There is currently no guaranteed cure for a hangover. Coffee might help with some symptoms, but it is unlikely to provide substantial relief.
Many people experience symptoms the day after drinking more alcohol than they can tolerate. These symptoms may include a headache, nausea, and feeling groggy and unrested.
There are many anecdotal claims that certain rituals or substances, such as coffee, can help cure a hangover. However, there is little to no evidence to suggest that drinking coffee can reverse the effects of consuming too much alcohol.
In fact, while it may ease some symptoms of a hangover, drinking coffee can actually prolong other symptoms. At present, the only way to
In this article, we discuss whether coffee can reduce or worsen a hangover and outline tips for dealing with hangover symptoms.
A hangover happens when a person drinks in excess. It
Researchers are still unsure about the exact causes of hangovers. However,
Hangover symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- weakness
- headaches
- increased thirst
- sensitivity to light and sound
- sweating
- irritability
- anxiety
- nausea
- stomach pain
- muscle aches
- dizziness
- increased blood pressure
The symptoms that occur during a hangover may vary significantly from person to person. Furthermore, the same amount of alcohol will affect people differently, so it is impossible to predict how much alcohol will cause hangover symptoms.
Some types of alcohol may also increase a person’s risk of experiencing hangover symptoms. For instance,
If a person notices worse symptoms after drinking wine, particularly white wine, it is possible that they have an
Currently, there is no cure for a hangover, and consuming coffee is unlikely to provide much, if any, relief.
Similar to alcohol, caffeine, which is present in coffee, is a diuretic. Therefore, it may further dehydrate the body, potentially prolonging or worsening certain symptoms of a hangover.
There is not much research on the effects of coffee on hangover symptoms. Instead, most research focuses on the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, such as mixing caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol.
The
According to a
The best strategy to avoid a hangover is to avoid alcohol altogether, but not everyone wants to cut out alcohol completely. If people do choose to drink, it is advisable that they drink in
People can try to manage and reduce their symptoms by rehydrating, eating nutritious food, and getting plenty of rest.
Home remedies are another option. While coffee may not help,
However, although there is some evidence that these natural substances may help with hangover symptoms, the research is scarce and remains inconclusive.
Beverages containing these ingredients may provide some relief, as may certain teas or electrolyte drinks. However, the simplest and most effective drink to help hangovers is water.
Regular hangovers are likely to be detrimental to health, as they indicate that a person is regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Heavy, binge, or inappropriate drinking can significantly harm health.
Potential short-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption
- injuries — for example, from falls, car accidents, and burns
- violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence
- alcohol poisoning
- risky sexual behaviors, which may result in unintentional pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)
The long-term health risks of excessive alcohol consumption may include:
- liver disease
- digestive problems
- heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
- certain cancers, such as mouth, throat, and liver cancer
- mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
- alcohol use disorders
- weakening of the immune system, which may increase the chances of becoming sick
- learning and memory problems, including dementia and impaired performance at work or school
- social problems, such as family issues, unemployment, and loss of productivity
Some people may recommend coffee as a hangover cure, but it does not treat a hangover and is likely to provide little, if any, benefit. In some cases, it may even make the symptoms of a hangover worse.
There is currently no cure for a hangover, and the only way to avoid the symptoms is to avoid alcohol. People with a hangover may be able to ease the symptoms by drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious food, and getting lots of sleep.