Social media is rife with quick-fix health hacks, and one of the most prevalent myths circulating on Instagram recently is that coffee is the perfect hangover cure. But does it work, or is it just another myth of wellness? In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital - Noida, helped us set fact apart from fiction and dive into what the science says about that morning-after cup of coffee.
Myth: Coffee as a Hangover Cure
Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll likely see influencers and wellness enthusiasts touting coffee as the best remedy for a hangover. The logic seems simple, which is that coffee provides a caffeine boost that increases alertness, helping to shake off fatigue and brain fog. Many also believe that coffee’s diuretic properties can help “flush out” toxins from alcohol. But is it really that simple?
Reality: Coffee Might Make It Worse
Dr Srivastav highlighted that although caffeine may be able to reverse some of the symptoms of a hangover such as drowsiness, it does not really cure a hangover. Instead, it has the potential to worsen some symptoms.
Also Read: Have A Stuffy Nose? Home Remedies That Can Help Unblock It
1. Dehydration Exacerbates Hangovers
Alcohol will dehydrate a person, and coffee, which is a diuretic, will further lead to dehydration. This can amplify typical hangover symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth.
2, Irritated Stomach
Coffee is acidic and will stimulate the production of stomach acid, which could worsen nausea or stomach upset due to drinking alcohol.
3. Masking Fatigue And Not Restoring Energy
Caffeine increases alertness for a short time by inhibiting adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you tired. This doesn't restore energy lost or rebuild the body's energy stores.
What Actually Helps a Hangover?
Dr Srivastav also suggested that rather than trusting coffee, try these evidence-based remedies:
1. Hydration
Staying hydrated with water or electrolyte-containing drinks (such as coconut water or sports drinks) can restore lost fluids from alcohol's dehydrating properties.
Also Read: Have A Stuffy Nose? Home Remedies That Can Help Unblock It
2. Balanced Breakfast
Having a nutritious meal of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates can balance blood sugars and deliver vital nutrients to support recovery.
3. Rest and Sleep
Allowing your body time to recover is one of the best methods of overcoming a hangover.
4. Ginger or Peppermint Tea
Ginger and peppermint are herbs known to calm nausea and ease digestion without the dehydration caused by coffee.
Bottomline
Though coffee may provide a temporary energy high, it is not a hangover cure. If anything, it can actually make dehydration and other symptoms worse. Try hydration, nutrition, and rest for a better recovery instead. The next time Instagram leads you to believe coffee is the solution to your hangover troubles, take it with a grain of salt.