Hungover? These 13 Foods Can Actually Help You Bounce Back

Bone Broth

bone brothParker feierbach

For a hangover remedy, Manaker recommends sipping on bone broth. Rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, she says bone broth can help rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. She adds that the protein will give you slow and steady energy while the gelatin and collagen can soothe your stomach lining and digestion, which might be affected by drinking.

She recommends Kettle & Fire Lemongrass Ginger Bone Broth, which has ginger that might relieve nausea. Kearney adds that ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and might help protect the liver from damage.

Chicken Noodle Soup

chicken noodle soup with carrots and egg noodlesPHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Nothing beats a big bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling down. “This traditional comfort food has several properties that can help address hangover symptoms,” Manaker says. This includes water and salt to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes; carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar, which can fluctuate after drinking; and the warmth can ease nausea.

White also recommends chicken noodle soup. “The same way chicken soup can help you when you’re sick, it’ll fill some of the needs you have when you’re hungover.”

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Eggs

classic omeletPHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Not only are eggs easy to make, but they’re a good source of protein. You’re gonna need that protein to process all the alcohol in your system. But White has a reminder: Just stick with eggs and maybe some toast. “Don’t go the extra step and put the bacon and the sausage on it; you’ll be bringing in all the grease,” she says.

Leafy Greens

strawberry spinach salad with feta and pecansPHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Leafy greens like spinach and kale have chlorophyll, which Kearney says can help neutralize toxins. Toss some spinach in a strawberry spinach salad or sauté kale with garlic (which Kearney says can also support liver detoxification). Spinach and kale are also key ingredients in our green smoothie.

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Bananas

man holding a bananaKarl Tapales//Getty Images

Bananas are a great source of potassium. They’re also easy to digest, so your stomach won’t feel upset. On another note, coconut water is a great option and is high in potassium (and will give you some fluids), as well as orange juice and avocados.

Check out some recipes loaded with potassium, such as fruit salad and avocado toast.

Peanut Butter & Whole Grain Crackers

peanut butter spread on soda crackers close upAnSyvanych / iStock / Getty Images Plus//Getty Images

If you’re feeling a little nauseous, peanut butter and crackers might help. “These simple snacks are not only easy to stomach, but they also contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats,” Manaker says. She adds that the carbs can help stabilize blood sugar levels, while the protein and fat in the peanut butter provide a slow stream of energy.

You can also combine two of our hangover foods into a banana peanut butter smoothie.

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Carbs

bagels   delishcomEmily Hlavac Green

Carb-heavy foods like bread, crackers, sandwiches, and pasta are typically easy to digest, which is what your body needs at this point. The myth that eating tacos, pizza, and burgers will help “soak up” the alcohol is just wrong. “Greasy food doesn’t soak up anything; it’s not soluble in water,” White says. However, bread and things of that nature have high sodium content, so you’re eating something digestible, and you’re also getting the electrolytes your body needs.

Smoothies

blueberry smoothie with spinachPHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Smoothies are so easy to make (just cover your ears during the whole insanely loud blending part), and they can be really filling. They help with dehydration, and adding in berries—like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries—as well as flax seeds and chia seeds, which are high in antioxidants, can make a great alternative to an unhealthy meal.

Follow our guide on how to make a smoothie, or check out this vibrant blueberry smoothie or green smoothie.

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Coconut Or Maple Water

coconut and water on wooden background, space for text tropical fruitAtlasStudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus//Getty Images

Kearney recommends coconut water to replenish electrolytes. Drink one on its own or toss one in a smoothie for a hit of hydration.

While it’s less common, maple water (made from the sap of maple trees) is also a natural source of electrolytes. “Ideally, people would drink it before consuming alcohol, as data suggests drinking it before alcohol can increase the rate at which the alcohol is metabolized,” Manaker says.

Salmon

cilantro lime grilled salmon verticalEthan Calabrese

Salmon is high in antioxidants, which can combat the inflammation that comes from drinking. “If you’re hungover and you’ve done a lot of drinking, you’re likely inflamed,” White said. “In some cases, you’re dehydrated, you’re puffy. You can actually see it visually.” This will help with that. Salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a good food choice.

We have plenty of salmon recipes to try, like easy air-fryer salmon, a spicy salmon bowl, and grilled salmon packets.

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Watermelon

thai watermelon saladPHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Wonder why drinking at night makes you so thirsty in the morning? It’s because you’re dehydrated and your body is craving liquids. White suggests watermelon because of its high water content and its amino acids.

“Your liver is obviously affected when you consume alcohol, and when you take in some type of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, then that might help because the liver has been too busy dealing with all that alcohol,” she says.

Celery

celeryClaudia Totir / Moment//Getty Images

“Celery is high in potassium and contains sodium, which is an important electrolyte,” Kearney says. Snack on celery sticks with peanut butter or blend them in a juice or smoothie for hydration.

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Broccoli

air fryer broccoli  delishcomJoel Goldberg

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