Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Drink less, eat first, alternate with water, and skip unproven pills and detox products.
The only sure way to prevent a hangover is to drink less alcohol or none. Some habits lower the odds and severity.
Habits that help
What does not work
No pill, herb, vitamin or "detox" product reliably prevents a hangover. Drinking more water cannot cancel out heavy drinking.
Lower-risk drinking
Health bodies advise limiting alcohol, and many suggest not drinking at all if you have liver disease, take certain medicines, are pregnant or are under legal age.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda advises moderation and a regular routine. It also warns that habitual heavy drinking harms digestion and the body.
Key point
If you cannot limit your drinking, or hangovers are frequent, speak to a doctor or counsellor.
Before your appointment
Note how much and what you drank, over how long, and your symptoms. List any medicines or supplements taken, how often hangovers occur, and any past liver, stomach or heart problems. Be open with your doctor about alcohol use, since this helps them advise you safely.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Dehydration, acetaldehyde, inflammation, poor sleep and congeners, and what raises risk.
Fluids, simple food and rest, what does not work and why not to drive.
The usual hangover timeline from drinking to recovery and when to seek care.
Why paracetamol and NSAIDs need care with alcohol, rehydration salts, unproven products.
Gentle foods and fluids, what to avoid and why detox drinks are not proven.
Rest, fluids, light food, safe pain relief and when to seek emergency help.