In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief?Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Hangover ReliefHow to Get Hangover ReliefBottom Line
In This ArticleView All
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In This Article
What Is Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief?
Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief
How to Get Hangover Relief
Bottom Line
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Photo:Courtesy of Brand
Courtesy of Brand
Alcohol can be the life of the party—and the bane of the morning after. After all, too much alcohol can often leave you with a head-throbbing reminder of the night before, like a guest that overstays their welcome.
How Much Alcohol Should You Be Drinking?
Because people want to drink alcohol without experiencing a hangover, you can find a variety of hangover remedies. And among the sea of pills, potions and home remedies, one that is becoming more popular is Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief. But does this product really cure a hangover?
You may already be familiar with those “plop plop, fizz fizz” effervescent tablets that are widely known for their fast relief of heartburn and sour stomach. But you may not be aware that this brand has another product specifically formulated to offer hangover relief.
500 milligrams aspirin
This over-the-counter medication is sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms of a hangover. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin can help to reduce the headaches and body aches often associated with hangovers, according toHarvard Medical School.
65 mg caffeine
Much like aspirin, caffeine is another substance often utilized to combat the effects of a hangover. Commonly found in coffee, tea and energy drinks,caffeine is a stimulantthat can make you feel more alert and energized, potentially counteracting the fatigue and sluggishness associated with hangovers.
It is important to note that caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to increased urination and potentially exacerbate dehydration, one of the major contributors to hangover symptoms. As a result, while caffeine might temporarily mask some hangover symptoms, it could also potentially worsen others if you don’t also take in sufficient liquids.
Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium bicarbonate is another substance that has potential benefits when dealing with a hangover. Hangovers can cause a temporaryelectrolyte imbalancein the body due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, which encourages fluid loss through urination.
Drinking alcohol can cause your body to lose potassium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. By introducing potassium bicarbonate into the system during a hangover, you’re replenishing the electrolyte, which can help support hydration. This may help alleviate some hangover symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness and nausea.
Water
The tabs themselves don’t contain water, but you need to consume water when taking them. And so, the hangover remedy can also help provide your body with some much-needed hydration.
Other ingredients
You’ll also find aspartame or sucralose (to add a sweet flavor) and FD&C red No. 40 and yellow No. 6 (for coloring). These ingredients do not have an effect on hangover symptoms.
Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief seems to be a viable hangover remedy for many people, with over 2,000 people leaving positive Amazon reviews for this product.
But it’s not for everyone. Sure, the ingredients in the tabs may help combat symptoms of a hangover. However, some of the ingredients used may not be safe for certain folks, according to theNational Library of Medicine, including those with Reye’s syndrome, an allergy to aspirin or stomach ulcers, those who take blood-thinning medication or other NSAID medication and those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Thankfully, thereare other remediesthat may help people in need of relief. (Like fruit and sports drinks!)
The only surefire way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol in the first place. But if you find yourself with a hangover, here are additional remedies to consider:
Drink Water
Consume Electrolyte-Rich Foods
The body’s electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, are often depleted due to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as bananas, avocados or coconut water, can help replenish these vital elements, rehydrate your body and may reduce hangover symptoms.
Include Ginger
Ginger has long been recognized in traditional medicine for its potent anti-nausea effects, making it a potential ally in the battle against hangovers. Ginger also soothes the stomach, which can be helpful given alcohol is a gut-irritant. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as fresh, powdered or as a tea. A homemade ginger tea, with a touch of honey for sweetness, can be a soothing and beneficial remedy after a night out. Try ourGinger Teafor a simple drink to sip.
Take a NAC Supplement
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine. Among the roles NAC plays in the body, one is that it may impact the body’s natural detoxification process. In the context of hangovers, NAC could help the body more efficiently process and eliminate alcohol, potentially alleviating some hangover symptoms. According to 2021 data published inScientific Reports,taking NAC supplements after drinking alcohol may help reduce hangover symptoms for women, specifically nausea and weakness.
It is important to note that research in this area is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of NAC as a hangover remedy. Just like the aforementioned remedies, NAC does not eliminate the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Try to Go No. 2
Preliminary data suggests that people feel some hangover relief after they have a bowel movement. Data published inArchives of Medical Sciencesin 2023 showed that, among people who experienced a hangover, symptoms were significantly reduced after participants had a bowel movement. (The body continues to absorb alcohol through your intestines, but having a BM eliminates some alcohol, reducing intoxication and lessening the likelihood of having a hangover.)
Nursing a hangover is not fun, and it can instantly disrupt a person’s productivity. The first line of defense against a hangover is to avoid overdrinking in the first place. But if the drinks keep flowing and you had a night, there are some remedies that may help you feel better (but no guarantees). Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief is made with ingredients that may help combat a headache, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances and other hangover symptoms, making it one option after a night on the town.
It is important to talk to your health care provider before you include this product in your routine, as the ingredients found in Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief may not be appropriate for everybody’s needs. And if they give you the green light to try these fizzy tabs, having them in your arsenal may be a positive addition to help you function if you wake up feeling less than stellar.
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