Two Truths and a Lie: Hangover Edition

Can you guess which one of these three common sayings is a lie?

• Darker alcohols cause worse hangovers.
• Chugging pickle juice can relieve hangover symptoms.
• Drinking coffee prevents hangovers.

Like playing the game "Two Truths and a Lie," trying to separate fact from fiction can be tricky when navigating what really works to prevent or cure alcohol hangovers. But when it comes to your health, you deserve more than guessing games. Let's cut through the clutter with science and dive into the top hangover questions, so you can get straight answers to feel your best.

1. Does "Hair of the Dog" Really Cure a Hangover?

No. It's a common misconception that drinking more alcohol—known as "hair of the dog"—helps cure a hangover. However, more alcohol means your body has more to process, which can prolong recovery and increase the risk of overdoing it again.

Tip: Sip water, eat a nutritious meal, rest, and consider vitamins to help you recover.

2. What Exactly Causes a Hangover?

Hangovers involve more than dehydration. The main culprit is acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When you drink more than your body can handle, acetaldehyde builds up, leading to hangover symptoms.

Tip: Stay hydrated, track your drinks, and set limits to practice mindful drinking.

3. How Much Alcohol Causes a Hangover?

It varies by person. Even moderate drinking can cause hangovers, especially if you drink quickly or on an empty stomach. Factors like body size, gender, and alcohol type influence your sensitivity.

Tip: Pay attention to how you feel when drinking and avoid comparing yourself to others. Use tools like the Drinking Triggers Assessment to identify personal triggers.

4. Can Coffee Prevent Hangovers?

No. Caffeine is a stimulant that may make you feel awake, but it doesn't help your liver process alcohol. As a diuretic, it can worsen dehydration, a key factor in hangovers. Mixing caffeine and alcohol can also mask intoxication, leading to risky behavior.

Tip: Choose water or electrolyte drinks instead of coffee to stay hydrated.

5. Does Eating Greasy Food Prevent a Hangover?

No. The idea that greasy foods line the stomach and absorb alcohol is a myth. In reality, greasy foods can cause inflammation and irritate your gut, increasing bloating, nausea, and stomach pain.

Tip: Eat a balanced meal with complex carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats before drinking.

6. Does Drinking Pickle Juice Cure a Hangover?

No, but it may relieve some symptoms. Pickle juice contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which can help with imbalance caused by alcohol, but it won't cure a hangover entirely.

Tip: Practice moderation to prevent hangovers rather than relying on remedies afterward.

7. Can Taking Painkillers Before Bed Prevent a Hangover?

No. Painkillers might ease headaches or aches, but they don't prevent hangovers. Taking them after drinking can irritate your stomach and worsen nausea. Some painkillers are dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Tip: Address the root causes by setting drinking limits and hydrating between alcoholic drinks.

8. Does Mixing Alcohol Types Make Hangovers Worse?

It can, but not always. Hangover severity depends more on the amount and type of alcohol consumed. Darker drinks have more congeners (fermentation byproducts), which are linked to worse hangovers.

Tip: Stick to lighter-colored alcohols, track your drinks, or choose alcohol-free options.

9. Is It True That Some People Aren't Affected by Alcohol?

Not exactly. Everyone is affected by alcohol; some just experience fewer hangover symptoms. However, those with higher tolerance may be at greater risk for alcohol dependence and related disorders.

Tip: Follow moderation guidelines regardless of whether you get hangovers.

10. Can Exercise "Sweat Out" a Hangover?

No. Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood, but it doesn't eliminate hangover symptoms. It can worsen dehydration and nausea, prolonging discomfort.

Tip: Focus on rest, hydration, and gentle movement like walking or stretching.

11. Do "High-End" Liquors Cause Less Severe Hangovers?

Not necessarily. Hangover severity depends more on alcohol quantity and your body's processing ability. Some premium liquors may have fewer congeners due to filtration, but that doesn't guarantee no hangover.

Tip: Pay attention to alcohol by volume (ABV) and drink moderately, regardless of price.

12. Does Sleeping Longer Help You Recover Faster?

It can help, but hangovers still take time. Sleep is crucial for recovery, but alcohol disrupts REM sleep, so even long sleep may not be restful.

Tip: Prioritize quality sleep with meditation, limited distractions, and natural sleep aids—avoid those that interact with alcohol.

13. Are Wine Hangovers Worse Than Beer Hangovers?

Yes, they can be. Wine often has more congeners and a higher ABV than beer, potentially leading to worse hangovers.

Tip: Opt for lighter wines or non-alcoholic alternatives, and watch pour sizes.

14. Will Throwing Up Help You Sober Up?

No. Vomiting doesn't remove alcohol from your system—it's absorbed into your bloodstream quickly. Forced vomiting can cause dehydration and worsen hangover symptoms.

Tip: Sip ginger tea or clear broth to soothe your stomach.

15. Can Eating a Big Breakfast Cure a Hangover?

No, but it may ease some symptoms. A nutritious breakfast replenishes nutrients depleted by alcohol, but it doesn't remove alcohol from your body.

Tip: Choose a balanced, lighter meal and continue hydrating with water or electrolyte drinks.

16. Does Age Make Hangovers Worse?

Yes. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at metabolizing alcohol, and liver function and hydration may decline, making hangovers more severe.

Tip: Consider reducing or quitting alcohol for better health and longevity.

17. Do Sugary Drinks Cause Hangovers?

Yes, they can worsen hangovers. Sugary drinks spike blood sugar and increase dehydration, contributing to hangover severity.

Tip: Avoid high-sugar alcohols like champagnes and liqueurs; choose low-sugar mixers like soda water.

18. Does Milk Before Drinking Prevent a Hangover?

No. Milk may coat your stomach, but it doesn't prevent hangovers, which result from acetaldehyde buildup, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

Tip: Eat a balanced meal before drinking to slow alcohol absorption.

19. Do Men and Women Experience Hangovers Differently?

Yes. Differences in body composition, metabolism, and hormones mean women often have worse hangovers due to lower levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes.

Tip: Drink in moderation, choose alcohol-free options, and stay hydrated to reduce hangover risk.

20. Can You Avoid a Hangover by Drinking Spirits Instead of Beer?

No. Spirits have higher ABV than beer, meaning your body processes more alcohol, which can lead to worse hangovers.

Tip: Be mindful of cocktail portions—they can equal multiple standard drinks. Try mocktails instead.

The Bottom Line

Hangover myths are like urban legends—often shared but rarely true. From old tales to trendy tips, advice on handling hangovers can be misleading. While we'd all love a quick fix, the only reliable remedies are time, rest, and hydration. By understanding the facts, you can make informed choices to wake up feeling brighter and clearer.