New Year’s Eve always comes with that familiar temptation to keep the toasts going, especially when you’re surrounded by people you love. The problem is that the fun can slide into excess so quietly that you only notice the next morning, when your head is pounding and your stomach is turning. If you’d rather start 2026 feeling like yourself, the smartest plan begins before the first drink. Several health and wellness experts agree that the best “cure” is really prevention, and it has far less to do with greasy food than most people think.
The biggest driver of hangover misery is dehydration, which is why water matters so much before, during, and after you drink. GP Dr. Sanjay Mehta points out that alcohol acts as a diuretic, pushing fluids and key minerals out of your system. That combination is a recipe for fatigue, dizziness, and the kind of headache that makes daylight feel personal. His advice is simple, keep hydration steady all night instead of trying to fix everything the next day.
Electrolytes can make that hydration strategy work harder. Because alcohol can deplete essential minerals that help your muscles and nerves function properly, replacing them can support recovery. Dr. Mehta suggests using electrolyte drinks or over the counter electrolyte tablets, ideally before bed so your body can absorb them while you sleep. If nausea hits, Dr. Tamsin Lewis from Reborne Longevity recommends going slowly with small sips. She also notes that ginger can help settle an irritated stomach, while antacids may ease the discomfort that comes with excess acid.
It’s also worth rethinking the classic morning coffee. Pharmacist Iain Budd from Chemist4U says caffeine might make you feel more alert, but it does not help your body process alcohol any faster. Worse, coffee can add to dehydration, which is the last thing you need when you already feel drained. Water or an electrolyte drink is a far kinder choice when you’re trying to get back on your feet.
Food can support the reset, too, especially choices rich in potassium. GP Dr. Ross Perry recommends focusing on potassium packed options the day after, including bananas, oranges, apricots, grapefruit, melon, leafy greens, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, and peas. These foods can help replenish what you’ve lost and may make the recovery feel less like a full day event. It’s not about forcing a heavy meal, but about choosing nutrients that your body is actively missing.
Finally, don’t underestimate sleep, even if it feels out of reach. Nutritionist Belle Amatt explains that alcohol disrupts restorative sleep by shortening REM and breaking up the night, so the next day should be gentler by default. Pharmacist Deborah Grayson also suggests stopping earlier than usual, since your liver needs about an hour to metabolize each unit of alcohol, and late drinks can keep your body working well into the night. The earlier you close the bar, the better your chances of waking up clear headed.
How do you try to prevent a hangover when you’re celebrating, and what actually works for you? Share your go to tips in the comments.
