Hangovers: the foods to eat and those to avoid for relief

The key to getting over a hangover isn't a trip to the local fast-food joint or the Starbucks drive-through— actually, the answer is likely to be lurking in some common health foods. To help get you feeling back to your pre-partied self, chow down on some of these nutrient-dense foods:

Asparagus: A study published by the Institute of Food Technologists shows that eating asparagus could help metabolize alcohol quicker, thanks to the veggie's amino acids and minerals.

Coconut water: Because alcohol has a diuretic effect, it causes your sodium and potassium levels to drop. This results in dehydration, bringing on feelings of shakiness. To restore all of those lost electrolytes, forget the Gatorade and reach for some all-natural coconut water. Containing fewer carbohydrates, calories, and sugar than most sports drinks on the market, coconut water is a prime alternative to tongue-staining Cool Blue or Fruit Punch. Just be sure to select a variety with no added sugars.

Bananas: Another option for replenishing your electrolyte stores is eating a banana. Since they're easy on the stomach, they make for a solid choice if you're experiencing nausea.

Honey and toast: Grab some whole-grain toast (crackers work too) and spread on some of the golden liquid. Honey is full of antioxidants and concentrated fructose, which could increase the rate at which the alcohol leaves your body. The toast contributes by bringing your blood sugar back up.

Eggs: A plate of scrambled eggs or an omelet may be just what you need. Eggs contain the amino acid cysteine, which can help rid of acetaldehyde (the chemical that causes the painful hangover headache), along with taurine, which has shown to help dispose of alcohol's toxins faster.

Some foods and beverages to avoid?

Greasy foods: By the time that burger digests, the alcohol will have already left your stomach and entered your bloodstream, so there won't be any alcohol for the food to soak up. Rather, the grease could upset your stomach further and cause acid reflux. Some may have success with greasy foods to relieve a hangover because of the sodium (helping to retain water in your body) and carbs (raising blood sugar). It's true that fatty foods can help prevent a hangover, but they have to be eaten before you start drinking to help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. That being said, I'd recommend taking in healthy sources of fat (such as olive oil, salmon, or avocado) to keep your waistline and heart happy and to prevent you from feeling sluggish before heading out.

More alcohol, a.k.a "hair of the dog": A mimosa at breakfast could temporarily take away your hangover symptoms, giving you relief while your liver goes to break down the new source of alcohol. Once that drink gets metabolized, though, back comes the hangover, but even worse than the original.

Coffee: After a night of drinking, our bodies need to be rehydrated, not dehydrated further by a cup of caffeine. Being a vasoconstrictor, caffeine also causes the blood cells to swell and, thus, can increase the intensity of a headache.

Lastly, a few tips to help avoid the hangover altogether:

• Stay hydrated throughout the night by drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.
• Eat a good meal beforehand to slow your body's absorption of alcohol. 
• Opt for clear alcohols over darker ones. The brown-colored alcohols often contain more congeners, which can increase the severity of a hangover. 
• Don't forget to down a glass of water (or coconut water) to rehydrate before hitting the sack!

Have a safe New Years, everyone! I look forward to sharing more of my health and fitness findings with you all in 2014 ~ Cheers!