Dr. Zoe Williams works as a general practitioner in London and is a television expert for the National Health Service (NHS). Just before Christmas, she developed the perfect sandwich that instantly cures a hangover.
Dr. Williams explained that an anti-hangover breakfast should combine the nutrients necessary to restore the balance of salts, sugars, and proteins lost due to excessive alcohol consumption.
She emphasized that after a night of drinking, it’s crucial to eat something, even if you feel a bit nauseous. This is often linked to low blood sugar levels, which trigger the production of hormones that cause nausea. The liver becomes less effective at regulating blood sugar because the body prioritizes the process of eliminating alcohol.
Nutritious Food to the Rescue
Dr. Williams’ sandwich is made with half whole grain and half white bread. She explained that while whole grain bread is healthier, some varieties can have a strong taste that might induce nausea.
Her approach to choosing the bread for the sandwich allows for a combination of “protein and fiber that provides a mix of instant energy and slow-releasing energy.”
Overall, protein can be a key lifesaver during a hangover, as it contains an amino acid called lysine, which helps speed up the breakdown of alcohol in the liver.
How to Build the Ultimate Sandwich?
Dr. Williams has crafted a hearty dish that features what seems to be an unhealthy combination of bacon, eggs, and avocado. But there’s a scientifically backed explanation for this.
According to her, while eating processed meats like bacon daily can be problematic for the gut, occasional consumption is unlikely to cause significant harm. Moreover, this ingredient helps replenish the salts lost during a night of drinking.
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing a person to lose both fluids and electrolytes—essential minerals needed for the body to function. Sodium and potassium are two of the main electrolytes, both of which are plentiful in this sandwich.
A study conducted in 2009 by researchers at Newcastle University found that bacon helps neurotransmitters in the brain—chemical messengers that are depleted by alcohol—function normally again.
“It can help a brain clouded by a hangover. Some experts say that even the smell of bacon can aid the brain in recovering,” Dr. Williams noted.
The next ingredient in the hangover sandwich is the egg, which the doctor referred to as the “hero” of the dish. “It doesn’t matter how you cook them. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are particularly beneficial for treating a hangover,” she says.
Eggs are indeed a nutrient powerhouse; they contain vitamins B12, A, and D, as well as protein. Vitamin B12, which helps maintain brain and nerve health, can become depleted with excessive alcohol consumption.
Dr. Williams explained that eggs contain the amino acid cysteine, which helps the body break down acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct of alcohol.
Adding avocado to the sandwich provides a boost of healthy fats that help sustain energy throughout the day. Avocado is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which helps balance electrolytes.
As for a beverage to accompany the meal, Dr. Williams recommends a cup of hot tea or a glass of water. While water is generally considered the best drink for rehydration, a cup of tea can also do the trick.
How can you avoid getting tipsy during long Christmas feasts? The expert suggests eating before consuming alcohol, and even better—eating while drinking. This way, the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream will slow down, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Dr. Williams also claims that consuming low-alcohol beverages like beer and cider, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, can help prevent a hangover. And she added, “Try to stop drinking at least two hours before bedtime and switch to water.” It’s also important to have a bottle of water by your bedside.