Why Do Hangovers Feel So Bad? The Science and Your Body
Common Hangover Symptoms Explained
Most adults have woken up at least once with a throbbing headache, nausea, or fatigue after a night of heavy drinking. Hangovers occur due to the build-up of toxins, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and stomach irritation as your body processes alcohol. Just drinking water isn’t always enough. Symptoms can include headaches, sensitivity to light, upset stomach, trouble focusing, and body aches. That’s why the right hangover foods—targeted at hydration and liver recovery—are so popular worldwide.
Korea: The Power of Hot Soup – Haejang-guk, Dried Pollock Soup, and Bean Sprout Soup
Hearty Broths and the Ritual of Morning Recovery
In South Korea, hot soups like haejang-guk (literally, “soup to chase a hangover”), dried pollock soup, and bean sprout soup are essential for anyone recovering from a night out. Dried pollock is rich in amino acids that support liver repair, while bean sprout soup contains asparagine, which helps break down alcohol faster. The act of eating a comforting bowl of soup in the morning isn’t just physical—it’s deeply cultural, providing both psychological comfort and much-needed hydration.
Japan: Ochazuke and Miso Soup
Gentle Flavors for Delicate Mornings
Japan’s most trusted hangover remedies include ochazuke—a simple dish of rice with hot green tea poured over, often topped with pickles or grilled fish—and miso soup. Both are easy on the stomach and help restore lost fluids and minerals. The rise of convenience store culture has also made instant versions of these hangover helpers widely available across the country.
China: Congee and Century Egg Congee
Mild, Comforting Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
Chinese people typically turn to congee, a gentle rice porridge that can be enriched with herbs, meats, or even century eggs for added nutrition and flavor. This dish is easy to digest and can be found at virtually every breakfast market from Beijing to Shanghai, helping revitalize the body after a long night.
United States: Greasy Food and the Hangover Myth
Does Bacon Really Help? The Role of Comfort Food
In the US, it’s common to seek relief in greasy food—think cheeseburgers, fries, or breakfast sandwiches. The theory is that fat and carbs help soak up alcohol, though recent studies show hydration and electrolytes may matter more. Increasingly, health-conscious Americans are turning to avocado toast, green smoothies, or hydration drinks from brands like Liquid I.V. (around $25 for a 16-pack as of 2025) for a gentler recovery.
United Kingdom: The Full English Breakfast
A Tradition of Protein, Carbs, and Salt
Britain’s classic Full English breakfast includes bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, grilled tomatoes, and toast. This hearty plate provides a balanced blend of protein, carbs, and salt to replenish energy and electrolytes. Many Brits swear by it as the ultimate “reset meal” after a big night out.
France: Onion Soup and Baguette
Savory Warmth for a Delicate Stomach
The French have relied on onion soup as a traditional hangover remedy for centuries. Onions contain antioxidants and minerals that support liver health, while a warm broth soothes the stomach. Fresh baguette on the side adds easily digestible carbs to help balance blood sugar.
Mexico: Pozole and Spicy Broths
Heat and Spice to Wake Up the Body
Mexican hangover cures often center around pozole—a rich soup made from hominy, pork, and chili peppers. Locals believe the heat and sweat induced by spicy food help “detox” the body. Street vendors in Mexico City frequently offer pozole to early-morning commuters, reflecting the dish’s importance in daily life.
Russia: Solyanka and Kvass
Salty, Sour, and Surprisingly Effective
In Russia, solyanka—a tangy, salty soup featuring pickles, cured meats, tomatoes, and lemon—is a staple hangover dish. The strong flavors encourage hydration and stimulate appetite, while kvass, a lightly fermented rye drink, helps restore electrolytes.
Vietnam: Pho – The Breakfast of Recovery
Clear Broth, Fresh Herbs, and Hydration
Vietnamese pho is famous for its restorative properties. With a clear, slow-simmered broth, rice noodles, beef or chicken, and plenty of fresh herbs, pho gently settles the stomach and replenishes the body. Many Vietnamese enjoy a steaming bowl at sunrise as a daily ritual.
Germany: Rollmops (Pickled Herring)
Salt, Vinegar, and Electrolyte Boost
Germany’s answer to hangovers is rollmops—pickled herring fillets wrapped around onions and pickles. The salty, sour profile quickly restores sodium and fluid balance, making it a popular snack for those looking to bounce back fast.
Thailand: Tom Yum Goong
Spicy and Sour to Jumpstart Recovery
Thai tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) blends lemongrass, lime, chili, and cilantro in a vibrant broth. Its sour and spicy notes awaken the senses and support digestion, making it a favorite both for hangover recovery and hot weather refreshment.
What Science Says: The Common Ground Between Hangover Foods
The Nutritional Logic Behind Global Remedies
Despite cultural differences, most hangover foods share common benefits: hydration, electrolyte restoration, stomach-soothing ingredients, antioxidants, and psychological comfort. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (US), “the key is a combination of fluids, easy-to-digest foods, and plenty of rest.” Whether it’s soup, porridge, or pickled fish, the best remedy is one that helps you recover gently.
Finding Your Own Hangover Fix: Lifestyle Tips
Choose Foods That Work for You and Drink Responsibly
The variety of hangover foods worldwide reflects differences in climate, local ingredients, and cultural values. Each dish not only helps the body recover but also provides a sense of emotional comfort and routine. Ultimately, the healthiest choice is always moderation—pace your drinks, eat a balanced meal before drinking, and know that sometimes, the best medicine is a little patience.