I’m a doctor. Here is a six-step plan that is medically proven to cure a hangover
- Dr. Joe Whittington is an emergency physician based in California
- He went viral after breaking down his approach to combating a hangover
- Dr. Whittington recommends eating plenty of carbohydrates and avoiding Tylenol
‘Tis the season for hangovers, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer.
Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency physician from Southern California, went viral on TikTok after unveiling the six-step plan that is “medically proven” to cure the unwanted side effects of too much alcohol.
The content creator, who uses the handle @drjoe_mdhas more than 1.7 million followers on the platformwhere he shares ER stories and medical advice.
In a recent video, he explains his approach to fighting a hangover: advice that many people will need after binging this holiday season.
Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency physician from Southern California, went viral on TikTok after unveiling the six-step plan that is ‘medically proven to cure hangovers’
The content creator, who goes by the handle @drjoe_md, has more than 1.7 million followers on the platform, where he shares ER stories and medical advice
Dr. Whittington recommends avoiding dark liquors like whiskey and cognac in the first place, as they have been proven to cause worse hangovers.
“After a night of heavy drinking, drink a bottle of water before you go to sleep and when you wake up the next morning,” he says.
The medical expert adds that you should also “eat plenty of carbohydrates to replenish your sugar levels” after you wake up.
“It’s fine to take something for the headache,” he explains, “but avoid Tylenol, which puts a strain on your liver.”
Combining alcohol with acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, can accentuate the painkiller’s toxic effects on the liver, according to Harvard Health Publishers.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are better options for combating hangover headaches.
Dr. Whittington also recommends drinking coffee or tea to “give yourself caffeine to boost your energy levels.”
The doctor’s final tip is to “supplement with B vitamins and zinc, which have been shown to improve hangover.”
The video has been viewed more than 100,000 times since it was posted in August, a few months before the holidays were in full swing.
Dr. Whittington recommends drinking a bottle of water before you go to bed and after you wake up. He says you should also “eat lots of carbs” the next morning
The medical expert recommends avoiding dark liquors such as whiskey and cognac as they have been proven to cause worse hangovers.
Dr. Whittington says you can take a pain reliever, but you should avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen). He adds that coffee or tea will provide a “caffeine boost for your energy levels.”
The doctor’s final tip is to ‘supplement with B vitamins and zinc, which have been shown to improve hangovers’
The video has been viewed by more than 100,000 people and inspired commenters to share their tried-and-tested hangover remedies
The advice of Dr. Whittington inspired others to share their hangover cures in the comments.
‘I drink pickle juice before I start drinking. Always works for me!’ one person shared.
“Emergency C and 800 mg ibu before bed,” another advised.
“I take a Dramamine, it works great,” someone else insisted.
Others offered a safe way to avoid a hangover: “Don’t drink.”
“I’m grateful this is no longer an issue,” one viewer explained. “Getting older took care of my drinking days.”