Does Milk Help Hangovers?
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
Have you ever woken up after a party feeling like your head is in a vise and your stomach is on a rollercoaster? Welcome to the world of hangovers! In this article, we’ll dissect the hangover, develop an understanding of the science behind it, and explore remedies, all the while focusing on the claim that a glass of milk can make the pain go away.
Can a glass of milk really be the elixir to your morning-after woes? Stay tuned!
First, let's dive into the science of hangovers and why they turn our mornings upside down.
Hangovers are morning-after messengers, reminding us of our indulgences from the night before. They don't just disrupt our physical well-being; they turn our plans for a productive day into a struggle for basic comfort. But why does our body react this way?
Understanding the science behind a hangover is key to navigating the aftermath of a night out. They’re a blend of dehydration, chemical reactions, and the body's attempts to restore balance after being bombarded with more alcohol than it can handle. While everyone's experience might differ slightly, the common thread is that our body is working overtime to recover from a temporary onslaught of booze.
So, what does a hangover bring to the party? Here's the not-so-fun guest list:
Hangovers are no fun, as anyone who’s ever had one can attest. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have desperately searched for hangover cures. Over the years, some pretty absurd remedies have popped up — maybe we’ve even tried one or two of them!
Let’s zoom in on milk as a hangover cure. Some people swear by it, but is there any truth behind it?
The origins of the milk-as-a-cure belief are somewhat nebulous. Milk has long been important for humans. In ancient times, it was viewed as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It’s obviously associated with breastfeeding, which contributes to the perception of milk as a nourishing comfort food.
And milk is certainly nourishing! Thanks to modern dietary science, we know that it’s a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. Let’s get specific about milk’s wholesome nutritional offerings:
The nutrients in milk contribute to overall well-being and might alleviate some indirect effects of a hangover, but its primary benefit is rehydration and replenishment of depleted nutrients. Its capacity to directly counteract a hangover is more folklore than fact.
But what about preventing hangovers? Beyond its nutritional profile, there’s a common belief that milk can “coat the stomach” and slow the absorption of certain foods and drinks — especially alcohol. Scientifically, this is a bit of a stretch.
Let’s dive deeper into milk's supposed ability to diminish the effects of being drunk or high. Is there any truth to these claims, or are they just old wives’ tales?
Some people swear that milk sobers them up when they’ve been drinking, but what does science have to say? To understand this, we first need to examine how the body metabolizes alcohol — then we can explore where milk might fit into the picture.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. From there, it's primarily metabolized in the liver with the help of alcohol dehydrogenase (ALDH). This key enzyme converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, the toxic compound responsible for most icky hangover symptoms.
While it's true that eating a meal before drinking alcohol can slow its absorption slightly, it doesn't prevent intoxication or help us sober up. Furthermore, milk doesn't contain any magical ingredients that can alter the body's metabolic processes to break down alcohol faster.
The alcohol elimination process in the body is a fixed biological function, and no amount of milk consumption will change this. There’s only one magic ingredient for sobering up from alcohol — time!
But what if you need to sober up from something else?
Much like “getting rid of drunkenness,” the notion of "getting rid of a high" involves counteracting the effects of a psychoactive substance. These chemicals interact with the brain and central nervous system in complex ways by changing the function of our neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are responsible for our mood, consciousness, and physical sensations. Substances can alter our chemical balance quickly, but it often takes much longer for the body to restore balance. Unfortunately, there is usually no quick fix for a high, except in the case of life-saving overdose medications like naloxone (Narcan).
While some people might report feeling better or less intoxicated after drinking milk, this is likely a placebo effect from consuming a soothing, familiar beverage.
So, if there’s no magic elixir for kicking our hangover to the curb, what can we do for relief when we’re feeling less than great?
The best way to avoid hangovers is to drink in moderation or practice mindful drinking. If we’re already in the hangover phase, we can use this opportunity to reflect on our relationship to alcohol and consider making a hangover prevention plan for next time.
While milk can be a helpful tool in the hangover recovery process, it’s not a cure-all. Milk is rich in nutrients that nourish our body during the detox phase, and it’s an excellent supplement to water. While prevention is the best cure, our next best options are to rest, eat a good meal, and hydrate!
1. Is milk good for hangovers?
Milk is a healthy source of carbs, fat, protein, electrolytes, and other nutrients. It’s a good way to replenish after a night of drinking, but it’s not as important as drinking water. Milk will not speed up hangover recovery.
2. What are some alternatives to milk for hangover recovery?
Water is your best friend when recovering from a hangover. Coconut water and electrolyte mixes (such as Liquid IV or Gatorlyte) are other good beverage options, and herbal teas with ginger and mint can soothe an upset stomach. If you can handle it, a smoothie is a great way to pack in tons of nutrients while hydrating (but it’s not a substitute for water!).
3. Does milk sober you up?
No. The only way to sober up from alcohol is time. If you’re trying to sober up, drink some water, take it easy, get some rest, and plan to eat a nutritious meal once you’re feeling up to it.
4. Does milk kill your high?
Much like with hangovers, the only way to get over a high is to get through it (with a few exceptions such as overdose reversal drugs). If you’re trying to get through a high, take it easy, hydrate, and if necessary, reach out to a trusted friend or your local emergency services.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.