Why People Use Pedialyte To Cure A Hangover

One too many glasses of wine can make for a miserable day after, and sometimes it can be so debilitating that we are willing to try anything to make it stop. From chugging water and sipping coffee, to taking aspirin and making broken promises to never drink again, a bad hangover can make you desperate for a cure. There are some old school theories on how to cure a hangover that you may have tried (such as drinking raw egg – ew), but have you heard the hype about Pedialyte?

Pedialyte has been peddled as a nasty hangover remedy, with even celebs like Miley boasting it's benefits, but is there any evidence to support this? The popular children's drink is commonly used for dehydration and is packed with water, electrolytes, and minerals, like zinc and potassium (per Pedialyte.com). According to WebMD, symptoms of dehydration include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat, which you may experience when hungover due to a sour stomach. Pedialyte can work to rehydrate you and rebalance your blood sugars, offering some relief from your pain.

The after-effects of drinking too much may vary from person to person, but common hangover symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, vertigo, and anxiety (via National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). These symptoms, when caused by dehydration, can be alleviated by drinking Pedialyte — though it is not a remedy for other effects caused by the over consumption of too much alcohol. According to the NIAAA, aside from dehydration, you might experience interrupted sleep, inflammation, an irritated stomach lining, and even slight alcohol withdrawal.

Doctor Nieca Goldberg tells NBC that "Pedialyte has the same balance of electrolytes as your body, so it's good for rehydrating and replenishing what you've lost." This is promising for those who have overdone it, yet still have to function the day after. Emergency room doctor Alexis Halpern advises that Pedialyte, while a good option for helping with some hangover symptoms, is still a medical treatment and should always be used as directed (via NBC). The bottom line: The next time you find yourself feeling wrecked by too much tequila, Pedialyte can help provide the replenishment your body needs.