Pedialyte Versus Gatorade: Which Is Better For A Hangover?

Most people who drink alcohol have experienced the dreaded hangover. A hangover refers to unpleasant side effects that occur the day after drinking too much (via Mayo Clinic). Symptoms of a hangover include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Everyone has their own hangover method, but one tried and true treatment is to sip on an electrolyte drink (via Verywell Health). Hangovers can also cause dehydration and the symptoms that come with it, like intense thirst and headaches. Electrolyte beverages can help rehydrate your body when it loses water from vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive alcohol use.

Pedialyte and Gatorade are two of the most popular electrolyte drinks available. They both contain water, sugar, and electrolytes in their formulas. However, Pedialyte tends to have less sugar and carbohydrates than Gatorade's original flavors. Pedialyte also contains more electrolytes than Gatorade and contains zinc, which can help the body absorb the electrolytes better. When it comes to treating a hangover, Pedialyte will generally be the better choice. With its higher sugar and carbohydrate content, Gatorade is better for athletes recovering from intense exercise.

Sipping on electrolyte drinks isn't the only way to improve your hangover symptoms. According to Harvard Health, it is important to drink plenty of fluids in the morning after a night of drinking. Eating carbohydrates can also help because they can raise blood sugar levels that are depleted during drinking. Many people who drink a lot also forget to eat and can cause their blood sugar levels to drop due to a lack of food as well. Eating a high-carb meal, like toast and bread, in the morning can help raise blood sugar levels back to normal.

Other hangover treatments include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. These can help with painful symptoms like headaches. However, you should avoid acetaminophen, which can increase alcohol's toxic effects on the liver if any alcohol is still present in your system. Sipping on coffee or tea won't directly improve any hangover symptoms but can make you feel better when you are groggy and fatigued after a night of drinking. Finally, taking B vitamins and zinc before drinking may result in a less severe hangover the next day.