Alcohol acts as a diuretic. That means it makes your kidneys produce more urine than usual, even if you’re not drinking extra water. Every trip to the bathroom means you’re losing both fluids and electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and chloride).
The result? You wake up with less water in your system, an out-of-balance electrolyte mix, and a body that’s struggling to get everything back on track. This combination contributes to common hangover symptoms like headache, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
Can electrolytes “cure” a hangover?
Let’s be clear: There’s no miracle hangover cure.
Electrolyte drinks won’t instantly erase all the effects of too much alcohol. However, they can make your recovery smoother in two important ways:
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Rehydration: Electrolyte solutions help you absorb water more efficiently than plain water alone, especially if you’re already a bit dried out.
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Restoring balance: Replenishing lost sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes helps your nerves, muscles, and brain get back to normal faster.
This doesn’t mean a sports drink will let you skip all the consequences, but it may reduce the worst symptoms and get you back on your feet more quickly.
What should you drink after a night out?
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Go for hypotonic or balanced electrolyte drinks (not super salty or full of sugar), as they are absorbed faster and are gentler on the stomach.
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Plain water is helpful, but a small amount of sodium and glucose helps your body actually absorb and retain the fluids.
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Sip slowly—don’t chug. Your body absorbs fluids best in smaller amounts over time.
The bottom line
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Electrolytes aren’t a hangover “cure,” but they do support faster rehydration and recovery.
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Alcohol drains both fluids and electrolytes from your system; replacing both makes a difference.
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The best plan: pace yourself, drink water (and maybe electrolytes) alongside alcohol, and get plenty of rest.
No miracle solutions, just simple science: If you treat your body to fluids and the right electrolytes, your morning-after self will thank you.