Sugary sports drinks can do a workout more harm than good, but such is not the case with a killer hangover. Reach for a Gatorade or similar beverage to restore liquids and electrolytes stat. Or pop open a box of coconut water, which has five of the electrolytes found in human blood, while most sports drinks only have two. Finally, one more cure that’s garnered a cult following: Pedialyte, a drink intended for dehydrated children, provides even more sodium and potassium than Gatoride, for far fewer calories.

Ginger or Peppermint Tea

For a soothing brew, look no further than your favorite herbal tea. Studies show that ginger tea may reduce nausea and motion sickness. Peppermint tea (a common morning sickness cure for pregnant ladies) may also ease stomach pain and decrease nausea.

Fruit Juice

Pour a glass of apple or cranberry juice (just stay away from OJ—more on that later) to kick start the recovery process. The fructose in sweet fruity drinks gives the body some instant energy, and juice also contains vitamins and plenty of water to help rehydrate the body.

Pickle Juice

This hangover remedy is weird, but sources swear it works! The sour liquid contains vinegar, salt, and water, which can help rehydrate and replenish electrolyte and sodium levels. To make the most of it, sip two ounces (measure it out in a standard shotglass) before hitting the bars and another two ounces in the morning.

Coffee

While waking up with zero energy sounds like the perfect time for a cup of Joe, it actually could worsen that headache, since caffeine is a mild diuretic. Still, if you drink java daily, stick with your habit: The liquid in coffee can help rehydrate your body, and it does give you a little boost of energy. Plus, a study showed that the combo of caffeine and over-the-counter inflammatory drugs (like Advil or aspirin) may help counteract the head-pounding effects of a hangover.

This breakfast staple is a brunch all-star for a reason. Eggs are chock full of hardworking amino acids like cysteine and taurine. Taurine boosts liver function and may help prevent liver disease. Cysteine breaks down acetaldehyde, the yucky headache-causing chemical that’s left over when the liver breaks down ethanol.

Bananas, Dates, and Leafy Greens

These brightly colored foods contain potassium, an important electrolyte that is often depleted due to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Not feeling a salad first thing in the morning? Add some yogurt (which contains even more potassium) and blend these bad boys into a hangover-fighting smoothie.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says “wild night out” like a bowl of mom’s famous chicken soup, right? It might not be the most conventional hangover food, but a cup o’ noodles can help restock sodium and water levels in the body. Chicken also contains cysteine, which give the liver a much-needed boost.

Miso Soup

Sushi is the last thing most people want to eat with a hangover, but there’s no reason to eschew all Japanese food. Like traditional chicken noodle, miso soup is a great morning-after remedy—the broth rehydrates and restocks sodium levels while the fermented miso can help aid digestion.

Crackers or Toast with Honey

Since crackers can be loaded with preservatives, pick a healthier option like Wasa or a 100-percent whole-wheat variety. Crackers and whole-wheat toast are both bland carbs that raise low blood sugar, without upsetting the stomach. Add a drizzle of fructose-laden honey for even more instant energy. Just remember to follow it with some protein later in the day to offset the blood-sugar surge.

Oats

Take this superfood for a spin when you’re feeling less than stellar in the morning. A hot bowl of oatmeal has plenty of essential nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Plus oats can help neutralize acids in the body and raise blood sugar levels, giving you an instant energy boost.

Hair of the Dog

This wacky expression comes from a Norwegian folk saying that claims the best cure incorporates the substance that did the damage in the first place. Scandinavian wisdom aside, boozing in the morning is not the solution to a hangover. An alcoholic beverage can help take the edge off in the morning, but it will further dehydrate the body and lead to even worse hangover symptoms later in the day.

Orange Juice

Lay off the OJ after a night on the town. Sour citrus like orange and grapefruit can irritate an already sensitive stomach. Also, skip tomato juice—it is also acidic, making a Bloody Mary at brunch probably the worst choice for a hungover morning.