hangover cures that actually work

The Alcohol Hangover Research Group (AHRG) says lazy scientists have been neglecting hangover research for years.

It adds that this has led to a common misconception that they are caused by dehydration – which has not been backed up by any credible scientific research.

Remember that time Vaughan did the show from the floor after a NASTY hangover? 

Rather, AHRG scientifically define a hangover is "a combination of mental and physical symptoms, experienced the day after a single episode of heavy drinking, starting when blood alcohol concentration approaches zero", on its website.

Basically, drinking takes all the things our body needs and replaces it with pure nastiness.

AHRG's Dr Sally Adams told The Australian there are, in fact, many causes, including dehydration, but also inflammation, electrolyte imbalance, sleep disturbance, alcohol metabolism and low blood sugar.

Brilliant, but how do we get rid of this dreadful feeling? Here are just some of the ways you can give your hangover a kicking.

GP Dr Zac Turner says the easiest and most effective way to beat a hangover is to drink water – and lots of it.

"Drink water, plenty of water, during the night and then plenty of water before you go to bed. You will be amazed how you feel the next day," the news.com.au columnist advises.

Turner also suggests eating a meal high in natural fats before you kick off your session, explaining natural fats slow down your gastric motility.

"The longer food stays in your stomach, the slower the alcohol gets absorbed in your stomach. So load up on salmon and avocado," he said.

Snack on a couple of handfuls of nuts while you're drinking too as these contain B vitamins which rapidly get depleted when you drink.

"Just be careful not to load up on salted nuts that will dehydrate you even more," he warns.

Another way to beat your hangover is to get some electrolytes into you. Turner recommends sipping on a cold glass of coconut water for a major potassium boost and advises against a sugary sports drink.

News.com.au's lifestyle editor Rebekah Scanlan prefers to add two electrolyte tablets to a glass of water before a drinking session – or as a last resort, does it before going to bed.

"It's my go-to and really helps take the edge off that dreaded fuzzy feeling. Not bad for 54c."

Eastern Europeans and Russians are renowned for their drinking ability so they should have a good cure too, right?

In the midst of bleak Baltic winter, vodka-swiggers swear by drinking pickle juice – which allegedly replenishes the electrolytes your body lost the night before and perks you up a bit.

Just don't forget to pinch your nose.

This would be at the bottom of most people's to-list on a chronically-hungover sweltering summer day.

But apparently, if you make sure you're nicely rehydrated, a bit of light exercise sparks up your metabolism and releases endorphins. However, no scientific studies have proved this – so we're just going off speculation from crazed gym junkies here.

Many people swear by the classic "hair-of-the-dog" technique but medics advise otherwise, saying you should give 48 hours before drinking any more alcohol to give your body time to recover.

Turner said you should always drink responsibly and remember the best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink at all.

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First published by NZ Herald, republished here with permission and edits.

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