Get Holiday Hangover Relief

Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman of Indiana University's Medical School specialize in "medical myths for the holiday season."

They've done two lists so far, and 2008's, summarized by the New York Times blog Well, includes more evidence that there is, sadly, no cure for that peskiest of holiday guests: the hangover. The, ahem, sobering reality: "The researchers found no scientific evidence supporting any type of cure for alcohol hangovers. Because hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol, the only way to avoid one is to drink very little or not at all."

While there may not be a cure to over-drinking (or, for that matter, overeating), there is still a trove of good Web sites and products that can help you feel better after one or several nights of dehydrating, calorie-packed revelry.

Coconut water is "nature's sports drink," and you'll be seeing it populating more and more supermarket shelves as beverage companies catch on to this simple and delicious potassium-sodium cocktail. BeYouTV, an online health magazine, explains that the drink is low in sugar, cholesterol-free, 99 percent fat-free and low in calories.

Acetaldehyde may sound like something you find in a petrie dish, but unfortunately you'll also find it in your body after you drink. In a very interesting article about what alcohol does to your body, educational site SoYouWanna explains that it's a "nasty chemical critter" that has a starring role in every hangover. Arm yourself with knowledge to help you minimize overzealous drinking.

Pricky pear cactus extract was studied by some researchers at Tulane University in 2004 and discovered to be helpful in preventing the symptoms of a hangover. The extract can be found at some health food stores; take it a few hours before drinking commences and it may "alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and that nauseated, can’t-stand-the-sight-of-food feeling."

Bananas can help counteract the diuretic (dehydrating) effect of alcohol and caffeine, which many people use to minimize hangover headaches and fatigue. An article on holiday hangovers from the Food Network Web site explains that bananas are full of the electrolyte potassium, which, together with sodium can help get you upright again. The article adds that different cultures have different ideas about which foods can help you overcome yet another hangover symptom, nausea.

Food and timing play a crucial role in hangovers; the site RealBeer has some great tips about drinking water, drinking on a full stomach, knowing how different alcohols affect you and spacing out your drinks adequately.

Liz Colville
Senior Writer
Audience Development

Now that you're sufficiently educated about the effects of partying too hard, find resources on "Making the Most of New Year's" in our Web Guide on the subject.

And if you're still craving more hangover science, read Newsweek's 2007 article, "Why Hangovers Can't Be Cured."

Comments

[alcoholism teenager]

Thanks for the tips, i will suggested it to my friends who always problem their hang overs.

-jomie-

[online shopping]

hang in there you will be fine