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Hangover cures put to the test

December 24, 2022 by 121dietitian

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In a culture where celebrations are often fuelled by alcohol, many of us will be searching for a hangover cure to erase the negative effects of the previous night.

Here, at 121 Dietitian, we firmly believe prevention is better than the cure. So we have done some research on hangover cures.

With so many so-called hangover cures circulating the web. We’ve looked at the studies on each one in order to determine which one is actually the best. Here are our findings…

Hangover cure

Coffee and paracetamol for hangover

Caffeine is thought to raise energy levels while paracetamol relieves aches and pains. However, researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia have revealed that black coffee can worsen a hangover. While scientists at the University of Washington believe that taking paracetamol as well can be deadly, as caffeine triples the amount of a toxic by-product created when paracetamol is broken down. This toxicity is the same substance responsible for liver damage when alcohol and paracetamol react together.

You may be up against your genes on these too! As a nutrigenomics practitioner I see many patients with genetic issues. The CYP1A2 gene codes for the CYP1A2 enzyme, which is responsible for caffeine metabolism in the liver.

Paracetamol is degraded via a minor pathway by CYP2E1 to the liver-toxic metabolite NAPQI. This is toxic even at therapeutic doses, causing hepatotoxicity.

Hangover cure

Milk thistle for hangovers

Available as a tablet or in liquid form. This is an abstract from the milk thistle plant. It is believed its properties aid the body in metabolising alcohol more quickly. Some studies have shown that silybin and silymarin, found in the plant, protect the liver from toxins. They also boast the benefits of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, most of the studies surrounding this were carried out on alcoholics so there is really no proof of its effect in preventing or curing a hangover.

Hangover cures

Water for hangover

One our favourites by far, and one of the most widely recognised hangover prevent/cure techniques, drinking water with alcohol. One pint before bed is believed to reduce the effects of a hangover by diluting some of the nasty by-products of alcohol.

Hangover cure

Bacon sandwich for a hangover

The hangover choice for many. This tradition dictates that bread soaks up alcohol from the night before, alleviating the effects of a hangover. In fact, a study at Newcastle University’s Centre for Life has indeed confirmed that a bacon sandwich can offer relief. Rather than bread ‘soaking up’ the alcohol, it’s the carbohydrate laden effects which boost blood sugar levels, speeding up the body’s metabolism and the process at which the body gets rid of alcohol. Furthermore, rich in protein and amino acids, bacon reverses the effects of alcohol in depleting brain neurotransmitters. But be careful, and stay hydrated as the saltiness may get you later.

. Caffeine triples the amount of a toxic by-product created when paracetamol is broken down. It’s the same as the substance responsible for liver damage when alcohol and paracetamol react together

Isotonic sports drink for a hangover

The theory here is that the products contain tiny, easily digestible particles of carbohydrates which help the body to rehydrate faster than by drinking water. Leeds Metropolitan University have revealed that sports drinks are one of the best remedies for restoring blood sugar levels, and their calories can rehydrate the body up to 40% more effectively than water. But remember to monitor both your alcohol and isotonic sports drink intake as anything in excess is damaging.

Hangover cure

Exercise for a hangover

Probably the last thing a lot of people would turn to in a hungover laden state, sweating off a hangover is thought to be a myth. Findings from a government survey revealed that exercise will simply compound your body’s fluid debt and increase your symptoms further.

Hangover cure

Hair of the dog

Many believe that having a drink the next day will ease the recovery process by diminishing the effects of alcohol withdrawal. However, rather than alleviating symptoms, another drink is just elongating the recovery process, lengthening the point at which you feel better. This is a dangerous option and can damage your liver and organs if habitual.

Hangover cure

Eggs for a hangover

While often eaten as part of a hangover fry, eggs are also consumed raw as they contain a substance called cysteine, which is believed the fight free radical damage to the body. However, if feeling queasy, eggs can be hard to stomach and watch for any bacterial contamination. You may find it easier and more helpful to consume a supplement L-Cysteine. This was a small study so not convinced its a miricle cure!

Hangover cure

Prickly pear cactus for a hangover

Taken before a night out in either tablet or pill form. Prickly pear cactus is believed the reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Research at Tulane University, New Orleans tested 64 healthy medical students and indicated that the extracts reduced three out of nine hangover symptoms – nausea, dry mouth and loss of appetite. Halving the risk of a severe hangover. Again a small study and not one to be jumping up and down about for a true cure. This does however highlight the importance of a rich polyphenol diet. Many fruits are a fantastic sources of antioxidants and fluids. Ensuring you consume these daily will support your body if needing to eliminate excess alcohol.

Hangover cure

Alka-Seltzer for a hangover

One of our least favourites, containing a concoction of aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine. It is believed that Alka-Seltzer before heading to bed will leave you feeling revived and hangover-free in the morning. Research at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that while they can help a headache and neutralise excess stomach acid, the main benefits are probably from the effect of drinking the water that they are dissolved in. They aren’t recommended for sensitive stomachs.

 

Hangover cure

Artichoke extract for a hangover

Believed to help the liver process alcohol, there is conflicting findings on the effect of Artichoke extract. The journal Phytomedicine showed that a supplement of 400mg extract of artichoke leaf extract helped stomach problems, and there is anecdotal evidence that it reduces indigestion, an upset stomach and nausea. Experts however at King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust along with the Canadian Medical Association believe this has no effect on a hangover and you are wasting your money.

Hangover cure

Sleep for a hangover

A cure which we love, in theory, sleeping should be the best cure for a hangover. But many people find it hard to nod off, or keep waking up. This is a result of a chemical called acetaldehyde, produced as your body metabolises alcohol. The effects of this can leave you feeling hot and sweaty, increasing your heart rate and making you feel nauseous. This metabolism interferers with rapid eye-movement sleep which is why sleep quality is poor, reducing your ability to recover fully the next day.

Ultimate Hangover cures: the 121 Dietitian way

ADH genes play a major role in ethanol metabolism to acetaldehyde. So if you have any issues with SNPs on ADH1B these can lead to significantly increased enzyme activity and high levels of acetaldehyde.

Crazy stats: the rate of ethanol conversion to acetaldehyde is reported to be up to 70% higher for the ADH1C wild type genes than for the variant genotype if you want to explore this further with me do check out Lifecode Gx for testing and I can go through the report for you.

Our advice is simple:

  • Eat well before you go out drinking
  • drink slower and pace yourself
  • if thirsty drink a non-alcoholic drink first, and or
  • consider diluting your alcohol
  • definitely interspersing with healthy soft drinks is a winner
  • choose plain or fizzy water.

By doing all of the above you should reduce or avoid the effects of dehydration and drop in blood sugar levels which trigger the symptoms of a hangover.

We also recommend if out for a session avoiding dark spirits and red wine as they contain congeners, the coloured chemicals, which can result in an aching head.

Don’t forget when you get home:

Try to have fluids such as water, decaf tea or orange juice before bed and when you waken up in the morning try to get more fluids in. The chances are you will feel good if you have stuck to the advice. If not and you do feel bad if you can face food, do try and eat to stabilise your blood sugars and assist in eliminating that excess.

As mentioned a gentle natural choice you can have instead or as part of your night is water –  fizzy or still. If you don’t like the plain options why not consider a natural flavoured one. We like this range- Dash Water.

For help with alcohol misuse

If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits, or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small.

In the meantime do please check out our 121Dietitian Shop

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Kristen McBurney
Kristen McBurney
2023-03-21
I cannot recommend Gillian enough. I got in touch after struggling to lose weight due to PCOS and suffering from IBS. Thanks to Gillian, my IBS symptoms have massively reduced, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight. Her warmth makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. Gillian’s help and expertise is second to none, and she is always on hand to answer any questions. I am throughly enjoying the plan Gillian created for me and have found it easy to integrate into my everyday life. I am so grateful for the positive impact her plan has had on me.
Hannah Crothers
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2023-02-10
Gillian is the greatest. She is compassionate and professional, really helped me to understand my body’s function and how to best support it. Her advice has changed my life.
Jay Rafferty
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2023-02-09
I would highly recommend Gillian. Her advice and guidance has been a game changer for me. With so much conflicting and confusing advice on healthy eating, using a professional nutritionalist is a must.
Emma Lavery
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2022-12-29
I could not recommend Gillian enough over the last 3 months - she has turned my life around! I was referred to Gillian by my gastro consultant due to suffering from ibs, gastritis and hormonal issues for nearly 10 years. Gillian was very understanding and approachable throughout my time spent with her. Gillian discussed my health, lifestyle and eating habits thoroughly. She advised an individualised blood check for underlying issues, educated me on supplements and provided numerous information to help aid my recovery. The low foodmap programme I have been following is achievable and can be adapted to anyones lifestyle. As I am a vegetarian I thought this process may be difficult however Gillian reassured me that this would be no issue. She supplied personalised shopping lists, recipes and alternative foods to help heal my gut and overall health. Continual support from Gillian was on hand via email when required.I seen improvements in my symptoms within only weeks of starting the programme and was overwhelmed by the success due to suffering for years! I have been spreading the word about Gillian's brilliant work and will continue to do so! Thank you again for all your help!
mick lorkins
mick lorkins
2022-12-18
Strongly recommended. There are not many professionals that can totally change you life for the better but this one one if you follow the advice given.
Bobby D
Bobby D
2022-09-07
For 30 years I have suffered with IBS D and have been unable to find the right specific help. I was introduced to 121 Dietician about 6 weeks ago and like all other services out there I was sceptical. First up was a consultation online which was great considering the many issues I was having going to places. Gillian listened very attentively and understood the many problems I was having.Gillian decided to introduce me to the Low FODMAP diet. Starting out she provided everything (information, shopping lists, recipes etc) to get started. Through the course of the first 6 weeks Gillian was available to answer any questions or concerns.Following the first 6 weeks I'm very happy to say that all the many problems associated with IBS have gone and I'm starting to live a normal life without any stage fright when out and about.The next 8 weeks will be the reintroduction stage but based on the knowledge from Gillian in the initial stage I'm very confident that at the end I will have full understanding of all my triggers.I can't recommend this service enough as most importantly after 30 years of severe symptoms I once again feel healthy and happy. This is a must if you suffer continually from this horrendous condition. I would be confident that this will help anyone who has IBS.For me this was the best money ever spent and I can't thank Gillian enough for the difference she has made.Roy Dornan
Jack Kennedy
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2022-09-04
Helped solve stomach issues, had previous been to several people but this was the first dietary intervention that worked
Laura Campbell
Laura Campbell
2022-04-29
After over 10 years of eating quite poorly, Gillian has completely changed my approach to food. After a consultation and review of my diet, she provided me with a list of easy and quick recipes that are packed full of nutrition. She takes into consideration your lifestyle as well which I really appreciated too. I now have much more energy and actually enjoy preparing meals now, something I never did before. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thankyou! 🙂
Chris Arnold
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2022-04-24
The overall experience was a very positive one. Gillian certainly had the expertise and people skills to help evaluate and treat my daughters gut issues. The progress was quite instantaneous and over time has made a huge difference to her everyday life. Thanks to Gillian for her work which came at the end of many doctor consultations. In hindsight Gillian should have been the first port of call.
Amelia Tyler
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2022-03-30
Gillian is great and her program was just perfect. All the meals were delicious and I always felt satisfied which made it very easy to follow. I would highly recommend, especially the 121 sports program.
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Information checked & correct on 24th December 2022

Links included in this description might be Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. 


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Filed Under: Blog, Health, News Tagged With: Alka-seltzer, artichoke, bacon sandwich, Coffee, eggs, football, hangover, Hangover cures, isotonic sports drink, paracetamol, water

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