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Surprising Science — December 31, 2011

Scientifically Tested Hangover Cures

We know New Year’s isn’t the only time people drink but to clear the confusion around so many home remedies, here is a list of foods, drinks and minerals to incorporate into tomorrow’s brunch.

bigthinkeditors

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What’s the Latest Development?

There are plenty of home remedies for hangovers but that morning-after feeling is, after all, the result of a physical process. Therefore there should be some testable solutions. Your headache, sore muscles, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea are all caused by dehydration and chemical deficiencies caused by alcohol’s diuretic effects. Think about incorporating these minerals into tomorrow’s brunch. Cysteine is an amino acid that helps your liver process alcohol’s toxins and is found in eggs, poultry, oats, yogurt, broccoli, red pepper and garlic.

What’s the Big Idea?

Certain salts and minerals are expelled along with alcohol that cause nerves and muscles to function irregularly, causing discomfort. One such mineral is potassium. The University of Michigan has published a list of foods containing potassium you might enjoy while hungover, including potato chips, orange juice and avocado. The body’s supply of fructose also leaves the body along with processed alcohol and can contribute to feelings of weakness the next day. Drinking fruit juice should help replace that fructose and give you energy.

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