Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Poppy Danby & Danny Thompson

7 common hangover 'cures' that are complete myths

Christmas is here and with the tree, mince pies and mistletoe comes inevitable endless nights out with pals and work parties - which, for many, means copious amounts of booze and a sore head the next day.

With this in mind, many will be turning to much-relied-upon hangover cures to get through last-minute present shopping, a visit from the in-laws or the a constant supply of soppy Christmas movies on Channel 5.

But do these so-called cures actually work?

From exercise, coffee and a fry-up - The Mirror has put together a rundown of the classics and if they are likely to work...

Myth: Have a fry-up

 

You often crave carbs the morning after a big one, with a nice fry-up feeling like it will tick all the right boxes.

But, according to health experts, drinking causes you to lose nutrients through urine, meaning a greasy, heavy breakfast could cause indigestion.

A more nutritious breakfast could help you battle a hangover more effectively. Fruit, such as bananas, can help restore potassium and blood sugar levels and honey on toast is easy for the stomach to digest.

Myth: Hit the gym

 

A wide range of cardiovascular equipment is available in gyms (PA)

 

Many drinkers swear by a good workout at the gym to sweat the alcohol out of the system.

However, this can do more harm than good, as your body is already dehydrated, so losing fluids could make you feel worse.

A brisk walk in the fresh air will release endorphins and improve circulation, but in a gentler way than pounding on the treadmill or cross trainer.

Myth: Take a painkiller before bed

 

Ibuprofen is one of the UKs most commonly taken painkillers (PA)

 

Most painkillers take 30 minutes to kick in with results lasting a few hours - so, by the time you wake up, it's likely you won't be able to feel any effects.

On top of this, painkillers can mix with the gastric acids created by alcohol in your stomach – which could cause damage to your stomach lining.

So, if you swear by pills, it's best to wait and take them in the morning.

Myth: Coffee cures all

 

 

Coffee isn't quite as dehydrating as alcohol, but it is still a diuretic and can extend your hangover recovery.

If you really need some caffeine, stick to just one cup and switch back to water.

Myth: Gorge on late-night takeaways

 

Burger and chips (PA)

 

Ending the night with a curry or a burger and chips from a dubious-looking van is standard for many after downing several pints or cocktails.

It is a good way to soak up excess alcohol, but fast food can irritate your stomach - eating a hearty meal will line your stomach before filling it with alcohol.

Myth: Keep going

Shaking off a heavy one can lead many to just keep drinking to prevent a hangover, but while it may delay the inevitable, it certainly won't stop it.

So, stick to the water instead, leave the booze for the next night out.

Myth: Down all the water

While water can help with the dehydration aspect of a hangover, it isn't just that causing you to have a blearing headache, aching limbs and fatigue.

The real issues are caused by congeners, which boost the taste of booze and react badly with other chemicals produced in the body when drinking.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.