Hangover No More: Cures That Work, Myths That Don't

You’ve had a long night out with clients. As fun as it may have been, the inevitable morning after awaits. Alcohol may assist in merrymaking, but it leaves an egregious trail in its wake.

Among the effects: dehydration, nausea, low blood sugar, an over-acidified and irritated stomach, headaches brought on by dilated blood vessels, a messed-up sleep cycle, a lack of mental and physical focus, and a general feeling of awfulness. Scientists have yet to fully unpick all the complicated physiological mayhem underlying the above, and no research has so far found a drug that consistently and predictably “cures” a hangover. However, some foods have properties which can help you shake it off .

(RELATED: Breakfast of Champions: Try These Overnight Cereal Recipes To Fuel Up For The Day.)

MORNING-AFTER CURES

01: BANANA SMOOTHIE

Peel two ripe bananas and slice them into a blender. Add 250ml of chilled (sugar-free and additive-free) coconut water, 2 teaspoons (tsp) honey, 1 tsp minced peeled fresh ginger, the grated zest of 1 lime, and 1/4 tsp ground turmeric. Drop in a few ice cubes if you like. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

02: PARSI-STYLE SCRAMBLED EGGS

This traditional Indian egg dish is delicious, no matter how woozy you may be. Beat 2 large eggs with 90ml of milk and set mixture aside. Finely chop 1/2 a small purple onion, 1 small green chilli, deseeded if desired, and 1 ripe plum tomato. Finely grate 1 tsp fresh ginger. Heat 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil (or butter) in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and chilli and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the tomatoes and ginger, plus 1/4 tsp each of ground turmeric, salt and pepper, and fry for 1 minute. Pour the eggs into the pan. Stir and fold the eggs every 10 to 15 seconds, until they set and form creamy curds. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot, with toast or plain crackers on the side.

03 INSTANT FIX

If you’re really too far out of it to contemplate cooking, drag yourself to a reputable and MSG-free Vietnamese restaurant and order a big serving of chicken pho, which combines proteins, fluids, electrolytes, mood-elevating spices and herbs, and chillies in a single bowl. That, you can drink dry.

HANDLE WITH CARE

These popular “solutions” for hangovers, although widely propagated, really do you no favours.