Make hangovers history

Mixing drinks
A sure way to worsen your hangover. Mixing grape and grain (i.e. wine and whisky or other spirits) is not a good idea. Port, which is naturally high in alcohol, always gets a bad press. But this is because people tend to blame their hangover on their final drink – often port – failing to mention the gin and tonic, champagne, white and red wine that preceded it.

Other factors
The rate at which one absorbs alcohol can depend massively on mood – increased adrenaline pushes alcohol through the system much faster. Therefore, feeling deeply depressed or ecstatically happy makes you drunk faster. Women have an added problem in that just before a period and at ovulation (i.e. every two weeks) the hormones in our bodies mean we absorb alcohol at an accelerated rate.

Great hangover cures

• Hair of the dog. Of course, a health consultant would not suggest this, but hey, sometimes it’s the only way. My preferred hangover cures are a simple Bucks Fizz (champagne with fresh orange juice), a Bloody Mary (tomato juice, vodka and spice), or a Black Velvet (half-and-half stout and champagne) to up your iron count.
• Sex. This really does work.
• Exercise. See above. Exercise helps you sweat the alcohol out of the system faster.
• Food. Complex carbohydrates such as bread and pasta will raise the blood sugar level. Other well-known cures are a fried breakfast, and herrings, if you can face them (The Swedes swear by them). Bananas are a godsend as they contain complex carbohydrates, potassium and Vitamin C.
• Vitamin supplements. Alcohol destroys Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex. Try taking a B complex before drinking, while drinking and before going to bed.

What’s your cure for the morning after? Post your magic hangover remedies here

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