Is Sprite the cure for your hangover woes?

[Jazzy]

Hungover? New research suggests you may want to reach for a can of Sprite.

A study published in the September 2013 issue of Food and Function showed that chemicals in the non-caffeinated beverage can halt that awful next-day feeling.

While drinking too much alcohol could certainly lead to a hangover, the booze itself isn't the culprit -- it's how it's broken down. The authors point out that when the liver processes alcohol (also known as ethanol) it creates several chemical byproducts. One is called acetaldehyde, which causes the feelings of a hangover. Acetaldehyde eventually turns into acetate, which does not cause hangover symptoms and can provide some benefits like extra energy.

The Mayo Clinic cites additional reasons that alcohol can cause hangovers, including the beverage's ability to cause your body to produce more urine -- which in turn makes you dehydrated -- and to trigger an inflammatory response from your immune system. Alcohol is also known to irritate the lining of your stomach, cause blood sugar to fall and expand blood vessels, leading to headaches. It also makes people sleepy and reduces their quality of sleep. There's also the possibility that ingredients in alcohol that give it flavor called congeners, also add to that hangover.

Source

What do you do to get rid of a hangover?

 

[Raven]

Coke. Preferably flat coke.

 

[DrLeftover]

Only amateurs get hangovers.

Secret.

While you are still swinging the hammer with purpose and intent, have some water once in awhile.

When you're at the end of the run, pour some Gatorade down your neck. And... more is better.

In the middle of the night when you get up to stagger to the potty, even while still loaded, swill some more sports drink. As much as you can stand.

Try it.

You'll be amazed.

And remember, this is from an old sportswriter who drinks whiskey so cheap it would make your grandfather wince.

 

[Nebulous]

Makes sense, sprite or 7up always helps when I'm sick.