Hangover Cure? We May Be Out Of Luck

Yes. We've all been there. Our drinking got out of hand. Maybe it was our best friend's birthday or our birthday. Whatever. In any case, we're hungover. We can barely stand up without our brains literally feeling like the water inside a fishbowl swinging back and forth.

And while numerous health officials have boasted hangover "cures," they never do seem to work too well after the fact. Some have suggested pills bursting with antioxidants or even getting stuck with an IV to wipe out the depressant's toxic after-affects faster. (And of course, there's the traditional good old water trick.)

Unfortunately, science shows us that the hangover "cure" may be a bit more complicated than most of us thought. According to a study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) conference in Amsterdam, there doesn't really look to be one.

Researchers from the Netherlands and Canada found that the tried and true method to really getting over a hangover is simply just time.

"From what we know from the surveys so far, the only practical way to avoid a hangover is to drink less alcohol," lead study author Dr. Joris Verster, reports via the Independent. "Those who took food or water showed a slight statistical improvement in how they felt over those who didn't, but this didn't really translate into a meaningful difference."

During the study, researchers surveyed students regarding their drinking habits, the number of drinks consumed and their hangovers the following day. Researchers made a formula to factor the drinking time frame, gender, weight and number of drinks to figure out the blood alcohol concentration of those who had hangovers and those who didn't.

While researchers did not find that drinking or eating helped to prevent a hangover, they did note that it could be a good idea in cases of heavy alcohol consumption.

And wait a minute? Isn't alcohol caused by dehydration? Researchers noted that it's not quite that simply. The immune system may also play a role as well. However, more research regarding the subject is needed.

So, if you've got a hangover, eat something or have a glass of whatever, if you can. Probably don't even need to waste your money on any expensive "cures." Just set a timer. 

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