Hangovers cannot be cured by drinking water, scientists say
The apocalyptic morning after a night of binge drinking has no cure in sight. A study has found that drinking water does nothing to cure a hangover. Despite being perceived as the most effective way to combat the effects of a night of heavy drinking, researchers confirm that attempts to rehydrate the body do nothing to stop the hellish effects of a hangover.
Kypros Kypri, senior research fellow at the University of Newcastle, Australia, said, “Most people, myself included, grew up thinking that you needed to drink as much water in between alcoholic drinks to reduce the hangover," reports News.com. “And there's a good reason for doing that, to reduce your consumption. But it doesn't seem to reduce the hangover effect.”
Despite being a prevalent problem, the cure for hangovers, which are commonly self-inflicted, has so far been elusive to scientists. According to CQNews, Kypri explains that the alcohol metabolism involves the chemical conversion of acetaldehyde, or ethanal. While different people have different rates of processing or metabolising alcohol, some may altogether lack the enzymes that are necessary to completely clear alcohol from the body.
NHS Choice also reports that hangover cures are generally myths. “There are no cures for a hangover. There are tips to avoiding hangovers and for easing the symptoms if you have one,” says the website. “The best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink.”
Hangover myths have prevailed across centuries in different regions across the world. “Hair of the Dog” is the common term used to describe hangover “cures” that suggest drinking more alcohol to subdue the effects of previous consumption. Ernest Hemingway recommended a mix of beer and tomato juice, while Englishman Kingsley Amis suggested a mix of vodka and Bovril – a salty meat extract.
Scientists, however, say that “hair of the dog” myths put the body under pressure to process the extra alcohol on top of what was consumed the night before. NHS Choice suggests that the best way to avoid hangovers is to ensure regular water intake during drinking, and by not drinking on an empty stomach.
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