Cure for Hangovers from Around

Hangovers are caused by several factors. First, the body has to metabolize the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages: ethanol. This process requires cellular energy, distracting the body from normal activities like making glucose for the brain. Even after all the ethanol is metabolized, the by-products of this process can cause additional problems. Likewise, other substances in certain alcoholic beverages can make a hangover worse. Lastly, ethanol is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration.

Hangover Cures Around

Canada: Canada Dry Ginger Ale

Maybe it's national loyalty, but Canadians claim the fizzy stuff that was first formulated in their country works wonders to settle an upset stomach. The drink's ingredient list, however, lacks any mention of ginger itself, which would be the most likely source of hangover help.

America: The Bloody Mary

Tomato juice has some of the highest concentration of lycopene as any food, and celery is loaded with restorative vitamins that might help ease the pain. Remember, though, this beloved hair-of-the-dog remedy is likely far more effective in its slightly-less-fun recipe: The Virgin Mary.

Great Britain: Milk Thistle

Its effectiveness in scientific research to shield the liver from toxins has been backed up in several studies. One flavonoid, silymarin, might be a key substance in its extract that helps cure that hangover feeling. Some British tipplers swear that taking it both the night of and morning after heavy drinking can all but erase any uncomfortable symptoms.

Poland: A glass of juice from either sour pickles or sauerkraut

Make sure the juice is loaded up with vinegar to help quell headaches and alleviate discomfort, claim the Polish. Some even keep soured milk on hand (unpasteurized milk that has been left at room temperature overnight for a day or two) to do the trick.