1. Morning hangover helpers
ORANGE JUICE
Fruits and their juices decrease hangover pain, reports a study published in the
British Medical Journal. Their vitamin C and fructose help your liver break down
alcohol and, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
increase blood clearance of alcohol by 100 per cent. The fresher the better, so
squeeze your own.

2. EGGS
If you can face eating, a quick egg breakfast is just the thing. They’re high in
cysteine, an amino acid that breaks down acetaldehyde, the toxin your body
produces as it processes alcohol. If you’re feeling brave, combine eggs and orange
juice. Raw eggs may contain salmonella, so poach them softly first. Good luck
keeping it down.
MILK
Not just another way to boost your fluid intake, milk is rich in calcium, which
soothes irritability associated with a hangover. Like eggs, it’s a good source of
cysteine, which helps your body tackle the free-radical damage caused by
acetaldehyde
Mid-morning hangover helpers
CINNAMON
Alcohol affects your blood-sugar balance, which is why you feel so tired. Research
published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows cinnamon
modulates the glucose highs associated with excess alcohol consumption. Sprinkle
a teaspoon on your coffee.
VEGEMITE
If you’re a hater, forcing this divisive spread down your neck could cause trauma
at the best of times. But Vegemite is known for its high levels of energy-boosting
B vitamins, plus its salt will help replenish your body’s depleted stores. Spread it
over some good wholemeal toast, which contains even more fatigue-busting Bs.
VENISON SAUSAGES
Swear by the post-binge fry-up? According to a study published in the European
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, even moderate alcohol intake depletes vitamin B12
levels, resulting in your tiredness after a wine or two over dinner. Just 113 grams

3. of venison has 60 per cent of your RDI of B12, so stick venison snags under the
grill, poach an egg and eat yourself better.
Lunchtime hangover heroes
CAYENNE PEPPER
Also known for activating pleasure centres in the brain and releasing endorphins,
this spice has been proven to help combat headaches. It raises your pain
threshold, so over time your body is less affected by discomfort. Make that
tomato juice super-spicy with a generous sprinkling of this herb.
ROSEMARY
Used in Europe since ancient times to counter headaches, rosemary promotes
cerebral circulation; that is, bloodflow to the brain, so is good for relieving that
sore head. It has also proven effective against oxidative damage – useful when
you’ve topped up your free radicals by drinking a lot. Binge drinkers everywhere,
rejoice.
OYSTERS
Zinc helps your body produce the enzyme dehydrogenase that is needed to
metabolise alcohol. When drinking you use up zinc, lessening your capacity to
process alcohol and worsening the banging in your head. Oysters contain more
zinc than any other food – six contain 77 milligrams, which is eight times your RDI
Best for easing nausea
GINGER
A study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found ginger
counteracted vomiting and nausea in pregnant women. And if it can deal with
morning sickness, it can sort out a little morning-after sickness. Note: fresh ginger
can irritate an empty stomach so it’s best consumed as a juice or tea.
GARLIC
As mentioned, the toxic by-product of alcohol is acetaldehyde. This creates an

4. effect like that caused by radiation poisoning, thus explaining your hangover
nausea. Garlic contains S-allyl cysteine that can prevent the damage and make
you feel less fragile.
PEPPERMINT
Popular for treating sickness and nausea, peppermint acts like a mild anaesthetic
to the stomach wall – stopping you from disgracing yourself on your way into
work. Try peppermint-oil capsules, tea or mints, which cure booze breath, too.
Crème de menthe doesn’t count.
BANANA
A study published in the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol showed high
doses of B6 reduce hangover symptoms. A banana has half your RDI of B6. And
like tomato juice, they’re also a great source of potassium.
SODIUM BICARBONATE
The nausea resulting from drinking your body weight in booze is due to acidity. A
heaped teaspoon of baking powder in a glass of water neutralises an acidic
stomach, lessening the severity. It’s fast, too – the effervescence promotes quick
absorption.
PRICKLY PEAR
Prevention is better than cure. This is the case with prickly pear cactus. A study at
the University of California found the extract relieves nausea and dry mouth. For
best results take before drinking. Seek out the fruit at Asian grocers or get it in
tablet form in Nature’s Way Super Nutrients For Men.