The truth about those hangover 'cures'

Preempting your hangover by taking paracetemol before you start drinking has little effect. Photo / Getty

Ask anyone for their hangover cure and you're bound to get a wild array of fixes, from taking pain killers before you start drinking to swigging milk thistle the following morning.

As we approach the party season, here's the truth about those 'tricks' you may have been counting on for a great night out and a misery-free morning after.

1. Beer before liquor, never been sicker

Kicking off a night out with a beer before moving onto tougher liquors does nothing to curb the effects of what you consume later on. The order of consumption is irrelevant. What matters is the amount of alcohol you drink and the pace at which you drink it.

2. Popping painkillers before a night out

Have you ever tried preempting your hangover by taking paracetemol before you start drinking? The fact is, you'd be better to save them for the morning as the effects of painkillers will usually wear off before your night is over so there really is no point.

3. Choose dark alcohol over light

While it's correct darker beers and wines may be higher in antioxidants than their lighter counterparts, they also have more congeners, which are toxic chemicals formed during the fermentation process. These chemicals are what will make a hangover worse.

4. Energy drink cocktails will get you drunk faster

The buzz from knocking back the likes of a vodka and Red Bull is the result of the amount of sugar and caffeine in the concoction, rather than the alcohol. The problem comes where the caffeine makes you feel more alert and can encourage one to drink more.

5. A big meal before a night out will stop you getting drunk

Eating a heavy meal before you start drinking will slow the effects of alcohol, but it won't stop you getting drunk. A full stomach does delay alcohol absorption but eventually, as your stomach empties, the alcohol will have it's usual affect.

- nzherald.co.nz