New Year’s Day Hangover Cure: What Should You Do?

FILE - In this June 6, 2008 file photo, a row of freshly poured draft beers are seen in Pittsburgh. Don’t want to be confronted with the number of calories in that margarita or craft beer? Avoid the menu and order at the bar. New menu labeling rules from the Food and Drug Administration will require chain restaurants with 20 or more outlets to list the amount of calories in alcoholic drinks, along with other foods, on menus by next November. The idea is that people often don't know _ or even think about _ how many calories they are drinking. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

After a night of celebrating the end of 2014, and the beginning to 2015, many people drink too much, and wake up regretting it. It’s important to kick that hangover as soon as possible so you can get working on your resolutions! Don’t be fooled by bogus hangover cures.

Scientists have found the compound responsible for most of the negative feelings associated with a hangover such as headache, nausea, overall body aching, is caused by acetaldehyde. This is what alcohol is broken down into by the liver. Oddly, this compound is about 30 times more toxic than alcohol, and the liver has another enzyme ready to break this poison down into harmless acetate, which is similar to vinegar.

Chinese researchers tested 57 drinks of all types against the unpleasant hangover. The most successful in treating the symptoms was Sprite. 

Dehydration is also a serious part of excessive alcohol consumption, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water with your soda. If you plan to do more celebrating tonight or over the weekend, more tips and tricks for avoiding a painful morning can be found here.