{"id":68584,"date":"2025-05-02T14:17:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/68584\/"},"modified":"2025-05-02T14:17:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:17:12","slug":"sprite-is-the-best-cure-for-a-hangover-say-scientists-but-doctor-reveals-why-hed-always-go-for-4-other-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/68584\/","title":{"rendered":"Sprite is the best cure for a hangover, say scientists &#8211; but doctor reveals why he&#8217;d always go for 4 other remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>FROM tucking into a fry-up to indulging in &#8216;hair of the dog&#8217;, there are a variety of things people claim are the ultimate cure for a hangover. <\/p>\n<p>Another, backed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">science<\/a>, is drinking Sprite before a drinking session even begins &#8211; while a doctor suggests four &#8220;much better&#8221; alternatives. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Illustration of a man with a hangover, surrounded by remedies including Sprite, water, milk thistle, magnesium, and ginger tea.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/RW-02-05-SPRITE-HANGOVER.jpg\" data-caption=\"Scientists found Sprite is an effective cure for a hangover because it speeds up the body's processing of acetaldehyde\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/RW-02-05-SPRITE-HANGOVER.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>3<\/p>\n<p>Scientists found Sprite is an effective cure for a hangover because it speeds up the body&#8217;s processing of acetaldehyde<\/p>\n<p>A study published in 2013 found drinking Sprite may help alleviate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/health\/34492048\/how-prevent-hangover-before-it-strikes\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"hangover (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hangover<\/a> symptoms because it can speed up the body&#8217;s processing of acetaldehyde, a harmful byproduct of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/alcohol\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">alcohol<\/a> metabolism.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, the study identified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/tvandshowbiz\/32517511\/celebs-weird-hangover-cures-new-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Sprite (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sprite<\/a> (or a similar lemon-lime soda) as a beverage that could potentially help the liver process acetaldehyde more quickly, potentially leading to a shorter hangover.<\/p>\n<p>The findings, published in the journal Food and Function, focused on how different drinks affected the liver&#8217;s ability to metabolise alcohol and its byproducts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The researchers tested 57 different beverages, including herbal infusions, teas, and carbonated drinks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They found that some teas actually slowed down the process of breaking down acetaldehyde, while others, including Sprite, sped it up.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Dr Tijion Esho, an expert in longevity &amp; wellness and founder of <a aria-label=\"CULTSKIN (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/cultskin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">CULTSKIN<\/a>, more recently commented on the findings. <\/p>\n<p>He told Sun Health: \u201cThere\u2019s some early research that suggests\u00a0Sprite\u00a0may help with hangovers by speeding up the breakdown of acetaldehyde, the compound that causes many of the worst hangover symptoms like nausea, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/health\/26138416\/common-different-types-headache-how-to-treat\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"headache (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">headache<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wellness\/29894203\/everyday-mistakes-tired-all-the-time-fatigue\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"fatigue (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fatigue<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But while it might ease things a little,\u00a0Sprite\u00a0isn\u2019t a magic fix.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Sprite&#8217;s ability to clear acetaldehyde fast, Dr Esho notes it&#8217;s caffeine-free, contains sugar, and hydrates, which can help restore energy after alcohol-induced dehydration. <\/p>\n<p>But there are reasons why the popular fizzy drink might not be able to help your throbbing head and feeling unwell.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m a doctor and here\u2019s the four things that will instantly cure your hangover, it\u2019s 100 per cent effective they even do it in hospitals<\/p>\n<p>Dr Esho said: &#8220;If you&#8217;ve had too much alcohol,\u00a0Sprite\u00a0won\u2019t stop inflammation, electrolyte imbalance, or poor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sleep<\/a> the core causes of severe hangovers.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;People with sensitive stomachs might find carbonated drinks worsen nausea or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wellness\/24392142\/nutritionist-easy-tips-to-ease-bloating-burn-fat-fast\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"bloating (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bloating<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It also does nothing to protect the liver or replenish lost nutrients.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>So what does Dr Esho recommend instead? <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Drinks that contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wellness\/34003156\/electrolyte-drinks-review-taste-test-cheapest\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"electrolytes (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electrolytes<\/a>, glucose, and B vitamins such as sports drinks, coconut water, or specially formulated hangover products \u2014 often provide more comprehensive support,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Also, milk thistle, ginger tea, and hydration with added magnesium or potassium can help restore balance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pouring coconut water into a glass.\" height=\"639\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Getty\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pouring-coconut-water-glass-cup-991507276.jpg\" data-caption=\"Dr Tijion Esho recommends drinks that contain electrolytes over Sprite\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pouring-coconut-water-glass-cup-991507276.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>3<\/p>\n<p>Dr Tijion Esho recommends drinks that contain electrolytes over SpriteCredit: Getty<a href=\"#\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Woman drinking water in bed before sleep.\" height=\"640\" width=\"960\" data-credit=\"Getty\" data-img=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thirsty-woman-drinking-water-going-991507932.jpg\" data-caption=\"Also, making sure you have at least one glass of water before you go to bed\"   loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thirsty-woman-drinking-water-going-991507932.jpg\" role=\"img\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>3<\/p>\n<p>Also, making sure you have at least one glass of water before you go to bedCredit: Getty<\/p>\n<p>But Dr Esho&#8217;s key advice for hangovers is simple &#8211; pre-emptive hydration is everything. <\/p>\n<p>He recommended: &#8220;Before bed, have at least one glass of water with electrolytes, and again in the morning. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Pair it with a light breakfast high in antioxidants like eggs, berries, or avocado \u2014 and avoid caffeine if you&#8217;re feeling shaky. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you want to try\u00a0Sprite, go ahead but don\u2019t expect miracles.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What to eat for a hangover&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>EATING something can help boost your energy levels when hungover.<\/p>\n<p>If you have indigestion or an upset stomach, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/topic\/nhs\/page\/15\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHS (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NHS<\/a> advises bouillon soup (a thin, vegetable-based broth) as a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can top-up depleted resources.<\/p>\n<p>If you feel trembly, something sugary could help, and you can also take an antacid first if you need to, to settle your stomach, says <a aria-label=\"Drinkaware (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.drinkaware.co.uk\/facts\/health-effects-of-alcohol\/general-health-effects\/how-to-recover-from-a-hangover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Drinkaware<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Other foods that have been known to help are: <\/p>\n<p><strong>Eggs <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A good source of protein and L-cysteine, which may help break down alcohol byproducts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Salmon <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with brain function and reduce inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avocado <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rich in potassium, an electrolyte lost through dehydration, and may help protect the liver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bananas <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Provide potassium and are easy to digest.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"FROM tucking into a fry-up to indulging in &#8216;hair of the dog&#8217;, there are a variety of things&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":68585,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[785,786,105,437,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-68584","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"tag-alcohol","9":"tag-food-and-drink","10":"tag-health","11":"tag-section-healthnews-health","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114438672141144213","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}