Hangovers are a curse, plaguing the millions of people who drink the night before with the wholesome intention of having fun. But although there isn't a cure for terrible, no good, very bad hangovers, there are a few things you can do to make them less painful — as long as you think ahead. According to Australian researchers, drinking pear juice can prevent your hangover and actually prevent the damage done to your body by drinking heavily as long as you drink it before you start boozing it up.
Excuse me while I run to the grocery store and buy a million pears.
Researchers at the Nutrition and Health at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), led by Professor Manny Noakes, found that pears contain anti-inflamatory agents that battle the detrimental effects of alcohol, including hangovers, by breaking it down in the body. The team found that it's important to drink the pear juice before drinking alcohol, rather than after consumption; its effects on the alcohol can apparently only take place when the juice is in your system beforehand. Though the CSIRO team is still researching the particulars of how the whole thing works, what the pears actually do to prevent hangovers, and to what extent they'll be helpful, they are convinced at this point that the healing properties exist. A full paper can be expected to be released in two months.
While we wait for pear hangover preventatives to be a thing officially, here are five super-simple hangover prevention methods you can try in the meantime:
1. Take Multivitamins
Inflamation and oxidative stress are among two of the main reasons hangovers happen, so if you pop one (or two!) multivitamins before you drink, you might be able to prevent a hangover. Make the antioxidants and anti-inflamatory agents in vitamin A and B6 work for you!
2. Sleep
Though sleep doesn't necessarily have the ability to stop a hangover from happening, it can boost your immune system, which gives your body better tools to deal with one.
3. Eat Breakfast
Studies show that hangovers effect people more severely if they have low blood sugar. One way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels is to always eat breakfast... although maybe not one as sugary as the pancakes seen here, because a nutritious breakfast will have a better effect on your overall health. I had to put the picture there because it looked too good to resist, but really, you should give these hangover foods a try first.
4. Have a Spoonful of Olive Oil
Fats like olive oil can limit your body's absorption of alcohol, so taking one spoonful before you go out for the evening can be a huge favor for your body. If you can't quite face the taste of plain olive oil, drizzle it over a salad or dip some bread in it.
5. Drink The Daily Recommended Amount of Water
As many people know, hangovers are caused partially by dehydration. Keeping your body hydrated throughout the day can do a multitude of wonders, including making sure your body doesn't get too dehydrated by the alcohol you'll be drinking.
As you can see, most of these tips are things we should be doing every day anyway. So perhaps the ultimate hangover cure is to just do the things you're supposed to do: eat breakfast, sleep well, and hydrate. Sometimes the most sought-after secrets are right in front of us.
Images: Pexels; Giphy (4); Getty Images
