Planning to paint the town red this week-end? A number of steps taken before and after you begin drinking can lessen the headache, nausea and malaise that accompanies the hangover the next day.
Most people know it's wise to pace themselves when drinking alcohol and that drinking after eating slows the rate of alcohol absorption. If you're knocking back the champagne or other alcohol, it's also a good idea to alternate water or soft drinks between rounds.
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Your choice of libation also affects your chances of a hangover. Fermentation and aging of alcoholic beverages produce more than ethanol -- the type of alcohol that gets the blame for hangovers.
Substances called congeners cause much of the toxic reaction the morning after. Scientific studies show that brandy and bourbon cause the most problems, followed by red wine, sherry, whisky, beer, white wine and gin. Vodka, which isn't aged, contributes the least to hangovers.
By the way, the widespread belief that alcohol's dehydrating effects cause most of the problems the next day is only partly correct. Research explains how American researchers think congeners trigger chemicals in the body called cytokines, which are the same compounds triggered by the flu. Scientists hope to find a way someday to block these cytokines. But until they do, the best they can recommend is drinking plenty of water before going to bed after a night of drinking.
If you're looking for home remedies for hangovers, read on. In addition to old favourites such as raw eggs or a Bloody Mary, the feature describes cures from around the world that include carbonated cabbage juice, marinated fish, sauerkraut, and either clam chowder or Mulligatawny soup.
Scientific studies also suggest that taking vitamin B6 and the amino acid cysteine assist the body in mopping up the toxins produced by alcohol. Never take more than 50 milligrams of vitamin B6, however, because high doses are toxic to nerve cells.
Planning to paint the town red this week-end? A number of steps taken before and after you begin drinking can lessen the headache, nausea and malaise that accompanies the hangover the next day. 
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