"A real hangover is nothing to try out family remedies on. The only cure for a real hangover is death." -- Robert Benchley, American humorist



Hangover is a condition almost all drinkers suffer which gives the impression that it is a reality we cannot do anything about. However, contrary to this misconception, hangovers can be prevented.

Of course, hangovers can be prevented if you stop drinking alcohol. But if you cannot stop the habit, there is always a way to lessen the pain - the aftermath.

Neurologist Christine Lay, MD, of The Headache Institute, Roosevelt Hospital, in New York City said there are simple yet effective ways to stop the painful head-banger.

Simple yet effective

First, Lay says, eat a greasy meal before drinking.

Greasy foods coat the stomach and slow absorption of alcohol. And most greasy foods are full of carbohydrates, which turn into sugar in your body. That gives you an extra supply of the sugars alcohol causes to drop.

Second, consider clear alcoholic beverages. Dark beverages, such as red wine and whiskey, contain more of the flavorful substances called congeners. These natural byproducts of alcohol fermentation may contribute to the inflammation that worsens alcohol headaches.

Third, don't guzzle when drinking, instead, sip alcoholic beverages slowly. Give your body time to process the alcohol.

Next is to have at least one big glass of a nonalcoholic beverage in between drinks. Water is excellent. Fruit juices, such as tomato juice and cranberry juice, help your body replace the glucose it has losing due to alcohol.

Soft drinks may also help in this way -- and the caffeine in some of these drinks may help counteract the swelling of small blood vessels caused by alcohol.

If you do consume caffeine, be sure to increase your water intake. Caffeine causes your body to lose water -- and nothing is more important than avoiding dehydration when drinking.

Another tip is to lay off the cigarettes as smoking keeps your brain from getting the oxygen it needs.

Lastly, do not drink and take drugs. Talk to your doctor before taking alcohol when you are on a prescription medicine. Alcohol block or enhance the effects of your medication. Medication on the other hand, enhances the effects of alcohol.

The cure

If you do not want to try the simple tips of prevention, then you can't do anything but suffer the pain in silence and take the "cure".

There are always means to make yourself feel better if you suffer hangover after a heavy drink.

Lay advises to drink plenty of water as the most important thing is dehydration after a heavy alcoholic drink.

It is also important to take in something for your stomach. Bland foods with protein and carbs -- a poached egg on toast should do the trick.

Acidic juices aren't going to go down well -- but a little tomato juice or apple juice would be great.

If your stomach can handle it -- and if you don't suffer from ulcers or bleeding disorders -- take aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, or another NSAID. Again, do NOT take acetaminophen including Fioricet.

Alcohol taken during therapy with Fioricet, can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.

However, if your headache is not due to hangover, Fioricet, available online through drugstoretm.com,, is the mot effective and quick remedy.