I can safely say that I have not done my fair share of research on excessive alcohol consumption and I swear I named my dog Martini after a movie character instead of the drink. But, we all have experienced a hangover at one time or another. Everyone knows the traditional hangover prevention tips like consume alcohol on a full stomach, drink a lot of water and get plenty of rest. And, there are some strange hangover remedies like taking a wasabi bath or eating deep fried canaries, but I think I’ll stick to the nourishing foods that have been proven to alleviate the symptoms .

An article in the Journal of Food Science studied the effects of asparagus on hangovers and determined amino acids and enzymes in the shoots and leaves can protect the liver against toxins . Researchers at Tulane University and University of California found that prickly pear cactus extract can reduce inflammation specific to alcohol consumption. While studies at Northwestern University have found that supplement N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) replenishes the amino acid cysteine, which is depleted during alcohol consumption .

Home remedies like honey, bananas, sports drinks, ginger, and peppermint help restore the body’s electrolytes and soothe the stomach . And, one should also be sure to get plenty of Vitamin B and C. There is even research to suggest that a morning after drink, known as drinking the “hair of the dog,” can help combat a hangover. Researcher Wayne Jones claims that methanol (instead of ethanol) is the main hangover culprit, as it remains in the body longer. Thus, drinking alcohol for a hangover makes the body’s enzymes work primarily on the new ethanol instead of the residual methanol. But, you won’t see me grabbing for a Blood Mary for my next hangover, as another researcher titled their article, “The ‘hair of the dog:’ a useful hangover remedy or a predictor of future drinking problem?”