Best cures for a hangover

With many of us getting ready for a New Year’s Eve party, we may have a sore head on January 1st…

A new study suggests we will suffer from THREE hangovers, on average, over the festive period – with half (57 percent) agreeing they get worse with age. Yet, fear not because a new study has revealed the 20 foods and drinks that are likely to make you feel better, with the classic English breakfast still reigning supreme (38 percent).

A strong black coffee came second in the poll of 2,000 adults (34 percent), followed by a bacon and egg sandwich (21 percent), a banana (21 percent) and a simple round of hot buttered toast, which came fifth (20 percent).

Cheese toasties (14 percent), BLTs (9 percent) and a refreshing can of coconut water (9 percent) also made the list from those polled. However, SEVEN of the top 20 cures feature eggs, and according to Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, there is a scientific reason.

Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton:

“Eggs carry an abundance of essential nutrients in a small package, including the hangover-busting cysteine, which is an essential amino acid that reduces nausea, headaches, and sometimes stress and anxiety by breaking down acetaldehyde, one of the worst by-products of alcohol metabolism. Eggs are also a source of high-quality protein which is proven to support appetite control, stopping you reaching for high calorie comfort foods later in the day.”

The research, which was commissioned by British Lion eggs, found Brits will suffer from three hangovers on average over the festive period, which last for eight hours a time, with half (57 percent) believing they get worse as you get older, with almost half (46 percent) admitting that their sore heads last longer now than five years ago. As a result, 71 percent of those surveyed have tried a range of cures over the years to varying success – two thirds (63 percent) say some worked, while 30 percent say none of them did the trick.

A spokesperson for British Lion Eggs: “It’s clear from the research that Brits are suffering when it comes to hangovers, with many of us turning to food to help us through. We would never encourage over-indulgence in alcohol, but if you accidentally do, eggs are a nutrient-dense tasty and cost-effective food you can enjoy to get you back on the road to recovery”.

And with 78 percent admitting they drink more alcohol over the festive period than at other times during the rest of the year, it’s no surprise that 77 percent say they will be using a variety of ways to soothe their aching heads throughout Christmas and New Year. Let’s hope they work as 82 percent say that a hangover is one of the worst feelings in the world.

Top 20 Hangover Foods 

1. Full English breakfast – 38%
2. Strong black coffee – 34%
3. Bacon and egg sandwich – 21%
4. Banana – 21%
5. Hot buttered toast – 20%
6. Burger – 15%
7. Slice of pizza from the night before – 15%
8. Scrambled eggs on toast – 14%
9. Fried egg sandwich – 14%
10. Cheese toastie – 14%
11. Salt and vinegar crisps – 12%
12. BLT – 9%
13. Poached eggs on toast – 9%
14. Coconut water – 9%
15. Fruit smoothie – 9%
16. Chicken noodle soup – 9%
17. A hot curry – 8%
18. Bloody Mary – 7%
19. Fried egg with hot sauce – 7%
20. Pancakes with maple syrup – 6%
    

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This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by British Lion Eggs and conducted by Perspectus Global during October 2024.