12 HANGOVER CURES

Overindulged? Try these morning-after dos and don’ts from our experts to feel better – fast

That really work!

They say 'tis the season to be merry - then we wake up with a stonking hangover and vow never to get 'merry' again! Sounds familiar? The amount of alcohol Brits consume rises by 41%* at this time of year, with the typical festive party hangover lasting almost 10 hours**. The good news? Our experts have shared their best hangover cures so you can feel better in time for more fun. Here's what you need to know.

SOBERING UP

It takes approximately one hour for each unit of alcohol (the equivalent of 25ml or one small shot of spirit) to leave your system. Driving? This may mean you're still over the limit the next day.

1 Ditch the pills

Reaching into the medicine cabinet is tempting but paracetamol can have a toxic effect on the liver, which has already suffered enough, says nutritionist Shona Wilkinson. And never be tempted to pop a pill before bed most are only effective for four to six hours so they will have worn off by the time you wake up.

2 Go for a walk

Moving is probably the last thing you want to do, but a walk will make you feel better, quicker. 'In theory, any kind of exercise will help speed up your metabolism and so help shift your hangover,' says professor David Nutt, author of Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health***

3 Resist 'the hair of the dog'