In a study published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s journal Food & Function, a team of Chinese researchers said that the non-alcoholic beverages that are consumed in conjunction with or following the consumption of alcoholic beverages can alter the impact of alcohol on the body.  The team looked at 57 different herbal infusions, teas, and carbonated beverages to evaluate the effects on alcohol metabolism.

A review of the study published on the Royal Society of Chemistry Blog explained that the scientists found Sprite to be the best potential reliever of alcohol-related symptoms.  The effects of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol are well known. In the short-term, alcohol leads to feeling drunk followed by a hangover, while regularly consuming more than the recommended amount of alcohol can cause liver disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

According to the New York Daily News, college students and various adults favor Pedialyte, a liquid meant for dehydrated infants suffering from vomiting and diarrhea.  The adults say that Pedialyte is similar to a sports drink, but with significantly less sugar.  In fact, a mobile app called Foxtrot is adding Pedialyte to its menu.  The app offers residents of Chicago a means for getting goods from the corner store delivered to their front door.  Users of the app demanded that the product be available for purchase and delivery.

In an interview with musician Jason Bell, New York Times Magazine asked for his preferred hangover remedy.  He unequivocally recommended Pedialyte.  With a recent stint in rehab, Bell had had plenty of experience with alcohol, its effects the next day, and masking them in order to keep working and performing.

CNN also evaluated ten supposed remedies for hangovers: alcohol again in the morning, greasy breakfast, Alka-Seltzer, painkillers including aspirin or ibuprofen, hangover pills, coffee, water and sports drinks, exercise, a sauna treatment, and sleep.  Many of these supposed remedies for hangovers could actually make things worse.  For example, another alcoholic drink would temporarily take the edge off the symptoms, but when it wears off, the symptoms come back worse than before.

The greasy part of the greasy breakfast may be problematic because it can cause digestive problems.  However, it is important to get calories into the body, but with foods that are easier to digest such as toast and cereal.  Alka-Seltzer helps with the digestive part of the problem, but some ingredients will irritate the stomach when taken in combination with alcohol.  Similarly, painkillers in combination with alcohol can damage the stomach lining or the liver.  The best remedy turned out to be hydration and sleep.