Seen At 11: Do The Latest Hangover Cures Live Up To Their Claims?
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Ever since there has been alcohol there have been hangovers. A lot of people even have their own "go to" cures for hangovers.
Drinkers rely on Gatorade, sleep, and sometimes more alcohol to help ease the miserable symptoms of a hangover. However, medical experts recently told CBS 2's Kristine Johnson that those solutions are rarely effective.
Now, a new breed of cures promises to relieve and prevent hangovers.
"Mercy," a lightly carbonated blend of amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, is meant to be used at the end of a night of drinking. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow believes so strongly in the product that she invested in the company.
Doctor Scott Drab of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy told CBS 2 that vitamins in Mercy could help the body process alcohol.
"B-vitamins may speed up the metabolism to some degree," he said.
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, which can generally handle an ounce of alcohol per hour, and while there is no scientific evidence to support Mercy's claims, there isn't any to refute them either.
"There's no evidence that it doesn't work, and yet no evidence that it does work," Dr. Drab explained.
Another product called "Blow Fish" consists of effervescent tablets that are dropped into water and consumed the morning after a night of partying. Blow Fish contains aspirin and caffeine, and is FDA approved.
"I could certainly feel comfortable in recommending this product," Dr. Drab said.
Bytox, a patch worn on the body after drinking, is said to work faster because ingredients absorb through the skin. However, experts remain skeptical.
"I did not find any specific data that their active ingredients are more quickly absorbed because it's in a patch," Dr. Drab said.
Some drinkers may be interested in trying THC after a long night of imbibing. The "Texas Hangover Cure" is a powder that you can mix with water and drink after a night out. It contains prickly pear cactus and milk thistle, ingredients that are believed to help the liver.
Drab said that he could not recommend THC as a hangover cure.
"Again, there's no evidence that this product actually does do what it says it's going to do," he explained.
Medical experts recommend Gatorade for hydration, and aspirin to relieve headaches.
Have you tried any of these products? Let us know in our comments section below...
