Studies have found that people who drank dark drinks such as red wine and brandy are more likely to have hangovers the next day.Studies have found that people who drank dark drinks such as red wine and brandy are more likely to have hangovers the next day. (iStock)

Ah New Year's Eve. It's pressed party dresses, crisp suits and swanky, twinkling parties. It's parka-clad crowds enjoying the spectacle and the tick, tick, tick of the clock running down.

But let's face it, as the long and lovely night winds on, it can sometimes get a little messy. That last glass of champagne could mean jackhammer headaches, slapdown fatigue and room-spinning nausea on New Year's Day.

So before you head out, here are some tips on how to prevent and treat hangovers.

Feel like krapula?

The medical term for a hangover is veisalgia, which derives from the Norwegian kveis meaning "uneasiness following debauchery" and the Greek word for pain — algia.

In Japan, a hangover is known as futsukayoi — an apt blend of futsuka meaning second day and yoi meaning drunk. The Danish word for a hangover is tømmermaend, which translates to lumberjack, presumably a reference to the headachy pounding one feels after a night overindulging.

The French have the descriptive avoir la gueule de bois meaning to have a mouth or face of wood, while the Finns have the onomatopoeic krapula.

1. Beware the magic bullet

Many products claim to help ease the pain of a hangover, but buyer beware. Research has focused on some of these treatments and found the claims came up short. For example, the British Medical Journal in 2005 reviewed trials for common hangover treatments including prickly pear, fructose and glucose. The BMJ reported the products did not help ease or prevent hangovers, although it noted there were potentially encouraging results for borage and tolfenamic acid. The authors of the study noted the best way to avoid a hangover is simply to steer clear of alcohol or drink in moderation.

Similarly, Consumer Reports cautioned readers about the effectiveness of products touting extra vitamins or activated carbon in its January 2009 issue. The magazine said independent research hasn't confirmed the products actually work as promised.

2. Drink a glass of milk, eat a meal

The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking a glass of milk before consuming alcohol because it coats the lining of the stomach and prevents rapid alcohol absorption. A meal containing fatty foods consumed before drinking will have the same effect.

3. Water, water, more water

Replenishing the body with fluids can be helpful. Drink water before and between alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration.

4. Drink in moderation

Though consumption guidelines will vary according to height and weight, a man weighing about 176 pounds will likely have a hangover after consuming about five or six drinks, researcher Jeffrey G. Wiese noted in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2000).

Beware fizzy drinks, like champagne, as they could lead to the pain of a hangover the next day.Beware fizzy drinks, like champagne, as they could lead to the pain of a hangover the next day. (Nacho Doce/Reuters)

A woman weighing about 130 pounds will likely suffer a hangover after drinking between three and five drinks, the study said.

The liver of a person weighing about 150 pounds can process and eliminate about eight to 10 grams of alcohol in about one hour, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

5. Look for lighter liquors

Light-colored liquors such as gin and vodka are less likely to result in a hangover when compared with darker liquors, according to an oft-cited 1973 study conducted by British researcher G.L.S. Pawan. The small study found that participants who drank liquors containing high amounts of congeners — a fermentation by-product that adds to the flavour and colour of the final product — were more likely to report symptoms of a hangover. Brandy, red wine and rum were the most likely beverages to spur headaches, tiredness and stomach upset while vodka and diluted pure ethanol mixed with orange juice were the least likely.

A separate study, conducted by L.F. Chapman in 1970, found that 33 per cent of participants who drank 1.5g/kg of body weight of bourbon suffered a severe hangover as compared with only three per cent of those who drank the same proportion of vodka.

6. Pass on the fizzy drinks

Carbonated drinks such as champagne or mixed drinks blended with tonic water will cause the stomach to swell, increasing the rate of absorption, so drink these types of beverages in moderation.

7. Be careful with pain relievers

Some people who drink also take an Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug before bed, though the Johns Hopkins Hospital neurology department warns taking the pills may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Similarly, the Mayo Clinic notes taking an acetaminophen may result in liver damage if a person has drunk large amounts of alcohol.

8. Cut the coffee

Coffee acts as a diuretic and can also lead to further dehydration so it's best to replenish with water. Sports drinks or Pedialyte the day after may also help restore electrolytes including potassium and magnesium.

9. Breakfast: Eggs and bananas

A breakfast of eggs is generally touted as helpful because they're rich in N-acetyl-cysteine, an antioxidant that will help clear the liver of toxins. Bananas are also recommended to replenish potassium levels.

10. Rest

Take it easy the next day and rest up. With sleep and a little bit of time, the hangover symptoms will pass and you'll be feeling fine soon enough.