I Didn’t Know That . . .

Q: What causes a hangover, and how can I get rid of one?

A: Most hangover remedies help a little, according to New Scientist magazine, but there is no sure cure. The problem is that no one is certain what causes a hangover. Some researchers think it is a buildup of toxic acetaldehyde, an intermediate in the conversion of alcohol into acetic acid, which is passed in urine. Others think that methanol, which is found in the highest concentrations in red wines and cognac, is the problem. The liver produces toxic byproducts while breaking it down. A bit of “the hair of the dog that bit you” distracts the liver from breaking down the methanol, easing headache pain, some experts say.

Carl Waltenburgh of Northwestern University recommends N-acetyl cysteine, an amino acid supplement. It restores bodily chemicals used up in processing byproducts of alcohol metabolism. Eggs are also rich in cysteine, which may be why “prairie oysters” are beneficial. Drinking lots of water before going to bed also helps. Even better, according to Marrku Linnoila of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is a nightcap of a commercial sports drink.