Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- You had a blast saying goodbye to 2014 and woke up on Jan. 1 in dire need of a cure. Google knows this. According to data of Google Trends compiled by Wonkblog, searches for "hangover cure" spike considerably on Jan. 1, followed by other post-holiday mornings including Nov. 1 and July 5. Advertisement So you find yourself in a world of hurt, presumably mostly of your own doing. What are some really, really bad ideas for hangover cures? "Hair of the dog," a greasy breakfast, coffee (unless you're prone to caffeine-withdrawal headaches) are good things to avoid. And those hangover cure pills? A peer-reviewed double-blind study in 2005 said they make little or no difference -- except in lightening your wallet. So what makes a good hangover cure? The best cure is not to get a hangover in the first place. Remember that double-blind scientific study? "No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover. The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol induced hangover is to practice abstinence or moderation." Advertisement Either don't partake, or pace your drinks and mix with water and food along the way to "Happy New Year!" And avoid "dark" alcohols. But failing that, try these ideas: • NPR suggests a traditional soup from Mexico called pozole. Maybe that can of Campbells in your pantry will suffice. • Forbes recommends football, movies and lots of food, preferably Asian with a focus on pho. • An "IV bus" hangover cure, but this can be costly, and they're only available in select cities. • Going off the remedy used on those expensive IV buses, this UPI reporter recommends that before you go to bed, drink a large glass of water, take some ibuprofen and a B-complex vitamin. This requires a bit of coordination before your head slams into the pillow (or floor).
