It’s a hangover cure that’s been around as long as alcohol – but now experts say drinking water doesn’t help.
The NHS continues to recommend water for coping with the effects of too much booze, but now research reveals that it does little or nothing to dilute the impact of having one too many.
Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands who pooled data from three different studies found it makes no difference to how you feel the next day.
The studies, involving hundreds of party-going students, recorded hang-over symptoms in those who consumed water before going to bed and those who didn’t.
The results, published in the journal Alcohol, showed that while those who drank it felt less dehydrated, they still had the same degree of nausea, exhaustion and pain as students who skipped the water.
Those who drink water in the hopes of easing their hangovers have the same degree of nausea and pain as people who skipped water, scientists say (Stock Image)
The NHS continues to recommend water for coping with the effects of too much booze (Stock Image)
Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands (pictured) who pooled data from three different studies found it makes no difference to how you feel the next day
The researchers concluded: ‘The consumption of water during, or directly after, a drinking session is not effective in preventing hangovers.
‘And the amount of water consumed during the hangover day is not significantly related to changes in severity.’
Hangovers have a major effect on the UK workforce.
Institute of Alcohol Studies data shows as many as 89,000 people a day in the UK may be turning up to work hungover or still under the influence of alcohol.
Hangover-related absenteeism is thought to cost the UK economy up to £1.4 billion a year.
