Best Hangover Remedies

Ok, so - as a reasonably social being living in San Francisco I find myself exploring the restaurants, bars and nightlife quite often. AND I should mention that I have a group of fantastic friends that I spend a lot of time with, all of whom similarly enjoy enjoying aforementioned nightlife.

Now, it has come to my attention over the past few years (necessarily so, what with my 35th birthday approaching rapidly - note to anyone who is interested big party the weekend of August 12th) that there are in fact ways to mitigate the negative effects resulting from what I would call legitimately exuberant indulgence in a great lifestyle provided to us by this great city. Here is a brief list of some of my favorites:

1) Cheerz (formerly Rebound - http://www.cheerzhangover.com/ ). Specifically designed to prevent hangovers, these are pills made of Fumaric Acid (derived from amber), Vitamin B12, L-Glutamine (amino acid) and a few other ingredients. A few of my friends and I have determined through almost-clinically-accurate studies that this combination does in fact lessen the effects of a hangover. I have also spent a good amount of time online researching the different substances involved and I see good reason to believe that I should continue to support the company that makes the product despite the CEO being a misanthrope and basically crazy. Typically you take one or two doses when you are out enjoying the evening.

2) Vitamin B12. This is quite well known to help reduce certain aspects of hangovers, in particular dehydration. Take one early in the evening and before bed. Also in the morning if necessary.

3) Red Bull (or other similar energy drink). Well, this does have significant amounts of B12 in it so maybe that's the reason. Otherwise I am not sure, but there seems to be a correlation from my empirical testing.

4) Mel's Diner. No joke. Hit Mel's at 2AM after a big evening and you are bound to be a bit happier the next morning.

5) Peanut Butter. Substitute for #4.

6) Wow I almost forgot this one. Could in fact be #1 but no one would forget it. Number Three Meal at McD's. And that's with a real Coke for all you dieters - you need the sugar the day after. Trust me, this works like David Blaine's handler after he's been under the water for 7 minutes.

7) Well, if all else fails, I suppose there's always the Hair of the Dog. And yes, it does help. But beware of the shampoo effect ( http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=shampoo+effect )of course.....