So you have over done it a little and you’ve got the hangover from hell. There is no cure for a hangover you have it and that is that. However read on for a few tips to avoid them in the first place and a few ideas to relieve the symptoms.

No one is immune from a hangover. Even people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol usually experience the throbbing headaches, sickness and muscle cramps associated with one drink too many. However, the severity and number of symptoms you get can depend on your weight and height, and the type and amount of alcohol you drink.

Lighter people and women absorb alcohol more slowly and may experience more severe hangover symptoms. Dark coloured alcoholic drinks such as red wine and sherry may cause particularly bad hangovers because they contain higher amounts of toxic chemicals called congeners.

Alcohol can cause dehydration and make you feel very thirsty. It also makes you go to the toilet more often, which in turn flushing important minerals such as potassium and salt from the blood.

The only sure way to avoid a hangover is to stick to non alcoholic drinks. If you have to drink then stick to a few of the tips below

• Limit yourself to one drink per hour. This will give your body time to process the alcohol.
• Eat a meal before you start drinking to help your body to absorb the alcohol.
• Try the 'one on one off' technique by interspersing alcoholic drinks with water. This will help to reduce the morning-after thirst.Avoid dark coloured drinks such as red wine, brandy, port and sherry.
• Take a paracetamol-based painkiller the next day. Avoid aspirin as it may irritate your stomach and increase nausea.
• Drink plenty of fruit juice. Fruit contains a natural sugar called fructose, which will help to flush the alcohol out of your body.
• Replenish your vitamin supply by eating lots of vegetables. Thin, vegetable-based broth or soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals.