Pear Juice Concoctions and Hangovers

The rise of ‘recovery drinks’

Are you reading this hungover? Try some Korean pear juice to revitalise you. Or maybe some red ginseng root if you can find it. You could even try turmeric.

A magic hangover ‘cure’ is perhaps still out of reach, but recent interest in the search for one has led to a wave of research and a booming industry of new wellness drinks. 

But first, why do we even get hangovers? Unless you are part of the fortunate 20% of people estimated to be ‘hangover resistant,’ the day after a big drinking session can involve feelings of nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

One culprit is acetaldehyde, a toxin produced as the liver processes alcohol. Acetaldehyde’s antidote, an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase, helps to break down the chemical. Different people have varying levels of the enzyme in their bodies — this could explain why some experience tamer hangovers than others.

Sensations of fatigue and weakness can probably be blamed on loss of electrolytes, a consequence of alcohol’s diuretic effect increasing urination and depleting your sodium and magnesium levels. 

So, what can you do about it? The science suggests (other than abstaining from alcohol) that among the best hangover ‘cures’ are certain vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts. One example of this is L-cysteine, an amino acid found in dairy, soybeans, and other protein sources. More hangover avengers include B vitamins, clove extract, Korean pear, and various magnesium-rich foods.

If you’re wondering how to get your hands on these somewhat niche remedies, the drinks industry has been working on a solution. Technically called ‘recovery drinks’, not hangover cures (for legal reasons), brands such as PrePear and Seoul Tonic sell products containing Shingo Korean pear juice, with PrePear promising it will let you “rise and thrive no matter what's next.”

Seoul Tonic drinks also include electrolytes and ginseng, and their website states they are crafted with “centuries-old wisdom.” 

Another contender on the market is Happy Tuesdays, which sells “post-rave wellness pack” sachets containing five capsules with an assortment of vitamins and hangover preventatives, including B-vitamins and L-cysteine.

They’re designed to be taken at the end of the night, rather than the morning after — so arguably more of a hangover vaccine than a hangover cure. If this sounds appealing, be prepared for it to set you back roughly £34 for six sachets.

The science behind these remedies, however, is still uncertain. For example, Korean pear juice is thought to help the body break down alcohol more quickly, but there have only been a few studies conducted, with small sample sizes. Another trendy ingredient derived from Japanese raisin trees, catchily named dihydromyricetin, is also thought to help the liver process alcohol, but a recent study found it to be as effective as a placebo.

Never mind though — the hangover cure industry still races ahead, with a now estimated over $2 billion global market valuation. In the UK alone, it is predicted to surpass £160 million in a few years’ time.

Not convinced? You can always fall back on the cheaper alternative of just drinking plenty of water when you get home. Maybe have some carbs too, for good measure.

Illustration by Sandra Palazuelos Garcia