Hangover buster: Researchers invent beer that hydrates

It’s the holy grail of people all over the world suffering hangovers — a beer that won’t send you reaching for the headache tablets.

But it seems like the Australians have finally invented a beer which hydrates rather than dehydrates.

As anybody who suffers from bad hangovers will tell you, the consumption of alcohol while dehydrated is what causes the dreaded hangover. Not to mention being drunk can often make you act like a fool.

Now nutrition researchers Griffith University’s Health Institute in Queensland in Australia have found a beer which can actually hydrate you as you drink it.

Scientists at the university managed to manipulate the electrolyte levels of two commercial beers — one of regular strength and one of light strength. This was then given to people who had just been undertaking rigorous exercise.

The study found that the altered light beer was a third more effective at hydrating the drinker than that of normal beer.

Associate professor Ben Desbrow said that drinking was a reality of life and the research to lessen its dangers was beneficial.

“This is definitely not a good idea, but what we’ve found is that many people who sweat a lot, especially tradesmen, knock off work and have a beer. But alcohol in a dehydrated body can have all sorts of repercussions, including decreased awareness of risk.

“So, if you’re going to live in the real world, you can either spend your time telling people what they shouldn’t do, or you can work on ways of reducing the danger of some of these socialised activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, with thousands of Eminem fans heading for Slane Castle this Saturday, drinkaware.ie will be distributing free bottles of Deep RiverRock water at the departure point for Dublin Bus services to the concert.

CEO of drinkaware.ie, Fionnuala Sheehan, said it was part of a drive to encourage people to monitor their drink intake.

“The gates for Slane open at 3pm. So it’s a long day. That’s why we’re partnering with Coca-Cola to give out bottles of water and remind people how important it is to pace themselves and take control of how much and how fast they’re drinking,” she said.