THE hangover is an affliction which affects some people more often than others. But for even the most sensible and restrained person, there will come a time when self-discipline gives way to over-excitement, and will-power - and dignity - vanish without trace.

When the alarm clock goes off the next morning, your mouth is drier than the Sahara, your stomach is churning and your head aching. As staying in bed isn't always an option, the elusive hangover cure needs to be found fast.

Scientists still don't understand what causes every element of a hangover and a cure's effectiveness appears to depend partly on the individual.

With suggestions ranging from inhaling pure oxygen - reportedly a favourite of Britney Spears after a heavy night - to munching through a vindaloo, or Simon Cowell's pick-me-up of choice, milk thistle, everyone has their own ideas about the ultimate cure. But which actually work?

Nutritionist Lyndel Costain says four factors contribute to the pain of the morning after - dehydration, low blood sugar levels, stomach irritation and inflammation.

Here's her verdict on which cures will actually make the next day almost bearable. (Sadly, none is known to work on embarrassment.)

WATER

This helps because it fends off dehydration caused by excess alcohol. Use a three-pronged approach by trying to drink some water during the boozing period, then some more fluids before bed - at least a pint if you can. Water is fine, or diluted orange juice if you can find it/prepare it/manage it.

The next day, drink regularly to ensure hydration is restored. It only really helps the dehydration aspect of a hangover, but drinking water while you are drinking booze can also reduce how much alcohol you drink.

THE FRY-UP

Salty, fatty foods such as fry-ups are often craved and many people swear by them. Maybe it's because their carbohydrate content (toast, beans, sausages etc) will raise blood sugar levels and the salt content may make up for salt loss from the diuretic effect of alcohol.

The presence of a decent meal in the stomach may buffer it against acidity and irritation. If you have juice with it, it'll help address dehydration. Try not to overdo the grease though (try a grill-up rather than a fry-up) as too much may tip you over the edge.

THE OXYGEN CANISTER

It won't help the dehydration, low blood sugar or stomach irritation aspects of a hangover. But it may give a very short-term or psychological pick-me-up if nothing else.

We do get oxygen in the air we breathe, after all, so try some regular deep breathing.

THE RAW EGG

Concerns over salmonella poisoning mean eating raw eggs is not advised, ever. When it comes to eggs, there is a theory that the cysteine (an amino acid) they contain can be used to make glutathione, a compound that mops up damaging free radicals.

But this is only a theory, and there is unlikely to be enough cysteine in an egg to make much difference anyway. Maybe the unpleasantness caused by consuming a raw egg detracts from the pain of the hangover?

MILK THISTLE

Some studies suggest milk thistle may be of some help in the overall treatment of alcoholic liver disease via a protective effect on liver cells.

But it needs to be taken regularly, and in the right dose. There's no evidence it helps short-term problems like hangovers.

CURRY

Like a fry-up, this fits into the salty, fatty food category - especially if served with carb-rich rice and something to drink.

Chilli is also a stimulant, so if it's a very hot curry it may provide a temporary pick-me-up too.

IRN BRU

Irn bru provides three things that may help a hangover - in the short-term, at least: fluid to help dehydration, quickly-absorbed sugar to raise blood glucose levels and some caffeine to act as a mild pick-me-up. Cola drinks are similar in that way.

If you try it, follow it up with some solid food/healthy breakfast and more to drink to sustain the effect and provide some nutrition too.

CHILLI

Just eating a chilli dish can be a good decongestant. This may help another after effect of hangovers - a blocked nose. Alcohol can cause swelling inside the nose, especially when lying down, which is why you tend to wake up with a blocked nose sensation after a night out.

OVER-THE-COUNTER CURE

For example, Resolve. This will no doubt help because it provides fluid for dehydration, a painkiller to help headaches and reduce inflammation, glucose to lift blood sugar and some vitamin C to help mop up free radicals.

Follow it with a healthy breakfast such as porridge with honey and sliced banana, with a drink of juice; or poached egg on wholemeal toast with juice.

HAIR OF THE DOG

Steer clear of this one. It can make you feel better - for a while - but all you're really doing is delaying the inevitable, and it's bad news for the health of your liver cells.

It's wise to have at least two alcohol-free days after a hangover, to give the liver a chance to recover.

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