The morning after a night of heavy drinking can often bring with it headache, nausea and thirst.

The symptoms typically occur after the intoxicating effects of the alcohol begin to wear off and one remedy is a hearty breakfast containing salt, oils, vitamins and carbohydrates. Vital minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium also need to be replenished.

The loss of minerals is what gives the body such a strong appetite for salty and acidic food, according to the German Nutrition Society (DGE).

Time-tested hangover remedies include the consumption of oily, salty or especially piquant foods, such as the prairie oyster, with a raw egg and hot sauce, or the rollmop - gherkins and onions wrapped in pickled herring.

The rollmops are ideal as they are rich in salt because they are stored in a salt-vinegar brine. The high salt content helps the body to replenish its salt reserves. Smoked salmon or trout are more exotic suggestions as fish oils help the stomach to break down the alcohol.

Another hangover symptom is a feeling of severe hunger, for which a hot chicken broth is recommended because it is nourishing, light and contains vital ingredients such as fat, protein and carbohydrates.

Noodles, rice, eggs and chicken are the sort of ingredients that provide the energy the body needs to banish hangover tiredness. The broth has the added advantage of being easily digested, therefore reducing the possibility of increased nausea.

Feelings of nausea are a result of the toxic effects of alcohol on the body's oesophagus and gastric mucosa in the stomach.

If the body is still coping with high alcohol levels in the morning then some doctors argue that carbonated drinks, cigarettes and coffee should be avoided as they irritate the stomach even further.

However, other experts believe that while coffee is bad for the stomach, it does help combat headaches. An espresso with a squirt of lemon juice is considered the perfect compromise.

Everyone agrees, though, that as much liquid as possible should be consumed when battling a hangover. This helps rehydrate the body and reduces headaches. Sodium-rich mineral water is ideal while fruit juice also helps.

A popular belief that consumption of further alcohol will cure a hangover is scorned by medical experts.

The idea is based upon the theory that a hangover represents a form of withdrawal and that by satiating the body's need for alcohol the symptoms will be relieved. In fact, drinking more alcohol merely lengthens the time a hangover will last.

Another source of carbohydrates, apart from noodles and rice, are all kinds of pulses. Lentils in a bouillon with oil and mint can be prepared ahead of any night out and subsequently eaten with a salad.

A lentil salad with apples also helps break down alcohol, as does a traditional cabbage stew.

In order to minimize the chances of a vicious hangover, Wolfgang Wesiack of the DGE recommends never drinking on an empty stomach. Eating high-fat or calorific foods before drinking provides oils that coat the stomach lining and slow down the absorption of alcohol.

The DGE recommends lasagna, tuna in oil, noodle salad, cheese or an omelet while eating nuts and drinking water during the night is also suggested.

German Press Agency