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There's a new hangover cure on the scene and it's not as sloppy as a greasy breakfast meal or as bitter as tomato juice. Researchers have found that the carbonated lemon-lime drink Sprite can have soothing effects on a hangover.

In a study published late last month in the journal Food & Function, researchers from China conducted the research on the chemical causes and effects of a hangover, and how best to disrupt them. However, if you prefer to avoid sweet drinks, the study found soda water to be just as effective.

Meanwhile, herbal teas were observed to slow down the process. However, Sprite and soda water were shown to speed up ALDH activity, which would theoretically curb the hangover.

The researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou found the hangover feeling is caused not by the alcohol itself but by the process of the body trying to break down the alcohol. The researchers learnt that Sprite helps break down acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol, which causes the headaches, nausea and accompanying feelings of regret too much booze, beer or wine can cause.

However, exposing the body to acetaldehyde actually causes the symptoms of a hangover, including nausea and a pounding headache.

Alcohol has been linked with irritating the stomach lining, causing blood sugar to fall and expand blood vessels, which trigger headaches. It also makes people sleepy and reduces their quality of sleep. There's also the possibility that ingredients in alcohol that give it flavor called congeners, also add to that hangover.