SOME POOR FOLKS in search of hangover cures might turn to the Internet, where at least 182,000 Web pages offer science, pseudo-science, folk remedies and bottomless wishful thinking.

I, however, need look no further than some of my very own nieces, nephews and n's-in-law, whose youth and vigor afford them the luxury of over-imbibing, suffering — and recovering quickly enough to want to do it all again.

Most of them swear by a big, greasy meal the morning after, which has at least a smidgen of scientific support, since high-fat foods slow absorption of alcohol. Hung-over ancient Romans knew this, too: They apparently ate fried canaries.

Today, an Egg McMuffin, hash browns and Coke got my panel's most votes, and I wondered if that was just a way to rationalize a trip to McDonald's as "health-promoting." Among local family, Kelly says any greasy food — chicken burger, hamburger — does the trick, but Coke over ice is essential. Kristen says friends swear it's something in the pop at McDonald's.

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"The more hash browns the better," adds Rory. Homemade hash browns, bacon and eggs probably would do, he says, but "I am a firm believer in the McDonald's route in cases of extreme hangovers because it allows you to get the food without smelling it as it is made. The smell of fresh bacon on the stove is a nightmare on those really bad mornings." One hang-up: Mickey D's breakfast service stops at a cruel 10:30 a.m. (11 a.m. on weekends).

Perhaps with time in mind, Mike puts hangover stock in Dick's, specifically its Deluxe burger, which doubles as a hangover prevention, "If you are fortunate enough to be able to choke one down before bed!" Drinking less — or not at all — is an even more effective hangover deterrent.

Mike's preferred treatment is 32 ounces of water or Gatorade before going to sleep. Liquids do help offset symptoms from the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Lisa in D.C. claims she's never had a hangover but has "heard" of a tradition there involving an all-night diner's down-home comfort food, such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Likewise, says Sarah in Georgia, "I, of course, would never let my fun get so out of hand that I would be hurting the next morning," but she could heartily recommend a burger with blue cheese, bacon and hot-wing sauce for brunch at an Atlanta restaurant called The Treehouse. "They'll also make you a mimosa before noon on Sunday, if you're into that kind of thing. Not me. Not into that kind of thing. Nope."

That last part would be an example of "the hair of the dog" (not to mention "sarcasm"). So is the Bullshot: 3 ounces hot water, 1 ounce vodka, one beef bouillon cube. Kristen has friends who go the Bloody Mary route, "But they sometimes keep drinking after that, so getting drunk again will certainly make you forget your hangover." Or delay its symptoms.

Repercussions, by the way, can go beyond headache and upset stomach. An examination last year of 108 studies since 1965 found hangovers can increase blood pressure and heart rate, putting people with heart problems at greater risk for heart attack. They also may make platelets in the blood stickier, which could increase the chance of clots. People with hangovers can have decreased reaction time (attention: drivers, pilots and heavy-machinery operators), less ability to concentrate and lower managerial skills. Chronic hangovers might be a sign of alcoholism.

Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen may ease some hangover symptoms, but also can irritate an already-stressed liver.

Other remedies might be questioned on different grounds, such as rubbing a freshly cut lemon on the armpits before going to bed. Both Kelly and Mike have tried it, and say it seemed to prevent a hangover the next day. Mike has a caveat, however:

"I'm not convinced it had anything to do with the lemons other than if you are able to slice and rub a fresh lemon under your armpit before bed, 1) you're drunk, and 2) you're not that drunk," so maybe a hangover wasn't inevitable. "I think the urban legend is that the lemon juice helps you retain fluid that staves off dehydration. By that reasoning, we might as well put duct tape under our armpits or wear a lot of antiperspirant."

Web sites on those remedies are under construction.

Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. Michelle Kumata is a Seattle Times news artist.

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