HANGOVER
Description
Body System
[1] McCarty MF. Nutraceutical strategies for ameliorating the toxic effects of alcohol. Med Hypotheses. 2013;80(4):456-462.
[2] Shirpoor A, Minassian S, Salami S, Khadem-Ansari MH, Yeghiazaryan M. Alpha--lipoic acid decreases DNA damage and oxidative stress induced by alcohol in the developing hippocampus and cerebellum of rat. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2008;22(5-6):769-776.
[3] Peana AT, Muggironi G, Fois G, Diana M. Alpha-lipoic acid reduces ethanol self-administration in rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2013;37(11):1816-1822.
[4] Hoyumpa AM. Mechanisms of vitamin deficiencies in alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1986;10(6):573-581.
[5] Miyazaki A, Sano M, Fukuwatari T, Shibata K. Effects of ethanol consumption on the B-group vitamin contents of liver, blood and urine in rats. Br J Nutr. 2012;108(6):1034-1041.
[6] Laas I. A double-blind placebo-controlled study on the effects of Morning Fit on hangover symptoms after a high level of alcohol consumption in healthy volunteers. Journal of Clinical Research. 1999;2(9–15):9–15.
[7] Li SF, Jacob J, Feng J, Kulkarni M. Vitamin deficiencies in acutely intoxicated patients in the ED. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2008;26(7):792–795.
[8] Verster JC, Berthélemy O. Consumer satisfaction and efficacy of the hangover cure after-effect(©). Adv Prev Med. 2012;2012:617942.
[9] Jayawardena, R, Thejani, T, Ranasinghe, P, Fernando, D, Verster, JC. Interventions for treatment and/or prevention of alcohol hangover: Systematic review. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2017; 32:e2600.
[10] Verster JC, Vermeulen SA, Loo AJAEV, et al. Dietary Nutrient Intake, Alcohol Metabolism, and Hangover Severity. J Clin Med. 2019;8(9):1316. Published 2019 Aug 27.
[11] Pradhan SC, Girish C. Hepatoprotective herbal drug, silymarin from experimental pharmacology to clinical medicine. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2006;124:491–504.
[12] Wellington K, Adis BJ. Silymarin: a review of its clinical properties in the management of hepatic disorders. BioDrugs. 2001;15(7):465–489.
[13] El-Kamary SS, Shardell MD, Abdel-Hamid M, et al. A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis. Phytomedicine. 2009;16(5):391–400.
[14] Zhou T, Zhang YJ, Xu DP, et al. Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7463571.
[15] Tesoriere L, Butera D, Pintaudi AM, Allegra M, Livrea MA. Supplementation with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit decreases oxidative stress in healthy humans: a comparative study with vitamin C. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004;80(2):391–395.
[16] Swift R, Davidson D. Alcohol hangover: mechanisms and mediators. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(1):54-60.
[17] Ragland G. Electrolyte abnormalities in the alcoholic patient. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1990;8(4):761-773.
[18] Tello L, Perez-Freytes R. Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy During Vomiting and Diarrhea. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2017;47(2):505-519.
[19] Brown AJ, Otto CM. Fluid therapy in vomiting and diarrhea. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2008;38(3):653-xiii.
[20] Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 26, 2021.
[21] Kurkin DV, Morkovin EI, Osadchenko NA, Bakulin DA, Dubrovina MA, Gorbunova YV, Abrosimova EE, Pustynnikov VE, Tyurenkov IN, Petrov VI. N-acetylcysteine relieves neurologic signs of acute ethanol hangover in rats. Research Results in Pharmacology. 2021 Mar 31;7(1):75-83.
[22] Coppersmith V, Hudgins S, Stoltzfus J, Stankewicz H. The use of N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of hangover: a randomized trial. Scientific reports. 2021 Jun 28;11(1):13397.
[23] Kurkin DV, Morkovin EI, Osadchenko NA, Knyshova LP, Bakulin DA, Abrosimova EE, Gorbunova YV, Tyurenkov IN. Correction of psychological and neurological signs of alcohol hangover in rats with acetylcysteine. Pharmacy & Pharmacology. 2019 Oct 15;7(5):291-9.
[24] Wang F, Li Y, Zhang YJ, Zhou Y, Li S, Li HB. Natural products for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol use disorder. Molecules. 2016 Jan 7;21(1):64.
[25] Nassolo T. Utilization of lemon, honey, ginger and mulondo in production of an anti-hangover drink for alcohol consumers (Doctoral dissertation, Makerere University).
[26] Mapp CP. Peppermint oil: evaluating efficacy on nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy in the ambulatory setting. Number 2/April 2020. 2020 Apr 1;24(2):160-4.
[27] Tate S. Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. Journal of advanced nursing. 1997 Sep;26(3):543-9.
[28] Lee YR, Shin HS. Effectiveness of ginger essential oil on postoperative nausea and vomiting in abdominal surgery patients. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2017 Mar 1;23(3):196-200.
[29] Giacosa A, Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E, Riva A, Bianchi Porro G, Rondanelli M. Can nausea and vomiting be treated with ginger extract?. European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences. 2015 Apr 1;19(7).
1. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid, with its inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aids in breaking down toxins responsible for hangover symptoms, offering relief.
2. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B complex is essential for alcohol metabolism and overall recovery. Since alpha-lipoic acid can deplete thiamin, supplementing with B vitamins becomes necessary for supporting health.
3. Electrolyte Blend: Electrolyte blend helps restore balance and hydration by replenishing electrolytes lost during vomiting or dehydration, alleviating the effects of a hangover.
4. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: NAC acts as a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that supports liver detoxification. By taking NAC before or after alcohol consumption, it may reduce the severity of hangovers by aiding liver function and mitigating oxidative stress.
1. Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is known for protecting liver cells and enhancing liver function, aiding in detoxification after alcohol consumption. Its antioxidant properties may contribute to faster recovery from hangover symptoms.
2. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice or lime juice, rich in vitamin C, helps combat alcohol-induced dehydration by supporting hydration. Its natural detoxifying properties offer relief from hangover symptoms by replenishing fluids and electrolytes.
3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports hydration and combats oxidative stress, both of which are essential for hangover recovery. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals generated by alcohol consumption, providing relief from symptoms.
4. Ginger Extract: Ginger’s anti-nausea properties help alleviate common hangover symptoms like nausea and upset stomach. Its soothing effects on the digestive system provide relief from gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint essential oil, rich in menthol, relieves nausea and digestive discomfort, offering effective relief from hangover symptoms. Its cooling properties also soothe headaches and tension.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
1. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy with essential oils like ginger or peppermint helps alleviate nausea and vomiting by calming the nervous system. Inhalation of these oils can offer quick relief from hangover-related discomfort, promoting relaxation and easing symptoms.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
To help the body deal with hangovers, it is recommended to try the following:
getting hydrated by drinking mineral or coconut water. Mineral water contains electrolytes.
if possible, eating foods high in B vitamins or taking a vitamin B complex supplement. B vitamins are easily depleted when the body is put under a lot of stress.
increasing the intake of amino acids. Incorporate carbohydrates from whole foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, or legumes. Eggs are also a good alternative for healthy amino acids.
drinking broth. Broth can help replenish sodium and potassium.
drinking freshly squeezed fruit juice. Fructose found in fruits speeds up the metabolism of alcohol.
Use ginger root for nausea. You can try drinking ginger tea.
If you can't eat full meals, consume small snacks frequently throughout the day.
Other recommendations include:
get enough rest. Postpone your daily tasks and chores if you can. Let your body regain strength naturally.
get outside, take a walk, and get some fresh air. Such a light form of movement will boost your circulation and won't dehydrate you.
Things To Avoid
Dietary choices that do not support hangover recovery include:
eating processed, junk, and fast foods.
eating deep-fried and greasy foods, which are difficult to digest.
eating citrus fruit and drinking citrus fruit juices. Their acidity can irritate the lining of the stomach.
having another alcoholic drink, which will further dehydrate your body and add to the severity of your condition.
drinking commercially available sports drinks, such as gatorade, powerade, etc. They contain added sugar, which promotes inflammation.
excessive amounts of coffee. Coffee is a diuretic and can dehydrate you even more.
Other unhelpful habits include:
taking painkillers and other medications. Many drugs interact with alcohol and can cause a variety of symptoms and reactions.
intense workouts. Sweating promotes dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
driving while recovering from a hangover.