What supplements work best for hangovers? It is a question anyone could ask after spending the weekend night out. However, there is no straightforward answer.
If you are reading this, chances are you are looking for a supplement that can help prevent some of the damages that come with alcohol consumption. You can find supplements for hangover prevention in all sizes and shapes. Whether you prefer vitamins and amino acids or minerals and herbal extracts, you can always find something suitable for your needs.
But as with all supplements, not every product works. This begs the question, what are the best supplements for hangover prevention? At Hangover Hospital Key West, we look to make things easier by going through some available research evidence to find supplements that can help prevent hangovers.
What Are Hangover Supplements?
Before we go any further, we first need to understand what hangover supplements are. I simple terms, hangover supplements are natural ingredients that help reduce the severity or eliminate hangovers. They include:
- Vitamins
- herbal extracts
- essential minerals
- amino acids
In the current market, you can come across various supplements designed to help your body handle the adverse effects of alcohol. Such supplements have a combination of natural ingredients, which make them more potent.
It is the ingredients of a supplement that matter the most, and we will take a look at some of the key elements.
What Supplements Are the Best for Hangover Prevention?
Most hangover supplements work in two different ways. They could function as antioxidants that neutralize the toxic byproducts resulting from alcohol metabolism, thus reducing inflammation. Other hangover supplements work by supporting the liver in breaking down alcohol and its byproducts.
1. Vitamins
You probably know that your body’s demand for vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, increases with excessive alcohol consumption. It is more common among chronic alcohol users. After binge drinking, the levels of vitamin B1 in your body drop. Vitamin B6 also referred to as Pyridoxine, can also lower hangover symptoms by up to 50%.
2. Herbal Extracts
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is an extract of Hovenia Dulcis, a Japanese raisin tree. According to some studies, DHM can help with hangover prevention as it enhances alcohol metabolism. Taking DHM before or while drinking improves the efficiency of the liver in processing alcohol, thus reducing or preventing hangover symptoms.
Some other herbal extracts that can help prevent hangovers include Korean ginseng, which spends up alcohol metabolism, and prickly bear, which has antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Ginger can also help prevent nausea caused by hangovers.
3. Amino Acids
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a common liver detox supplement. It is mainly used in emergency room setups to treat cases of acetaminophen overdose. It increases the levels of glutathione which is a strong antioxidant.
4. Minerals
Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete the essential minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium in your body. They play a vital role in the functionality of enzymes. Alcohol increases the demand for critical minerals. The diuretic properties of alcohol also flush the minerals from your kidneys, and taking supplements can help maintain the optimum levels.
Excessive drinking can leave you looking for a quick solution to hangovers. Natural supplements containing ingredients such as minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, and vitamins can help. Don’t let a hangover destroy your day, get hangover supplements today and look forward to more productive days, or contact Hangover Hospital Key West for fast relief.