In the body, the liver metabolizes alcohol, a chemical process that produces a toxin known as acetaldehyde. This toxin depletes the body of the antioxidant, glutathione. This is a serious side-effect, because antioxidants remove damaging free radical substances from the body, protecting it against inflammation and illness. Glutathione supplements are available but because of the genetic variants available, not all supplements suit everyone. Check with a nutritionist if you are uncertain.
Alcohol dehydrates the body, and the most effective hangover supplement of all is fresh water. Drink a glass of it upon waking up “hungover”. It not only rehydrates the cells of the body, it helps to flush out the toxin acetaldehyde and restore the vital glutathione balance. Throughout the day, drink water slowly at two-hourly intervals.
Another approach is to protect the liver before drinking, and experts report that n-acetylcysteine or NAC may be effective in forestalling hangovers. This is because acetylcysteine, available as capsules, is a precursor to the production of glutathione. However, as with glutathione, you are advised to seek expert advice before taking it.
Reports indicate that dosing yourself with L-theanine in advance of a drinking party may be effective in reducing instances of hangover. The antioxidant is available in capsule form and you take the dosage with a non-alcoholic drink.
A natural pre-drinking supplement is vitamin D, essential for health in every area of the body. This vitamin boosts the immune system, making bodily tissues less susceptible to inflammation and infection, and offering a degree of protection against the ravages of alcohol.
Everyone needs a daily intake of ascorbic acid or vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that alcohol destroys. For this reason, it is a good idea to treat a hangover with glasses of fresh fruit juice, alternated with drinks of water. This vitamin also raises glutathione levels.
Other supplements include the mineral magnesium, and the methyl vitamin B complex, which are lost at a furious rate during alcohol consumption. The best way to take these supplements is with a drink on going to bed, the night following the drinking party. The mineral, potassium citrate, is also lost during drinking. Vital for heart and kidney health, you can buy it in capsule form.
One popular hangover cure is curcumin, a supplement derived from plants. In recent years, experts have found curcumin to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Taken with food or drink, users report that it has a beneficial effect upon hangover symptoms. Overall, a sensible approach to nutrition before, during and after a bout of drinking is the best of all hangover supplements.
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