What Is A Hangover?

After consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, you may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms known as a hangover. Alcohol can cause dehydration by increasing urine output and reducing the body's ability to absorb water. This can lead to symptoms like headache, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Additionally, alcohol can cause inflammation in the body, which can worsen hangover symptoms. The severity of a hangover can vary depending on factors like the type and amount of alcohol consumed, as well as individual characteristics such as age, gender, and overall health.

While there are many suggested hangover cures, only a few are scientifically proven to work. However, there are several effective ways to relieve and prevent hangover symptoms. Certain foods, supplements, and over-the-counter products can help alleviate symptoms, while some practices can help prevent hangovers. This article outlines evidence-based ways to prevent or relieve a hangover.

Overall, naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the underlying causes of hangovers, such as dehydration, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies, rather than simply masking the symptoms.

The Importance Of Naturopathic Nutrition For Liver Support:

Naturopathic medicine views a bad hangover as a multi-factorial condition with various underlying causes. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to the diuretic effects of alcohol are some of the factors that could cause a hangover. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause liver inflammation and toxicity, leading to symptoms associated with a hangover.

Additionally, naturopathic practitioners may associate hangovers with overall digestive dysfunction since alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt gut flora. Nutrient deficiencies could also contribute to hangovers as alcohol depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals.

Diet and Supplementation for Hangovers:

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent hangovers, maintaining a healthy diet can certainly help reduce their severity. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure you stay hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration. To counteract this, ensure that you consume plenty of water throughout the night and keep hydrating the next day.

• Consume a balanced meal before drinking: Consuming a meal that contains healthy carbohydrates, protein, and fat can slow down the absorption of alcohol and minimise its effects[i].

• Avoid drinks with high sugar content: Drinks that contain a lot of sugar can cause a quick surge in blood sugar levels, making hangover symptoms worse. Choose drinks that are low in sugar.

• Snack on nutritious foods and make sure you have a good breakfast: Snacking on nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can help stabilise your blood sugar levels and decrease the severity of hangovers[ii].

Living Nutrition Organic Fermented True Adaptogens: Red ginseng has been found to reduce blood alcohol levels and hangover severity, according to an older study[iii].

Terranova Nettle Root, Lycopene & Zinc Complex (containing prickly pear): Prickly pear extract has also shown potential in treating hangovers, as evidenced by a 2004 study which found that it decreased hangover symptoms and halved the risk of severe symptoms[iv].

Viridian Ginger – Organic: Ginger has been shown to improve certain hangover symptoms in an older study that used a ginger, brown sugar, and tangerine extract. Additionally, compounds found in ginger may have a protective effect against alcohol-induced liver damage, based on test-tube and animal studies[v].

Pure Encapsulations Borage Oil 60 Capsules: Borage oil, which is derived from the seeds of starflower, has also been found to reduce hangover symptoms in 88% of participants in a study that used a supplement containing both prickly pear and borage oil[vi].

A Vogel Siberian Ginseng Eleutherococcus Drops: Finally, supplementing with eleuthero extract, also known as Siberian ginseng, has been found to alleviate several hangover symptoms and decrease the overall severity, based on one study[vii].

Consider taking supplements: Some studies suggest that taking certain supplements, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium, could help alleviate hangover symptoms.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to drinking. While a healthy diet can certainly help, it's important to drink responsibly and in moderation to avoid hangovers and other negative health effects associated with alcohol consumption.

Our favourite products to help kick a hangover:

Pure Encapsulations Silymarin: Silymarin is a milk thistle seed extract standardized to the active phytonutrients silymarin. Silymarin is a unique flavonoid complex of silybin, silydianin, and silychrisin derived from the milk thistle plant[viii].

Alka Tea: Cleanses the bladder, liver & kidneys. Contains alkalising herbs to help with de-acidification and detoxification of the body.

Viridian Nac+ : NAC can also improve liver function in relation to other forms of liver injury such as those induced by excessive alcohol intake [xv][xvi].

A Vogel Milk Thistle: The seeds (fruit) of Milk Thistle are combined with four other important herbs used in healthcare for centuries – fresh extracts of Dandelion, Artichoke, Peppermint and dried Boldo leaves. Artichoke has been seen to in a few small studies to improve liver function for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[xvii].

Dr. Schulze's Superfood: The 14 botanical foods in Dr Schulze's Original Superfood Plus (four weeks supply) provides high levels of protein as well as high levels of vitamins B6 and B12, which makes it a nutritious food product for busy people wanting good health. B vitamins[xviii] and chlorophyll[xix] contribute to liver health and revitalising your energy.

Lifestyle:

Alcohol can cause sleep disturbances and may be associated with decreased sleep quality and duration for some people[xx]. Although a lack of sleep does not directly cause a hangover, it can exacerbate its symptoms. The effects of alcohol on the body can already cause fatigue, headaches, and irritability, and the added impact of sleep deprivation can intensify these symptoms. So, while not a cause, getting enough restful sleep can help alleviate the discomfort of a hangover.

Testing:

Functional testing can be useful to figure out the source of bad hangovers because it can help identify any underlying health issues or imbalances that may be contributing to the symptoms. For example, functional testing can reveal if there are any nutrient deficiencies or liver dysfunction that may be exacerbating the effects of alcohol on the body. This information can be used to develop personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of the hangover, rather than just masking the symptoms. Functional testing can also help individuals identify any food sensitivities or allergies that may be contributing to their hangovers, as certain foods can worsen inflammation and digestive distress. By addressing these underlying issues, individuals may be able to prevent or reduce the severity of hangovers in the future.

See more information on:

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Test

Intestinal Permeability Profile

Food Sensitivity Test (Dietary Antigen Test)

Metabolomix Plus/ advanced