'Tis the season for holiday celebrations, family get-togethers, travel and general merriment, which (for many of us) means enjoying a cocktail or two! Did you know that there's plenty you can do to prevent a hangover by helping your liver to process alcohol? As a part of The Morrison Center family, it's our duty to keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the morning after so you can celebrate and wake up feeling fresh!
In the video below, Dr. Morrison and our two nutritionists at The Morrison Center, Stephanie Mandel, and Robin Foroutan explain why we get hangovers, their personal favorite hangover hacks and the natural supplements they use to help prevent hangovers before they begin.
- WHY HANGOVERS HAPPEN -
NO. 1 ACETALDEHYDE
When alcohol is detoxified by the liver, a chemical called acetaldehyde is produced, which drains the body of important antioxidants, thus creating oxidative stress and inflammation. This intermediary of alcohol metabolism is actually more toxic than alcohol itself and contributes to hangover symptoms.
NO. 2 CONGENERS
Congeners are byproducts of fermentation in darker, less distilled drinks like whiskey and bourbon. Research shows that beverages with the high levels of congeners cause worse hangovers. Clear liquors, on the other hand, have fewer congeners, which may be why many people feel less of a hangover the next day when they choose a high quality, distilled vodka or gin instead (without other sugary ingredients of course).
NO. 3 PROSTAGLANDINS
Alcohol causes inflammation via the production of prostaglandins, a group of pro-inflammatory compounds with hormone-like effects on the body. These effects range from regulating blood vessel tone, water and electrolyte balance, and other metabolic actions that may trigger unpleasant symptoms. This is why most people reach for painkillers like Tylenol or Advil when they are trying to treat their hangover. But there's a better way...
- HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO -
ANTIOXIDANTSBefore you start drinking, make sure to load up on antioxidants. There are plenty of delicious options like organic blueberries, grapes, nuts, and dark green veggies. |
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GINST15Ginst15 contains a balanced ginseng extract, which has been known to help with hangovers. It also promotes balanced energy, supports mental clarity and can help with blood sugar balance. We recommend one dropperful straight or in water. |
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GREEN TEAGreen tea is full of polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin EGCG, which has a ton of health benefits. It's a personal favorite around the office. Enjoy it warm, iced or even in a cocktail! |
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BUFFERED VITAMIN CBuffered vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can help protect you from acetaldehyde and other pro-inflammatory effects of alcohol. We recommend taking 2 capsules with food. |
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Choose your booze wisely and remember to keep it "clear." High-quality clear liquors like vodka, gin, and silver tequila are going to have fewer toxins and congeners. And always remember to hydrate!
Once you've gotten home you might take some of these (see below) before bed to help your body metabolize the alcohol, depending on how you feel.
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE (NAC)N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a favorite around the office for helping with liver support. This supplement helps protect tissue from oxidative stress and promotes anti-inflammatory gene expression. We recommend taking 2 capsules before bed. |
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LIVERCARELiverCare is filled with herbs that help the liver and gallbladder detoxify alcohol out of the body. This herbal supplement also helps protect liver cells and enzymes. We recommend taking 1 capsule before bed. |
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ENZALASEWhen taken with food, Enzalase acts as a digestive enzyme. However, when this product is taken in between meals, it acts as a proteolytic enzyme and helps to break up some of the things that create inflammation. We recommend taking 2 capsules on an empty stomach. |
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ACTIVATED CHARCOALActivated Charcoal is a highly absorbent material that binds with toxins in the digestive tract, facilitating their elimination. This product is useful during a targeted detoxification program. We recommend taking 2 capsules before bed. |
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If you made it to bed and tried all of the tips above, yet still wake up with a hangover, there is still hope.
REHYDRATIONRehydration is a homeopathic combination formula for the symptoms associated with fluid imbalances. We recommend one dropperful in one liter of water and drinking that throughout the morning. |
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SPECTRAMINSpectraMin provides the body with absorbable ionic trace minerals in liquid form. This product is great for rehydrating the body. We recommend one dropperful in each liter of water and drinking that throughout the morning. |
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TRI-SALTSTri-Salts Powder is designed to neutralize increased acidity in the body. It serves as an efficient sodium-free buffer and a hypoallergenic source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium. |
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NUX VOMICA 6CNux Vomica is a homeopathic hangover remedy. This product is useful for heartburn, nausea, headache or drowsiness due to excessive eating or drinking. We recommend dissolving 5 pellets under your tongue every hour or so until symptoms subside. |
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WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK
This guide was written by Dr. Morrison and the health and nutrition experts at The Morrison Center. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health through the treatment and prevention of disease.
THE TEAM
Dr. Jeffrey Morrison is an award-winning medical doctor, a leader in the field of Integrative Medicine, and champion of a nutritional approach to healthcare
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Robin is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine and holistic healing modalities. She helps her clients address complicated conditions and return to wellness.
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STEPHANIE MANDEL, NC, HEALTH COACH Stephanie is a Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner with a passion for helping her clients fulfill their potential through both emotional and physical optimization.
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