Updated on December, 2024
The holiday season is in full swing, bringing with it festive gatherings, delicious meals, and for many, a glass of wine or a holiday cocktail (or two). While enjoying holiday drinks can be fun, the dreaded hangover the next day is not.
In Part 3 of our Holiday Health Series, Dr. Morrison shares his top supplement recommendations for supporting liver health and minimizing the effects of alcohol. These tips can help you enjoy your celebrations while maintaining your healthy lifestyle.
Be sure to check out Part 1: Strategies for a Happier, Healthier Holiday for tips on enjoying holiday meals mindfully, and Part 2: Gut Health Tips for the Holidays for guidance on maintaining digestive health during the season.
Key Supplements to Support Liver Health
Here are Dr. Morrison’s top supplements for liver health and how they can help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle throughout the season and into the new year:1. Buffered Vitamin C
- How to Use: Take 2 capsules with food about 1 hour before drinking alcohol.
- Benefits: Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that neutralizes harmful alcohol metabolites and reduces oxidative damage. It supports liver function and helps reduce the inflammatory response to alcohol, protecting against hangovers.
- Additional Tip: You may already have Vitamin C on hand as part of your immune support routine. Adjust the timing to coincide with your holiday gatherings for extra liver protection.
2. Enzalase
- How to Use: Take 2 capsules on an empty stomach before drinking alcohol.
- Benefits: Contains 12 plant-based enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, fibers, and proteins. This helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively and can reduce bloating and gas after meals. Enzalase also works as a proteolytic enzyme when taken between meals, helping reduce inflammation linked to alcohol consumption.
- Why It Works: Supporting digestion with enzymes helps your body process heavy holiday foods and alcohol more efficiently.
3. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
- How to Use: Take 2 capsules before drinking and 2 capsules when you return home.
- Benefits: NAC is an amino acid that promotes the production of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. This supports liver detoxification and helps neutralize alcohol-related toxins. Studies have shown that NAC can protect against alcohol-induced liver damage and reduce hangover-related nausea and weakness, particularly in women.
- Pro Tip: Keep NAC on hand during the holiday season to support your liver when attending social events with alcohol.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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