Hangover Helpers: The Ultimate Supplements for Faster Recovery

We’ve all experienced the dreaded morning after a night of heavy drinking. The overwhelming regret, anxiety and, of course, the pounding headache that seems to make it all worse. While it’s impossible to turn back time and undo our actions, there is something you can do to ease the anxiety and help your body bounce back. The secret is supplements. 

We’re here to walk you through the ones to take before heading out for the night, as well as the must-haves on your bedside table for when you finally stumble back to bed. That’s providing you manage to make it home in the first place!

But, before we delve into that, if you’re interested in creating a bespoke supplement designed to alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, please send us an enquiry.

Electrolytes 

When you’re hungover, your body is dehydrated and low on essential electrolytes including:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Dehydration, and, therefore, low electrolyte levels, occur as a result of alcohol being a diuretic. More simply put, this means it causes you to urinate a lot. The consequential imbalance of electrolytes contributes to the major symptoms of a hangover that we all know and love. This is because electrolytes are responsible for maintaining:

• Fluid balance
• Nerve function
• Muscle health 

Taking electrolyte supplements the morning after a big night out will help replenish any lost minerals, restoring your body’s hydration and supporting proper nerve and muscle function. 

This should help reduce hangover symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches and dizziness. Electrolytes will also help with rehydration more effectively than water alone, as they promote better absorption of fluids.

Fortunately, electrolyte boosts can be delivered in quick and convenient ways, such as through drinks and gels. So, it’s possible to, somewhat, cure your hangover nice and quickly!

Vitamin B Complex 

Taking a vitamin B complex when you’re hungover can help replenish the nutrients your body loses during long drinking sessions, aiding the recovery process. 

B vitamins play a crucial role in:

• Energy production
• Brain function
• Overall well-being

When we’re hungover we often feel fatigued, irritable and lack mental clarity, which is our body basically telling us that we have a B vitamin deficiency. 

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) will help break down alcohol byproducts, while B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin) can support your metabolism and cognitive function, helping you feel more clear-headed and less sluggish. 

Replenishing your body’s store of these vitamins will, therefore, improve its ability to repair itself and restore balance, making them absolutely essential for recovering from the result of your own actions. 

Vitamin C

Taking vitamin C when hungover can help your body recover faster by supporting natural detoxification processes. 

Alcohol consumption generates free radicals in the body, leading to oxidative stress, which contributes to almost every unpleasant hangover symptom. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralises these free radicals, reducing the damage they cause. 

So, getting some vitamin C onboard rather than laying in bed feeling sorry for yourself, can help prevent alcohol from having as damaging an effect as it usually does.

L-Theanine 

L-Theanine is a secret weapon for tackling the dreaded post-night-out anxiety. After a heavy night of drinking, when your nerves are frayed and anxious thoughts won’t stop racing through your head, L-Theanine can help put you at ease. 

A natural amino acid, included in UK supplements as green tea, L-Theanine is perfect for calming your mind. It does so by boosting neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and ease stress. At the same time, L-Theanine promotes alpha brain waves, which are linked to relaxation and mental clarity. 

You can think of it as a sort of reset button for your overactive, hangover-fuelled mind. So, while it won’t erase those embarrassing texts you sent, it can help you face the day after in a calmer manner.

Ginger

Taking ginger supplements can be a lifesaver when dealing with the absolute worst part of a hangover – when last night’s drinks and late-night kebab come hurtling back up.

Renowned for its powerful anti-nausea effects, ginger is a go-to remedy for soothing an unsettled stomach. Its effectiveness lies in gingerol, a compound that supports healthy gastrointestinal motility or, in layman’s terms, the movement of food through the digestive tract. By helping food pass through the stomach more efficiently, ginger can reduce discomfort and even stave off the risk of vomiting.

Beyond that ginger may reduce inflammation caused by alcohol’s impact on your system, helping to ease headaches and general discomfort. 

Taking a ginger supplement can consequently provide quick relief in an abundance of ways, and help you start feeling more like yourself again.

Turmeric 

Turmeric supplements are vital when nursing a hangover. Packed with curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, turmeric helps combat the toxic effects of alcohol on your body. 

When you drink, your liver works overtime to break down alcohol, producing harmful byproducts like acetaldehyde, which contribute to headaches, fatigue and nausea. Curcumin supports liver detoxification, reducing the strain on it while simultaneously neutralising toxins. 

However, turmeric is far from the only option for those looking to support their liver…

Glutathione 

Similarly to turmeric, glutathione is a miracle work in helping your body detoxify after a night out. Often called the “master antioxidant,” glutathione also directly aids your liver in breaking down alcohol’s toxic byproducts.

A heavy drinking session can drain your glutathione reserves, leaving your body struggling to keep up with detoxification demands. Supplementing with glutathione, of course, replenishes these levels, helping to protect your cells from oxidative stress, speeding up the recovery process. 

Turmeric and glutathione make a powerhouse antioxidant duo, helping you bounce back faster after a big night on the town!

Artichoke

Artichoke supplements can be a helpful ally when you’re dealing with a hangover due to their ability to support liver function and promote digestion. 

While you probably know them simply as some strange vegetable, artichokes are actually known for their high levels of cynarin, a compound that stimulates bile production, aiding in the breakdown of fats. After a night of drinking, this can help your liver process alcohol more efficiently, reducing the overall strain on your body. 

You could always go for the actual vegetable, but when you’re hungover, you’re probably craving a greasy fry-up more than a vegetable. So, get yourself an artichoke supplement and get the recovery process going!