Need A Neuroprotective “Hangover-Helper”?

Posted on 06. Jul, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D. in Nutritional Neuroscience

me drunk & chris'_MMVI
Creative Commons License photo credit: andronicusmax

Internet hype and global democracy ideologies aside, the elusive hangover cure does not exist–and mostly likely, never will.

There are simply too many variables involved for a one-size fits all approach. Everything from the amount and rate of alcohol consumption, the presence of congeners (impurities produced during the fermentation process) and genetic makeup determine the level of “intolerance” to alcohol. According to one study, up to 30% of people are resistant to hangover, regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.

For the rest of us hangover sufferers, here are five harmless and relatively well studied remedies worth trying.

    Water: taken in abundance before, during and after, can relieve even the most devastating hangover headache.

    N-acetyl-cysteine: precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and able to reverse Tylenol®-induced liver damage with a single dose. NAC is probably the single most important hepatic antioxidant available.

    Magnesium: 500 mg/day can help reverse potential liver toxicity associated with excess alcohol consumption. It may also improve cerebral blood flow by reversing the constriction of blood vessels.

    B6: works but no one knows why. In one study, more than 1000 mg were given. A one time 100 mg dose is a much more reasonable.

    B12: again it’s not known why, but it certainly can’t hurt!

Now that you know what to do, stock up now and be kind to your brain!!!

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7 Responses to “Need A Neuroprotective “Hangover-Helper”?”

  1. ClinicallyClueless

    08. Jul, 2008

    This was facinating. Made me think a lot about what others say about their tolerance and hangovers. Personally, I’ve never been intoxicated. I’ve never liked the feeling of feeling out of control which I start to feel at the beginning. Also, I am unable to drink wine or champange because I faint and it doesn’t matter how much. My doctor thinks that it has something to do with the way grapes are processed.

    ClinicallyClueless’s last blog post..Over doing it…again!!!

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  2. Kerry Friesen, M.D.

    08. Jul, 2008

    Hey again! People metabolize alcohol differently. I’m guessing it has to do with the type of alcohol and the impurities present.
    Everything in moderation!

    Reply to this comment

  3. KR

    06. Sep, 2008

    Dr.Friesen -in researching what appears to be the zero-sum game impact of a cortisol flooded state, limiting the higher level thinking of the neo cortex area: do you have any neuro chemical advice to manage this in daily life? w/out the disciple of non-judgement,breathe,gratitude,when ‘triggered’, are we 100% subject to the primal reactions of flight or fight ?(in variousforms of urban make over)
    It appears that Cortisol has greater chemical control over us than the strongest mental rigger can control–true? So how do soldiers or those in high danger stay in ‘alert’ state and still function with incredible resilience and clarity if the amygdalla must sense danger but the neo cortex must fire on all pistons to manage, guide, direct and save life and that of others? Confused with the chemicals…and not wanting to over simplify the impact of a hijacked state. thanks for your soonest comments..

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  4. D Terrasidius

    27. Sep, 2008

    Hey :) Thanks for using my picture, I never thought that particular one would be of any use to anyone xD Good article aswell! Despite what the picture might say I only like to get drunk if it is like a social occasion of some kind I dont really buy wine for myself or anything. Yes very interesting article! :) Thanks again

    D Terrasidius’s last blog post..Self portrait XLI_MMVIII

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  5. mercola

    30. Sep, 2008

    If i have a hangover the next day what i do is take a bath and drink lots of water. thanks for sharing the other four remedies.

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  6. Kerry Friesen, M.D.

    01. Nov, 2008

    D Terrasidius! Thank you for composing just exactly what I was looking for….you are absolved of any guilt associated with that particular social occasion (not that I have any real power to do so).

    Your photostream is just generally fascinating for it’s starkness.
    I laud your ability to capture what words cannot say. I will be back for more neural-visual insight!

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  7. dino delellis

    05. Dec, 2008

    Me and several of my friends when hit with a nasty hangover after a night of drunken partying drink a lot of water and thankfully it has never failed to make us failed better.

    Then we start swearing that we’ll never drink too much so that we’ll never experience such a nasty hangover again , but after a week or two we forgot that oath and end up drunk and with a nasty hangover the day after.^^

    dino delellis’s last blog post..I’ll See You In Health! Stephen Colbert Rebuts Ridiculous Crestor Claim

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