Hangovers

Also known as:  Veisalgia

Hangovers are the side effects that occur during the period after excessive consumption of Alcohol (ethanol).

 More than 75% of persons who have consumed Alcohol report that they have experienced a Hangover at least once.

 15% of persons who consume Alcohol experience a Hangover at least once per month.

 Paradoxically, Hangovers are more common in light-to-moderate Alcohol drinkers than in heavy drinkers:

 Approximately 50% of Alcoholics do NOT experience Hangovers.

The underlying theory of Hangover prevention/alleviation is to augment the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms for Alcohol.

Amino Acids

 Alanine may reduce the severity of Hangovers (especially when used in combination with Methionine) (according to claims made in a patent covering this use of Alanine).  ^[2]

 Cysteine may help to prevent and minimize Hangovers (by facilitating the detoxification of Acetaldehyde, the principal underlying cause of Hangovers;  and by restoring Glutathione levels):  ^[3]

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may help to prevent or minimize Hangovers.  ^[4]

 Cystine may help to prevent Hangovers. 

 Methionine may reduce the severity of Hangovers (especially when used in combination with Alanine) (according to claims made in a patent covering this use of Methionine).  Methionine has been demonstrated to lower circulating levels of Acetaldehyde after the ingestion of Alcohol (ethanol).  ^[5]

 Taurine may reduce the incidence and severity of Hangovers (by accelerating the clearance of Acetaldehyde, the by-product of Alcohol that is believed to be responsible for the symptoms of Hangovers).  ^[6]

Antioxidants

 Antioxidants scavenge the Free Radicals that cause Hangovers.

 Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) may cure Hangovers (according to many anecdotal reports).  ^[7]

Lipids

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) may alleviate and prevent Hangovers (according to one non-peer reviewed study).  ^[8]

Minerals

 Clinoptilolite is claimed to alleviate Hangovers.  ^[9]