Hangover remedies

Are there any remedies I can take to prevent a hangover or to help alleviate the symptoms if I overindulge?

Interestingly, it’s not the alcohol itself that causes hangovers, but a by-product of the alcohol, called acetaldehyde. The key to reducing hangovers is to lower the levels of acetaldehyde circulating in the bloodstream.

Although it’s impossible to reduce acetaldehyde formation, you can flush it out the body once it is formed. There are four natural substances to help you do so: curcumin (extracted from turmeric); N-acetylcysteine (an amino acid); pantethine (a metabolite of vitamin B5); and ribose (a natural sugar derivative). Take one capsule of each (and a teaspoon of ribose, dissolved in water) before you start drinking. Repeat this process once you’ve finished drinking, and again the next morning.

These nutrients are so successful that sometimes there’s no hint of hangover, but it is important to note: these supplements do not reduce alcohol itself and therefore will not make you less drunk.