What Is A Good Vitamin To Help Hangovers?

Almost everyone who drinks alcohol has suffered from a hangover at one time or another. Typically, hangovers consist of stomach upset, shakiness, thirst, fatigue, headache, muscle ache and irritability. In general, the more you drink, the more likely you are to have a hangover, but the amount required to bring one on varies from person to person. There is no magic potion to make a hangover go away, but certain vitamins and other lifestyle remedies might help you feel better. Consult your doctor before taking vitamins or any other supplements.

Hangover Risk

MayoClinic.com lists the following risk factors for having a hangover: drinking on an empty stomach; the use of other drugs, such as nicotine, along with drinking; not sleeping long or well following alcohol consumption; having a family history of alcoholism; and drinking darker-colored alcoholic beverages. Darker-colored drinks have a higher volume of congeners, the chemicals that add color and flavor to alcohol. Bourbon, scotch, tequila, brandy, red wine and dark beers contain a high congener content.

B Vitamins

Heavy alcohol consumption decreases levels of vitamin B1, or thiamine, in the body. Alcoholics are particularly at risk of being deficient in thiamine because alcohol inhibits the body's ability to store it. Good food sources of the vitamin include brown rice, egg yolks, fish, legumes, pork and whole grains. You can also take a B-complex supplement to replenish B1 and other B-vitamin levels in the body. The Beer Masters website recommends taking one B-complex supplement with at least two full glasses of water before your drinking begins to increase your B stores before they are depleted and to help your body metabolize the alcohol. Take a second B-complex supplement when you awaken in the morning. Consult your doctor before taking a B-complex or any other supplement.

Vitamins C and E

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can counter the effects of the free-radical damage to cells brought on throughout the body by alcohol. Vitamin C can also help neutralize the effects of the alcohol byproducts such as acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde, according to the Life Extension website. Good sources of vitamin C are berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables. Vitamin E, meanwhile, consists of a family of eight antioxidants that also help with free-radical damage. Study results published in 1999 in the journal "Alcohol" concluded that consistent pretreatment with vitamin E prevented alcohol-induced vascular injury and pathology in the brain. Dietary sources of vitamin E include avocados, cold-pressed vegetable oils, legumes and nuts.

Other Hangover Help

Life Extension recommends a garlic-based supplement for hangovers. Garlic contains S-allyl-cysteine, which neutralizes acetaldehyde; vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and selenium are included in the Kyolic Garlic Formula 105 supplement for their antioxidant effects. Consult your doctor before taking garlic or any kind of supplement. Activated charcoal is used to neutralize poisons and can help lessen the symptoms of toxicity associated with alcohol. Ginger, meanwhile, is good for soothing stomach upsets. Consuming food and drinks that contain fructose, such as fruit juices and honey, will help your body burn the alcohol faster. Bouillon soup helps replace salt and potassium depleted by alcohol. Get plenty of rest and remember most hangovers are gone within 24 hours. Avoid taking acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, because of possible liver damage when combined with alcohol.

Considerations

The surest way to avoid a hangover is to stay away from alcohol. Binge drinking in particular increases your risk for a hangover and presents other potential health dangers. Consume alcohol in moderation, and never drink and drive. Discuss your drinking habits with your doctor.