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The party season is in full swing, but nothing spoils that festive spirit like a long-lasting and painful hangover.
However, a US pharmacist has shared the “cure” for hangovers that she swears is “100 percent effective” – and those who’ve tested it agree.
Ari, a licensed physician in LA, revealed that she takes a B-complex vitamin, magnesium and a folic acid supplement alongside an electrolyte drink, and claimed it’s “single-handedly the most effective way” to combat those terrible morning symptoms .
Describing the concoction as an “oral version of an IV fluid bag,” Ari said it helps relieve symptoms of dehydration and replenish electrolytes.
Her tip has since gone viral on TikTok, with many sharing follow-up videos chronicling her success. So does it really work? According to Australian experts, there’s a scientific reason why it’s so effective.
Does This Viral Hangover Cure Work?
Social media users have raved about Ari’s tip, with one Australian user saying people dying a slow death from hangovers should take notes.
After purchasing all the items needed, TikTok user @brokebutmakeitboujee said: “It works, it really works.
“All of this is super cheap — the most expensive is probably the Hydralyte — but guess what, it’s worth not dying at Christmas parties,” she said.
Clinical nutritionist Sally O’Neil, who recently launched health coaching platform @status.8020, told news.com.au she hasn’t actually tried the “hack” but explains why it “makes sense”.
“Theoretically and anecdotally, it would make sense that it could help relieve a hangover, yes,” she said.
“Depending on the dose and purity of the supplements taken (which are not mentioned in the viral ‘cure’) it may only slightly reduce the effect on some while it can be very effective on others.”
However, she warned that the doses given in IV bags in hospitals “are often much higher than those recommended on the back of over-the-counter vitamin labels,” which could also impact results.
Why is it effective?
“In current studies, hangover medications that show beneficial effects are those that inhibit accelerated alcohol metabolism,” Sally said.
“B vitamins are essential enzymes used in the conversion of carbohydrates and alcohol into energy. Therefore, getting more B vitamins can help your body metabolize (break down) alcohol efficiently.
“The electrolytes in the ‘cycle’ (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) may improve symptoms when deficient, but there does not appear to be evidence that a single alcohol consumption will cause electrolyte depletion or imbalance, provided it is no vomiting or diarrhea occurred.
“In this case, electrolytes can help.”
How to follow the hangover cure
While there is scientific research to back Ari’s “cure for hangovers,” Sally pointed out that she hasn’t recommended anyone the best way to use it.
“There is no clinical evidence showing a significant difference between taking B vitamins for hangovers in the morning or in the evening. In other words, you can take it whenever you find convenient,” she said.
“Avoid caffeine for at least an hour after taking supplements, as it can inhibit efficient absorption of the vitamin.”
Sally also warned anyone planning to try this summertime to be mindful of the quality of the product they are buying.
“Not all ‘vitamin B complexes’ contain the same B vitamins or ratios,” she said.
“B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), folic acid, B6 and B12 all play important roles in brain and nervous system function and could arguably be beneficial in this case.”
However, electrolytes can be taken after a loss, that is, after drinking.
“Remember — the only reliable cure for a hangover is to cut down on alcohol in the first place,” she said.
Put to the test
Of course, news.com.au couldn’t tell you about a hangover cure without trying it out myself, and I was happy to be the guinea pig.
I decided to take my vitamin B complex and folic acid the morning of an event, then took an electrolyte drink and the magnesium supplement when I got home after the party.
The next morning I was pleasantly surprised because I slept through the night, which never happens after a few drinks. I also had no other annoying symptoms like headaches or junk food cravings, which was easy on my bank balance and waistline.
What is a hangover?
Hangovers “happen” because of alcohol and its effects on the brain,” Sally said.
“Although we don’t really know the exact mechanism of action, we do have some ideas.
“Ethanol, recognized by the body as a toxin, triggers an inflammatory response that damages and dysregulates neurons in the brain.
“Headaches and other lovely hangover symptoms are likely caused (in part) by the damage from this inflammation and oxidative stress to the brain and other tissues.
“This can lead to impaired energy metabolism.”
Sally – who also runs the Instagram page @TheFitFoodieBlog – explained that another chemical found in some spirits can also “worse” hangovers.
Sally – who also runs the Instagram page @TheFitFoodieBlog – explained that another chemical found in some spirits can also “worse” hangovers.
“Congeners are a chemical found in some alcohols that could be another contributing factor,” she said.
“They’re found in darker spirits like whiskey, rum and brandy, as well as red wine. “Studies seem to show that congeners make hangovers worse compared to other drinks with the same alcohol content.
