The Tamesis
Party season supplements are the ultimate health secret. With social calendars starting as early as November and continuing into the New Year, it’s no wonder many of us feel exhausted when we return to the office in January, which isn’t ideal for launching resolutions with enthusiasm.
Vogue’s favorite supplements to take before or after a night out
Solaray Magnesium Glycinate Dietary Supplement
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Just like you would for a real running race, a party season marathon requires proper preparation to keep you in good shape for maximum enjoyment and minimal recovery. A diet dominated by champagne and appetizers isn’t particularly conducive to consuming the essential nutrients and minerals your body needs to strengthen and support you, which is why supplements can be a savior.
From immune-boosting vitamin C and liver-supporting milk thistle, to electrolytes to ease those dreaded headaches after a night out and fatigue-fighting B vitamins, here’s what nutritionists and Fashion-Approved supplements to survive party season. However, it’s important to note that while these dietary supplements can help, they don’t completely combat the damage caused by alcohol.
In this article:
electrolyte
Staying hydrated is one of the least known health secrets. Almost all body functions require water to function effectively, not to mention that when you drink alcohol, alcohol is a notorious dehydrator. Electrolytes are a part of my daily routine, but even more important during party season to help prevent the dreaded hangover. Lead Nutritional Therapist Rhian Stephenson tells us, “These are great before and after drinking to combat dehydration and support fluid balance, energy and mood.”
B vitamins
“Chronic alcohol consumption depletes B vitamins,” explains Stephenson, so “vitamin supplements may be helpful for long-term persistent drinkers, but direct hangover relief in the short term is inconsistent.” That said, they can be beneficial. She adds, “B vitamins are safe and may support overall liver metabolism, mood, and energy, so may be helpful to many people.”
magnesium
Experts say, “Since alcohol increases magnesium loss, taking magnesium supplements may reduce muscle cramps or sleep problems after drinking, and may also help maintain a more balanced mood.” This vitamin is often included in electrolytes, but look out for magnesium glycinate for the most bioavailable form.
Turmeric/Curcumin
As a health multi-tasking hero, a better question is what can’t turmeric do? This ingredient has been linked to fighting inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting memory and concentration. “Because turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may naturally support the liver, but that doesn’t mean it will necessarily prevent hangovers,” says Stephenson. “Taking a holistic approach – electrolyte replenishment, liver support, supportive nutrition and a moderate drinking pattern – is the best way to reduce the effects of excessive alcohol consumption during the holidays.”
Milk thistle
Milk thistle has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for liver detoxification since ancient times, and is popular for its ability to relieve symptoms of overindulgence, whether alcohol or food. It promotes healthy functioning of key organs and improves digestion.
Everything you need to know
What supplements can help fuel your energy during party season?
“Supplements can definitely help with energy during party season,” says Stephenson. She loves targeted electrolytes, especially formulas from her own brand ARTAH (Cellular Hydration), which she praises for providing and benefiting “energy, mood, and keeping your mind sharp.” She also advises, “Setting some nutritional boundaries can also help you maintain a healthy foundation. Including protein, fiber, and vegetables with breakfast is a great place to start—it’s all about giving you good nutrition for the day ahead. Taking a fiber supplement every day can help keep energy and appetite more consistent, and can also ensure you’re closer to your daily recommended intake if you’re eating out of whack in the evening.”
What should I eat before a night out to feel better the next day?
“I like to take liver supports if I can remember my electrolytes before bed,” the expert details. She focuses on ingredients like NAC, milk thistle, and turmeric.
Best vitamins to support my immune system during party season
Stephenson takes a holistic approach to supporting the immune system, starting by detailing an ingredient many of us in the UK are deficient in. “Vitamin D3 is a necessity in the winter, so it should be your foundation.” She expands, “From here, a good immune complex containing vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps, can provide support. It’s also important to stay relatively balanced outside of the holidays. Looking after your gut will help boost your immunity, so it’s important to focus on fibre, plenty of plant varieties and fermented foods.”
What supplements can protect your liver before drinking alcohol?
“I think it’s important to clarify this,” Stephenson warns. “No supplement has any solid data showing that it can completely prevent the damage that alcohol causes to the liver, and nothing is as helpful as moderate drinking.” She continued, “That being said, if you drink in moderation, taking a liver support supplement may help reduce some of the oxidative and inflammatory effects of alcohol. Animal and cell studies show that taking NAC before drinking alcohol Acute alcoholic liver injury can be prevented by glutathione supplementation, which reduces oxidative stress and markers of liver cell damage, but not during heavy drinking.”
What supplements can reduce hangovers naturally?
“Electrolytes can help relieve dehydration and nausea associated with alcohol and are often the supplements people feel the most immediate benefit from,” Stephenson says. “NAC may help promote the breakdown of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, and naturally promote glutathione production, potentially reducing oxidative stress and hangover severity.”
What are the safest supplements to prevent nausea caused by drinking alcohol?
“Electrolytes can help relieve nausea from dehydration, and ginger can help with an upset stomach,” she tells us, noting that “a variety of supplements can help reduce the severity of a hangover within reason.” However, it’s important to note that “no drug can counteract alcohol toxicity and potential liver damage, especially from binge drinking.”
- Rhian Stephenson is a leading nutritional therapist, naturopath, former athlete and founder of ARTAH.
