Waking up with a hangover after a night of heavy drinking sucks, especially when you have work or just want to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Even without the pounding headache and fatigue, the resulting anxiety can make it difficult to focus on anything other than the desire to crawl back into bed.
However, there are supplements available in the market today that claim to alleviate hangover symptoms and anxiety.
But what works?
From B vitamins to hemp extracts sold online, the hanganxiety supplement promises alleviating the condition. In this post, we'll discuss these supplements in detail to help you make the best decision.
Article Highlights:
- Hangxiety supplements aim to reduce hangover symptoms and drinking-related anxiety
- Identify certain ingredients like NAC, milk thistle, magnesium, B vitamins, CBD, CBDA, and other cannabinoids that may help depending on when you take them
- Potential benefits include combating anxiety and depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing nausea and vomiting, and increasing neuroprotection
Understanding Hangover Anxiety
Plagued by hangover anxiety? You're not alone. This insidious issue impacts many who just want to enjoy a few good drinks. The culprit? A cocktail of physiological effects, including fatigue, toxicity, and brain chemistry alterations.
But fear not - evidence points to certain vitamins and extracts that may alleviate these hangover woes.
When alcohol enters your system, your body works to break it down into multiple metabolites, like acetaldehyde and acetate, which can wreak havoc on your blood and brain. Should your liver struggle to effectively process the alcohol, toxins build up, unleashing a slew of symptoms - anxiety and headaches being chief among them.
So the next time you find yourself grappling with hangover anxiety, take comfort in knowing there are remedies available. And perhaps, armed with this knowledge, you'll be better prepared to tackle the aftermath of your next spirited soirée.
What are Hangxiety Supplements?
Hangxiety supplements are specially formulated dietary supplements designed to alleviate the symptoms of hangover-induced anxiety. These supplements can contain a variety of active ingredients, including essential vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts.
Below, we explore some of the common ingredients found in hangxiety supplements and their potential benefits:
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that is converted to glutathione in most cells, which may help prevent some of the nasty effects from alcohol. Additionally, NAC supports liver function by soaking up toxins and mitigating oxidative stress.
Important Note about NAC: You have to take it before drinking, at least 2 hours before. Why? Alcohol uses up all the antioxidant capicity in your cells, and when that gets depleted you get problems.
NAC is preventative. However, you can replenish your antioxidant capacity with NAC after the fact, just dont expect to feel it that day.
Milk Thistle
Rich in silymarin, milk thistle has long been utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties and liver-protective effects. This plant extract may help minimize the adverse consequences of alcohol consumption on the liver.
This is also a preventative supplement.
Magnesium
As a vital mineral, magnesium plays a pivotal role in regulating the nervous system and reducing stress. Magnesium may also enhance sleep quality, which is often disrupted by alcohol intake.
Magnesium deficiency has been associated with chronic alcohol use.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and can help alleviate anxiety. Vitamin B also provides an energy boost to counteract the fatigue commonly experienced after a night of heavy drinking.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound processed from cannabis plants that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including anxiety relief. Many countries have legalized hemp-derived CBD products, which are non-intoxicating.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the raw precursor to CBD and is the naturally occurring compound found in hemp flower. Though not as widely recognized as CBD, CBDA is increasingly being incorporated into hangxiety supplements due to its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties.
CBDA has over 450-1000% better absorption than CBD, making it one of the most potent cannabinoids on the market.
Other Cannabinoid Compounds
Recent studies suggest that other cannabis-derived compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG), may hold therapeutic potential for hangover anxiety. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved these compounds for use in dietary supplements.It's crucial to be aware that high doses of certain active ingredients may impair the body's ability to process toxins, potentially increasing liver damage risk. As such, always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating hangxiety supplements into your routine if you have a history of liver complications.
Benefits of CBD and CBDA as a Hangxiety Supplement
The cannabis plant is a treasure trove of potential treatments for various medical conditions, including hangover anxiety or "hangxiety." Among its many compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) have garnered attention for their potential health benefits.
Many people are now turning to CBD and CBDA to help alleviate hangxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being.
Alleviate Inflammation and Pain
CBDA has now been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the COX 2 enzyme. This inhibition curtails the production of prostaglandins, which trigger inflammation in the body.
Consequently, pain and swelling may decrease, providing relief for individuals with chronic pain or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neuropathic pain.
Ease Nausea and Vomiting
CBD and CBDA both possess anti nausea effects that can soothe feelings of upset stomach and vomiting. This property is especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety-induced nausea, as well as individuals undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing motion sickness. CBDA for nausea has become a popular trend due to its enhanced absorption and unique serotonin properties.
Boost Neuroprotection
Studies have shown that both CBD and CBDA offer neuroprotective benefits, helping with oxidative stress that can affect brain health. CBD effects are particularly valuable for individuals with epilepsy and is now widely used for those patients.
Combat Anxiety and Depression
Derived from CBDA, CBD may enhance sleep quality and mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. These benefits are especially relevant for individuals grappling with hangxiety and those who suffer from chronic anxiety and depression.
Other Ways to Alleviate Hangover Anxiety
If you're looking to reduce your anxiety levels and ease your hangover, consider implementing these lifestyle changes:
Prioritize Sleep
Prioritizing sleep is crucial in alleviating hangover anxiety. When you consume alcohol, your body processes it at an accelerated rate, making rest essential to allow your body to metabolize the alcohol effectively.
Do you fall asleep better with a couple drinks in you?
Unfortunately, alcohol is horrible for sleep, which is why people always wake up feeling tired and fatigued.
Getting high quality sleep will leave you feeling more rested and refreshed in the morning, reducing anxiety related to returning to work, school, or playing with the kids.
Consume a Nutritious Breakfast
Waking up after a night of drinking often leads to feelings of disorientation, nausea, and anxiety. Enjoying a nutritious breakfast can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall alertness. Opt for wholesome foods such as eggs, whole grain toast, and fresh fruit.
Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids, such as orange juice to replenish your body's Vitamin C levels or water with electrolytes, which can be depleted by alcohol consumption.
Hydrate with Coconut Water or Hovenia Dulcis
Dehydration is a primary cause of hangover symptoms, including anxiety. While it's essential to drink plenty of water, you can also consider hydrating with coconut water or Hovenia Dulcis (Japanese raisin tree) extract. These beverages are rich in electrolytes, which can help replenish your body's fluids and alleviate hangover symptoms.
By incorporating these simple adjustments into your routine, you can effectively reduce hangover-related anxiety and feel better equipped to tackle the day ahead.
Conclusion
Experiencing anxiety during a hangover can be incredibly unpleasant, but there are supplements on the market designed to ease both hangover symptoms and related anxiety. Referred to as "hangxiety" supplements, these products contain a variety of active ingredients.Ranging from NAC to CBD and CBDA, these supplements hold potential in reducing the impact of a hangover.
By familiarizing yourself with these alternatives, you can be better equipped to handle the consequences of your next night of indulgence.