Friday, November 2, 2012

The Science of Handling Hangovers Healthfully



In the course of social drinking, many of us accidentally overstep our limits at some point, to arrive at a pretty unpleasant morning after. The painful feeling of a hangover, however, is an indicator of something that actually happens every time alcohol is consumed, in excess or not. For those who have ever been curious about what exactly is behind hangovers and how they might be alleviated, here is an explanation of them, along with some suggestions for a solution.

The consumption of alcohol carries with it a negative impact on many organs, including the brain (which contributes to the foggy feeling that comes with a hangover) and the liver. Consuming excess alcohol, however, will also damage virtually all the other systems of the body. Alcohol’s dehydrating effect sometimes takes the blame for this—alcohol can trick the body into expelling up to four times the normal amount of fluids, eliminating vitamins and electrolytes in the process.

There is more to the story, however. As alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it transforms to acetaldehyde—a toxic substance of the same family as formaldehyde. While the liver can normally break down smaller quantities of this substance, more than one alcoholic drink per hour is likely to exceed the livers natural capacity. Additional support for the liver can be provided by milk thistle, a naturally occurring botanical extract which can enhance the body’s ability to purge toxins. It has become popular for this very reason in many detoxing-based wellness programs.

Also produced in mass quantities during alcohol metabolism are the dangerous, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Perhaps as much as the alcohol itself, these metabolic byproducts can contribute to hangovers through increased inflammation—something like sunburn, but occurring on the inside. Free radical damage, however, can be countered with antioxidants—among these are the vitamins A, C and E. Some botanicals display these properties as well; perhaps the best known among these is green tea.

On that morning after, therefore, the best way to begin a comeback is with rehydration, replenishment of vitamins (especially those with antioxidant potential) and possibly some green tea, which not only offers antioxidant protection but will deliver a mild dose of caffeine—all the better to get moving with. While the caffeine should help to clear mental fogginess as well, those seeking additional support would also benefit from ginkgo biloba, an extract shown to promote focus and attention with additional blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Although we don’t always see these nights coming, it’s worth mentioning that hangovers can be avoided much easier if these same measures are taken ahead of time, as well as after the fact. Having your nights out surrounded with higher levels of antioxidants in the system and a liver that is primed and ready will likely mean less depletion during drinking, and less suffering afterward. In other words, for best results, plan around your party—your body will definitely thank you for it!


The supplement Oxygen Extreme from nutraMetrix includes the ingredients described in the above article for Healthy Handling of Hangovers

Key Ingredients Found in nutraMetrix® Timeless Prescription™ Oxygen Extreme:

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) 5000 IU
Vitamin A is an anti-aging micronutrient of the highest order, standing firmly alongside vitamins C, E and the mineral selenium in its ability to help maintain health. Studies conducted over several years indicate that beta-carotene may play a significant role in helping to maintain overall health. Beta-carotene acts as a precursor of vitamin A and is, therefore, called a pro-vitamin A compound. Foods or supplements containing beta-carotene are converted to vitamin A for the maintenance of healthy skin, good vision and a robust immune system.


Vitamin C 200 mg
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps to maintain healthy collagen in the skin, promotes normal healing, promotes healthy teeth and bones, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C is one of the more powerful and well-known antioxidants. Just as exposing a cut from an apple to air causes it to quickly turn brown, cells of the body can also suffer when exposed to oxygen, a process known as oxidation. Oxidation causes aging of the skin, as well as all other organs and tissues of the body. Vitamin C, as a free-radical fighter, helps the body maintain its youthful qualities for longer periods of time.


Vitamin E 30 IU
Vitamin E supports the respiratory system. It also promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin E protects the body from oxidation, a normal aging process by which oxygen breaks down the body’s tissues. It works to neutralize free radicals, which are naturally occurring unstable molecules that can damage the body’s healthy molecules by taking electrons to balance themselves. When enough vitamin E is present in the body, unstable free radicals get their electrons from the vitamin E molecules and leave the healthy molecules alone, thus promoting the health of tissues.


Selenium 200 mcg
Selenium is one of the most important micronutrients to include in a longevity-minded health regimen and is frequently cited by anti-aging specialists as an antioxidant that should be included on an anti-aging checklist. Selenium and vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant, are synergists, meaning they each improve the efficiency of the other. Moreover, selenium promotes the body’s production of glutathione peroxidase, the body's master antioxidant. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that works closely with vitamin E to provide the body with powerful antioxidant protection from free radicals. Selenium protects the body from free radicals in two ways: It is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes, and it supports the body’s manufacture of its own natural antioxidant, glutathione.


Bilberry 25 mg
Bilberry’s chief action as an antioxidant is its powerful synergy with vitamin E. On the most basic level, it supports the normal resistance of blood capillaries and promotes their impermeable nature. Bilberry anthocyanosides also supports the operation of crucial enzymes in the enzymes in the retinal cellular metabolism and function. It also supports a healthy heart. Bilberry promotes normal platelet activity.


Green Tea Extract 300 mg
Green tea extract is a health-promoting antioxidant. It is rich in polyphenols that have been shown to promote health.


Ginkgo Biloba 50 mg
Ginkgo biloba helps to support memory, brain function, mood, cerebral and peripheral circulation, and oxygenation and blood flow.


Milk Thistle 50 mg
Milk thistle is used to promote liver health. Contains some of the most potent liver-supporting substances known. Protects against free radicals by acting as an antioxidant, protecting the liver. Supports the normal production of new liver cells.


Find Oxygen Extreme here http://bit.ly/QZVe0y


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