After the age of about 25, hangovers have a habit of getting worse. For many, this means that planning a night out means factoring in at least a few hours of downtime, TLC and pain killers.
Anyone who’s struggled with a hangover knows only too well that it takes more than a sip of water and a couple of paracetamol to feel normal again. Once a hangover has taken hold, it takes a combination of ingredients and medicines to get you back on an even keel, and one of the most popular ways to do it is with multivitamins after drinking.
Because alcohol is a diuretic, when you drink too much you lose lots of essential vitamins and minerals which must be replaced. B vitamins are particularly important in the fight against hangovers, since they play an important role in brain function and recovery, leaving people searching for vitamin B hangover cures. While the benefits of vitamin C for mood and general health are also known.
B vitamins have long been renowned for their hangover busting properties, with advocates raving about their ability to to reduce common symptoms like headaches, nausea and dizziness. Supplements that include Vitamin B1 (thiamin) Vitamin B9 (folic acid) and B2 (riboflavin) are considered to be particularly beneficial.
Riboflavin boosts the metabolism, helping the body break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates and playing an important role in energy production. It’s also renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, making it great at ridding the body of unwanted toxins.
Thiamin plays a vital role in converting the food we eat into energy, which is why when we don’t get enough of the good stuff, we can quickly feel fatigued and lacking in nutrients. It’s also the most common vitamin deficiency seen in alcoholics, because repeated binge drinking can significantly affect Vitamin B levels.
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. When the body is running at a B9 deficit, these blood cells don’t work properly, causing symptoms like headaches and excessive tiredness - which is why fatigue is such a big part of hangovers.
Taking the right combination of B vitamins can significantly reduce the effects of drinking, but you don’t have to take them just as a cure. You can also take a proactive stance by taking a B vitamin supplement before you indulge, protecting your liver in advance before the effects of the booze take hold.
It’s important to note that horrible hangovers can be best prevented by drinking sensibly and staying properly hydrated with water. There is no such thing as multivitamin hangover prevention, though getting your vitamins right can help you bounce back quicker. Here at Potion LIfe we do not advocate binge drinking, so please always look after yourself and your friends when you’re out on the town. But should you find yourself struggling with the effects of one too many, After Party is packed with essential vitamins to help you reclaim your day.
To find out more about our full range of products and their ingredients, visit the Potion Life website today.
]]>We’ve all been there: waking up after a night out with that familiar dry mouth, seasickness and a headache from hell. The older we get, the worse the symptoms of a hangover become, until the promise of a great night out is outweighed by the pain and sickness of the following day.
When a hangover is in full force it’s enough to make us vow to never ever drink again. But the good news is that with the right combination of vitamins, minerals and superfoods this dreaded morning after the night before feeling can be well avoided.
One way to keep the bad head at bay is with the amla berry; a superfood that’s been revered throughout India for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. In fact, just one 100g serving of these delicious berries - also known as Indian gooseberries - contains nearly the same amount of vitamin C as 20 oranges.
Amla berries are round, bright yellow/green and found on flowering trees throughout India. Their flavour is famously tart and sour, so eating them raw is not for the faint hearted but they make an excellent addition to pickles and baked goods, as well as working well in juices and smoothies.
These powerful little balls of goodness have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Enthusiasts believe that amla berries can help with all sorts of health conditions, from diabetes to indigestion, skin conditions to IBS. They’re also said to help improve eyesight, level out blood sugar, boost immunity and help fight against dementia. Because of their ability to restore vitamins and flush out toxins, amla berries are believed to be a great weapon in the war against hangovers too.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which is why a night out can often mean several urgent trips to the bathroom. All this flushing out of fluid leaves the body short on essential vitamins and minerals, so a boost from something as powerful as amla berries can help restore the right balance quickly and efficiently.
Amla berries also contain lots of flavonoids; chemicals that are considered to help with cognitive function, such as improved memory and concentration. If you’ve ever experienced that muggy, fuzzy, can’t-remember-anything head you’ll understand why anything that can boost brain power is a must for the morning after a few drinks.
Of course, the best way to prevent a horrid hangover is by being sensible and not overdoing it, which is just one of the reasons why we never recommend binge drinking. But if you do find yourself sub par, you can set yourself on the road to recovery by taking After Party, our unique combination of carefully chosen vitamins, minerals and other hangover busting ingredients including - you guessed it - amla berries.
To find out more about our full range of products and their ingredients, visit the Potion Life website today. And remember - drink safely, look after yourself and have fun!
]]>Turmeric is a gorgeous golden spice renowned for its healing benefits and rich, comforting flavour. Originating from India, it’s part of the ginger family and its medicinal uses date back over four thousand years. As well as being one of the most popular and distinctive ingredients in curries, turmeric is a big deal in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used to treat a huge range of conditions such as respiratory problems, fatigue, rheumatism and chronic pain.
Turmeric’s trademark bright golden hue comes from curcuminoids, which are also used to colour food and materials. In some places, it’s also known as Indian Saffron. Here are just a few of the reasons why so many people swear by turmeric as a powerful healer.
The curcumins found in turmeric are believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and other painful conditions. This also means that many use this colourful spice as a preventative supplement to keep their bones and joints healthy.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular treatment for a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. Because of this it’s becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in soaps, skin washes and moisturisers.
Research into digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion has shown that inflammation plays a huge role in gut ill health. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for wellness enthusiasts looking for a natural way to beat acid reflux.
Many believe that turmeric is a powerful antidepressant that not only naturally promotes good moods and positivity but can also help prescription antidepressants work more efficiently.
Curcumin boosts brain power by supporting the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain. Decreased levels of this hormone have been linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so taking regular turmeric shots may be able to keep the brain healthier for longer.
Because turmeric is so readily available in supermarkets, you could be forgiven for thinking that just adding a spoonful of this golden spice to your dinner will be enough to reap all its wonderful benefits. Unfortunately, the curcumin content of turmeric is pretty low - only about 3% by weight - which makes it practically impossible to get the good stuff you need through food alone. If you really want to enjoy turmeric for its medicinal properties it needs to be taken as a supplement, such as a carefully measured turmeric shot.
In most cases turmeric seems to be well tolerated, with few allergic reactions or side effects. Those who do report side effects mention nausea, bloating and gas - although this is usually when the supplement is taken in very high doses.
As with any herbal supplement, it is advised that you speak to your doctor before taking turmeric, to be sure that it will not interact with any other health conditions or medicines you’re taking. Please note: we do not recommend taking turmeric as an alternative to any other prescribed medicines and do not claim to be medical experts.
Check out our recovery shot using turmeric here.]]>Milk thistle is one of the most popular natural hangover recovery solutions. A natural detoxifier, known for its liver protecting properties, it’s been used by herbalists since the times of the Ancient Greeks and the leaves can be used in salads and teas. The plant is spiky and beautiful, with distinctive, vibrant purple flowers and white veined leaves; an effect that was once believed to have been caused by the Virgin Mary’s milk falling onto the plant.
The seeds of the milk thistle plant are rich in silymarin; a powerful compound that fights free radicals, detoxes and is believed to have anti-inflammatory powers. It’s great for the digestion too, and has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for upset stomachs. That’s why you might want to try milk thistle if you’ve got a hangover or you want to rid your body of toxins such as alcohol.
Milk thistle extract contains between 65% and 80% silymarin and is becoming increasingly popular with those who are seeking a natural remedy for liver damage. It is also often taken as a preventative measure, protecting the liver before embarking on a night of over indulgence. Other uses include improving insulin sensitivity and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, so some people believe it works in a similar way to diabetic medications. It’s also thought to help prevent osteoporosis (weak and fragile bones), and has been found in scientific tests to promote healthy mineral levels in bones.
When you drink alcohol, toxins are left behind in the body. These cause inflammation, particularly in the stomach, liver and brain. The more you over indulge, this inflammation causes scarring, which over time may lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Studies into the benefits of milk thistle/silymarin suggest that it can break down the harmful compounds found in alcohol, helping to protect the liver in the process. Because it also acts as an antioxidant, it is also thought to be able to neutralise the dangerous free radicals produced by the body as it metabolises alcohol.
In most cases milk thistle seems to be well tolerated, with few allergic reactions or side effects. Those who do report side effects mention nausea, bloating and gas - although this is usually when the supplement is taken in very high doses.
As with any herbal supplement, it is advised that you speak to your doctor before taking milk thistle, to be sure that it will not interact with any other health conditions or medicines you’re taking. Please note: we do not recommend taking milk thistle as an alternative to any other prescribed medicines.]]>