Having a hangover is not fun- Hangovers signal alcohol-poisoning symptoms resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency. For that reason, many hangover remedies include vitamin B12 and folate, another member of the B complex vitamins.
It’s best to avoid drinking too much alcohol, and chronic alcohol abuse is detrimental, not only for your health, but for the mental health of your loved ones. If you suffer from alcohol addiction, please seek help from a professional, or call your local Alcoholics Anonymous.
What is a hangover?
- A hangover (medical term: Veisalgia) is the aftereffect of your body’s reaction to sudden vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, in addition to intoxication, hypoglycemia, and dehydration.
- Hangovers are symptoms of alcohol poisoning that many happen after binging on alcoholic beverages. Certain factors affect your chances of suffering a hangover after drinking, such as body weight, amount of alcohol consumption, and emptiness of stomach.
- A hangover can last for several days following an alcoholic binge.
- Common symptoms of a hangover may include throbbing headache, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, increased sensitivity to bright light and loud noise, and severe thirst.
Vitamin B12– one of many essential B vitamins
Vitamin B12 is crucial for healthy brain development and functioning, in addition to stabilizing the nervous system, producing red blood cells, and reducing your risk for heart attack or stroke. Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, is part of the family of B-complex vitamins.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Thiamine
- Folic acid
- Biotin
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Pantothenic acid
B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, loss of energy, “brain fog,” short-term memory loss, increased risk of early-onset dementia, and neurological damage.
Vitamin B12- a hangover cure?
Scientists have noted a strong correlation between hangover symptoms and low B12.
- According to Dr. David Katz of the Yale Prevention Research Center, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to absorb nutrients such as vitamin B12 and vitamin B6.
- Depending on your level of intoxication, B12 deficiency could be mild- resulting in tiredness, disorientation, and dizziness- or severe, causing extreme depression, nervousness, paranoia, and neurological disorders.
- Taking extra doses of B-complex vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, before drinking alcohol and the following day, are excellent ways of avoiding vitamin B12 deficiency. Also, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening.
Read more about vitamin B12 deficiency:
Vitamin Deficiencies can drive you Crazy- Seriously! Part 1
Sources:
- Ten Tried And True Hangover Cures- Forbes.com
- Vitamin B12 vs. The Hangover
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- Top 10 Hangover Cures
- How to Prevent a Hangover with Vitamin B Complex- eHow.com
- Hangover Cures Causes and Remedies
Image credits:
(From top) Rob Wiltshire, Stuart Miles, ahmet guler, Tina Phillips