Party season supplements are the ultimate wellness hack. With a social-packed schedule that kicks off as early as November and runs until the new year, it is no wonder that many of us feel burnt out by the time we return to the office in January–not ideal for kickstarting resolutions with gusto.
Vogue’s Favorite Supplements to Take Before and After a Night OutThe Magnesium
Solaray Magnesium Glycinate Dietary Supplement
Much like you would for an actual running race, the party season marathon requires proper preparation to put you in good standing for maximum enjoyment and minimal recovery. With a diet dominated by champagne and canapés, it’s not particularly conducive to consuming the necessary nutrients and minerals needed to strengthen and support the body, which is why supplementation may be the savior.
From vitamin C to strengthen immunity and milk thistle to support the liver, to electrolytes to counteract the dreaded post-night out headache, and B vitamins to fight fatigue, here are the nutritionist and Vogue-approved supplements to survive the party season. It is, however, worth noting that while these dietary add-ons can help, they will not combat alcohol damage entirely.
In this article:
AccordionItemContainerButtonElectrolytes
Staying hydrated is one of the worst-kept secrets for well-being. Almost all bodily functions need water to operate effectively, let alone when you are drinking alcohol, an infamous dehydrator. A fixture in my day-to-day routine, but all the more essential during party season, electrolytes are helpful for preventing that dreaded hangover. Rhian Stephenson, leading nutritional therapist, tells us, “These can be useful before and after drinking to counter dehydration and support fluid balance, energy and mood.”
LMNT
Zero Sugar Electrolyte Drink Mix
Liquid I.V.
Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix
B vitamins
“Chronic alcohol use depletes B vitamins,” Stephenson explains, and so, “supplementing may help long-term and consistent drinkers, but direct short-term hangover relief is inconsistent.” That being said, they can be beneficial. She adds, “B vitamins are safe and may support overall liver metabolism, mood and energy, so may be supportive for many.”
Thorne
Basic B-Complex supplement
Magnesium
According to the expert, “Since alcohol increases magnesium loss, supplementation may reduce muscle cramping or sleep issues post-drinking, and it can also help support a more balanced mood.” The vitamin is commonly included in electrolytes, but look out for magnesium glycinate for the most bioavailable form.
Solaray
Magnesium Glycinate Dietary Supplement
DaVinci
Labs Tri-Mag 300 – Chelated Magnesium Supplement
Turmeric/Curcumin
A wellness multi-tasking hero, the better question is what can’t turmeric do? The ingredient has been tied to combating inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting memory and focus. “Because turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, it can naturally support the liver, but that doesn’t mean it will necessarily prevent hangovers,” says Stephenson. “Taking a holistic approach–with electrolytes, liver support, supportive nutrition, and moderation of drinking patterns is the best way to reduce the impact of more alcohol over the festive season.”
Qunol
Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin Complex
Nature Made
Turmeric Curcumin Herbal Supplement
Milk Thistle
Dating back to ancient times, milk thistle has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for detoxifying the liver, welcomed for its ability to soothe the symptoms of overindulgence, be it from alcohol or food. It encourages the healthy functioning of the key organ and improves digestion.
Thorne
Milk Thistle Phytosome capsules
Everything You Need To Know
What supplements help with energy during party season?
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According to Stephenson, “Supplements can definitely help with energy during the party season”. She favors targeted electrolytes and, in particular, a formula from her own label ARTAH–Cellular Hydration–which she praises for providing and benefiting “energy, mood, and staying mentally sharp.” She advises too that “It can also be helpful to set some nutrition boundaries to help you keep healthy foundations. Using your breakfast to pack in protein, fiber, and vegetables is a good place to start—it’s all about front-loading your day with good nutrition. Taking a fiber supplement daily can help keep energy and appetite more steady, and also ensure that you’re getting closer to the RDA if eating goes awry in the evening.”
What should I take before a night out to feel better the next day?
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“I like taking a liver support, and if I can remember electrolytes before bed,” details the expert. She spotlights ingredients like NAC, milk thistle, and turmeric.
Best Vitamins to Support My Immune System During Party Season
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Taking a holistic approach to immune system support, Stephenson first details an ingredient in which many of us in the UK are deficient. “Vitamin D3 is a must in the winter, so it should form your base”. She expands further, “From there, a good immune complex that has vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin C can be supportive, as well as mushrooms like reishi and cordyceps. It’s important to try to remain relatively balanced outside of the festivities as well. Looking after your gut will help strengthen your immunity, so focusing on fiber, lots of plant variety, and fermented foods is important.”
What supplements protect your liver before alcohol?
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Stephenson cautions, “I think it’s important to clarify that no supplement has any reliable data showing that it can fully protect against liver damage from alcohol, and nothing will help in the same way that moderating alcohol will.” She continues, “That being said, if you’re drinking moderately, taking a liver support may help reduce some of the oxidative and inflammatory effects of alcohol. Animal and cell studies have shown that taking NAC before alcohol consumption may protect against acute alcohol-induced liver injury by replenishing glutathione, which reduces oxidative stress and decreases markers of liver cell damage, but not in binge drinking.”
What supplements reduce hangovers naturally?
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“Electrolytes can help with alcohol-related dehydration and nausea, and are usually the supplement that people feel the most immediate benefit from”, says Stephenson. “NAC may help support the breakdown of acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism and naturally boost glutathione, which can potentially reduce oxidative stress and the severity of hangovers.”
What is the safest supplement for preventing nausea from drinking?
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“Electrolytes can help with nausea from dehydration, and ginger can help settle the stomach,” she tells us, while also flagging that “various supplements can help blunt the severity of your hangover within reason”. But, and it is important to note, “none will counteract alcohol toxicity and potential liver damage, especially from binge drinking.”
AccordionItemContainerButtonRhian Stephenson is a leading nutritional therapist, naturopath, ex-athlete and founder of ARTAH.