Why Do We Get Hungover?

It’s 6pm and you’re finally done with work.

Now it’s time to crack open a cold beer, pour up a glass of wine, or make a nice cocktail.

You’ve earned it.

Fast forward to the morning and you feel like death. Your head is aching and you’re nauseous.

For this reason and others (including the fact alcohol is not good for you) I don’t drink.

But I understand many of you do. And instead of being constantly being told not to drink, you’d like to understand how to mitigate the damage it does to your body.

Today’s newsletter will cover exactly that.

First, let’s discuss…

What causes a hangover?

1) Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more. This causes severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It leaves you extremely thirsty, weak, and disoriented the morning after drinking.

2) Toxic Byproducts

When your body processes alcohol, it gets converted into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound associated with cancer, DNA injury, and organ damage. Acetaldehyde accumulation leads to facial flushing, fatigue, and major brain fog.

3) Inflammation

Alcohol causes body wide inflammation, occurring in your brain, liver, gut, and more. It interferes with immune system function and your body’s natural defenses. This’ll leave you more susceptible to catching a cold after a night out.

4) Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency

Alcohol depletes vitamins and minerals—especially B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12), vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. These are vital for a healthy immune system, optimal energy production, and overall health.

5) Harmful Additives

Beer, dark liquor, and sugary cocktails contain unhealthy additives and additional toxic compounds. This includes added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, gluten, dyes, congeners, and more. Ever wonder why you feel worse after drinking these? Well this is why.

Now, let’s talk about…

How To Mitigate Alcohol Damage

Here are the basics of mitigating alcohol damage and having less severe hangovers.

#1 Supplementing with DHM

Dihydromyricetin—an active compound in the Japanese Raisin Tree—speeds up your body’s processing of acetaldehyde and supports liver health. But make sure to take DHM after drinking. Having it before will actually blunt the effects of alcohol.

#2 Taking B Vitamins and Minerals

Supplement with a B-complex before and after drinking to ensure you’re getting enough B-vitamins. Drink freshly squeezed orange juice for vitamin C and potassium. You can also eat oysters, which are rich in zinc and magnesium.

#3 Use NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

NAC boosts glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize the harmful byproducts of alcohol metabolism, like acetaldehyde. Taking NAC before drinking can help reduce hangover severity and protect your liver from damage.

#4 Hydrate with water and electrolytes.

Have a glass of water with every drink and two glasses of water before bed. You can also try “nature’s Gatorade,” which is coconut water with a pinch of salt. This is the perfect drink to have after a night out. It’s rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.

#5 Drink clear liquors

Vodka, tequila, and gin are the cleanest types of alcohol. They’re low in sugar, contain minimal additives, and undergo an extensive distillation process. If you drink beer, dark liquor, or fancy cocktails, then give this a shot. You’ll definitely feel better the next day.

#6 Know Your Genetics  

Why do you think some people can drink all the time, while others can’t?

It all comes down to genetics. Our genes, specifically GSTM1 and GSTT1, control how we handle toxins like alcohol.

Some people, like me, are missing one or both of these genes. This means or bodies don’t detox well, and we’re more susceptible to hangovers, getting sick, and long-term illness.

In fact, this peer-reviewed study reviewed nearly 2,000 scientific articles from around the world and found strong evidence that people missing GSTM1 and GSTT1 have increased susceptibility to cancer—especially when alcohol is involved.

This doesn’t mean you can’t drink, or you should fear all toxins.

You just need to understand how your body works, and give it precise, targeted solutions to get in front of problems before they happen.

If you suspect that your body isn’t detoxing well, it might be worthwhile to speak with one of my health coaches.

During this free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your problems and find out if getting your genetics tested is worthwhile.

If this sound interesting to you, click the button below to book a call.

Until next time,

Kashif Khan

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular healthca