Hangover 'cure' recipe goes viral on TikTok and it really works

Party season is in full swing, but nothing kills the holiday spirit quite like a long and painful hangover. A U.S. pharmacist has shared a "cure" for a hangover that she says is "100% effective," and those who have tried it for themselves agree. What is this miraculous drink and why does it help everyone? New York Post.

Ari, a licensed physician in Los Angeles, said she takes a B-complex, magnesium and folic acid supplement along with an electrolyte drink, claiming it is "the most effective way" to beat the terrible symptoms of a hangover.

Describing the mixture as "an oral version of an intravenous fluid," Ari said it helps relieve symptoms of dehydration and replenishes electrolytes.

Her advice has since gone viral on TikTok, with many sharing follow-up videos outlining the success of the cocktail. So does it really work? According to Australian experts, there is a scientific reason for the effectiveness of the drink.

Does this viral hangover cure work?

Social media users were enthusiastic about Ari's advice, with one Australian user stating that people "who are dying slow deaths from hangovers should take note of this drink."

After purchasing everything needed, TikTok user @brokebutmakeitboujee said, “It works, it really works. It's all very cheap - probably the most expensive is Hydralyte - but you know what, it's worth it so you don't feel like you're dying after Christmas parties," she said.

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Nutritionist Sally O'Neil, who recently launched the health education platform @status.8020, said she didn't actually try the hack, but explained why it "makes sense."

“Theoretically, yes, it could help alleviate a hangover,” she said. “Depending on the dose and purity of the supplements taken, they may only slightly attenuate the effects for some, while for others they can be very effective.”

However, she warned that doses dispensed in IV bags in hospitals "often far exceed doses recommended on vitamins," which could also affect results.

Why is it effective

“According to current research, the hangover cures that show a positive effect are those that prevent the metabolism of alcohol from accelerating,” Sally said. – B vitamins are essential enzymes that are used in the process of converting carbohydrates and alcohol into energy. So taking more B vitamins can help your body break down alcohol efficiently.”

The electrolytes in the "medicine" (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) may improve symptoms when there is a deficiency, but there does not seem to be evidence that drinking alone causes an electrolyte deficiency or imbalance unless there has been vomiting or diarrhea.

How to take a "cure" for a hangover

Sally noted that she couldn't tell when the best time to take the "medicine" was.

“There is no clinical evidence to suggest a significant difference between taking B vitamins for a hangover in the morning or in the evening. In other words, you can drink it any time you like,” she said. “Just avoid caffeine for at least an hour after taking your supplements, as it can interfere with the effective absorption of the vitamin.”

Sally also warned anyone who wants to try it to be mindful of the quality of the product they are buying.

"Not all 'B-complexes' contain the same B vitamins or their ratio," she said. “B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), folic acid, B6 and B12 play an important role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system and may be useful in this case.”

However, electrolytes can be taken after fluid loss has occurred.

“Remember, the only reliable cure for a hangover is to limit your alcohol consumption in the first place,” she said.

What is a hangover

“Hangovers happen because of alcohol and its effects on the brain,” Sally said. “While we don't really know the specific mechanism of action, we do have some ideas. Ethanol, perceived by the body as a toxin, causes an inflammatory response that damages and deregulates neurons in the brain.”

“Headaches and other pleasant hangover symptoms are likely due in part to damage to the brain and other tissues from this inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to disruption of energy metabolism,” said Sally.

She also explained that another chemical found in some liquor can also "worse" hangovers.

“Congeners are chemicals found in some alcohols that could be another factor,” she said. – They are found in darker drinks such as whiskey, rum and brandy, as well as in red wine. Studies show that such drinks worsen hangovers compared to other drinks with the same alcohol content.”