Hangover Hacks

Scientific Review of the Best and Worst Remedies

Over the last few events (read: 2 months, and one of the many reasons I haven’t been keeping up with ShanFerments) I have had the opportunity to trial a few different “hangover cures”. Between CBC, Firestone Walker Invitational, MBAA, Washington Brewers Guild Festival, Kentucky Derby, Beer Releases, Soft Openings and good weather, I have needed to stay on my game while still enjoying the products and community I have a privilege of being a part of. Here’s an honest breakdown of what I’ve discovered and what the science says, as well as a case study from one event.

Introduction

If you’re in the beer, or alcohol industry, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced a hangover.

Hangovers are universally dreaded, yet universally experienced. Historically, cultures around the world have developed their own unique solutions to tackle the unpleasant symptoms after a night of indulgence. But do these traditional remedies stand up to scientific scrutiny, and how do modern innovations compare?

Traditional Hangover Remedies: Fact or Folklore?

Cultural wisdom offers countless hangover cures. From hearty breakfasts and pickle juice in Eastern Europe, to miso soup in Japan and coconut water in tropical regions, traditional cures often emphasize replenishment and hydration. Scientifically, hydration and nutrient replenishment can help alleviate symptoms by restoring electrolyte balance and blood sugar levels, though most traditional remedies lack rigorous scientific backing for directly curing hangovers (Pittler et al., 2005).

Modern Innovations in Hangover Treatment

Today, several commercial products claim scientifically validated relief. Here are some prominent examples:

1. MoreLabs Morning Recovery: Morning Recovery is designed to support liver function and rehydrate. It contains dihydromyricetin, extracted from the Oriental raisin tree, which research suggests can enhance the liver’s detoxification abilities and mitigate hangover symptoms (Shen et al., 2012). Clinical trials have shown some positive results, though effectiveness varies individually.

2. Hangover Patches: These adhesive patches promise relief through transdermal vitamin absorption. Typically containing vitamins B1, B12, and other nutrients, the theory is that direct absorption can bypass digestive system inefficiencies. While anecdotal reviews are mixed, scientific validation of their efficacy remains limited (Swift & Davidson, 1998).

3. Banana Bag Drinks: These oral electrolyte solutions mimic intravenous "banana bags" used medically for rapid rehydration and nutrient replenishment. Products like these typically contain sodium, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, directly addressing electrolyte depletion. They offer measurable relief for dehydration-related symptoms, though they may not address all biochemical causes of hangovers (Desbrow et al., 2013).

4. Liquid IV: Similar to banana bag drinks, Liquid IV focuses heavily on rapid rehydration using cellular transport technology (CTT) that enhances electrolyte absorption. Liquid IV is scientifically formulated to deliver hydration effectively, making it beneficial for hangover-induced dehydration. While effective at alleviating dehydration symptoms, it does not eliminate toxins responsible for hangover severity (Evans et al., 2017).

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Spotlight on ZBiotics: Preventative Probiotics

ZBiotics introduces a novel preventative approach by leveraging probiotics genetically engineered to break down acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism responsible for hangover symptoms (ZBiotics Company Data). Consuming ZBiotics before drinking alcohol targets the root biochemical cause rather than just managing symptoms afterward. Early scientific trials and consumer feedback indicate promising results, positioning this product uniquely as proactive rather than reactive.

The Science of Acetaldehyde and ZBiotics

Acetaldehyde is a highly reactive and toxic compound produced when the liver metabolizes alcohol. It contributes significantly to common hangover symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Normally, the body uses enzymes like aldehyde dehydrogenase to break down acetaldehyde into harmless substances. However, this metabolic process can become overwhelmed during heavy drinking. ZBiotics contains genetically modified probiotics specifically engineered to produce an enzyme similar to aldehyde dehydrogenase, enhancing the body’s natural ability to eliminate acetaldehyde more efficiently and thereby reduce hangover symptoms (Zakhari, 2006).

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Conclusion

No universal "magic cure" for hangovers exists, but science continues to advance our understanding. Traditional methods offer anecdotal relief rooted in hydration and nutrient replenishment, while modern products increasingly utilize targeted scientific principles for prevention and symptom management. As research progresses, innovative solutions like ZBiotics point toward proactive strategies becoming the future standard in managing and preventing hangovers.

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Case Study: Hangover Management at Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest

Event Details:

• Event: Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest

• Location Conditions: 95°F temperature, extremely dry environment

• Duration: Doors opened at 12 PM, event drinking lasted from 12 PM to 5 PM; after-event drinking continued from 5 PM to 1 AM.

Consumption & Preparation:

• Consumed beers ranging from 3% to 25% ABV during the event.

• Limited availability of food throughout the festival.

• Pre-event supplements used:

  • 2 packets of Liquid IV

  • 2 bottles of MoreLabs Morning Recovery (thank you Morelabs Team)

  • 1 bottle of ZBiotics probiotic (taken proactively before alcohol consumption)

Physical Activity & Challenges:

• Total steps: 17,000 throughout the day.

• Notable incident: 7,000 steps accumulated due to being trapped in fairgrounds around midnight.

Diet & Hydration:

• Consumed some food during post-event activities and later at the hotel.

• Two accidental non-alcoholic beers between 6pm and 7pm

Hangover Symptoms Experienced Next Day:

• Primary symptom: Significant exhaustion.

• Minimal cognitive fogginess.

• No gastrointestinal issues.

• No hangover-induced anxiety.

Conclusion:

• Combination of effects is best, both Morning Recovery in tandem with Zbiotics preferred, LiquidIV and/or Banana Bag for maximum effect.

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References

1. Desbrow, B., Cecchin, D., Jones, A., Grant, G., Irwin, C., & Leveritt, M. (2013). Manipulations to the Alcohol and Sodium Content of Beer for Post Exercise Rehydration. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/23/6/article-p593.xml

2. Evans, G. H., Shirreffs, S. M., & Maughan, R. J. (2017). The Effects of Oral Rehydration Solutions with Varying Sodium Content on Fluid Balance After Dehydration Induced by Exercise in the Heat. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2017.1319419

3. Pittler, M. H., Verster, J. C., & Ernst, E. (2005). Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMJ. https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7531/1515

4. Shen, Y., Lindemeyer, A. K., Gonzalez, C., Shao, X. M., Spigelman, I., Olsen, R. W., & Liang, J. (2012). Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. Journal of Neuroscience. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/32/1/390

5. Swift, R., & Davidson, D. (1998). Alcohol hangover: mechanisms and mediators. Alcohol Health & Research World. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh22-1/54-60.pdf

6. Zakhari, S. (2006). Overview: how is alcohol metabolized by the body? Alcohol Research & Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17718403/

7. ZBiotics Company Data. Official ZBiotics Website. https://zbiotics.com/pages/how-it-works