The holiday season is notorious for overindulgence in food, drink, and celebration. Unfortunately, this often leads to the dreaded hangover, with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, and irritability, making the morning after a painful experience.
While water, rest, and bland foods like crackers are commonly recommended, research suggests that an amino acid called L-cysteine might help alleviate these unpleasant symptoms of the holiday hangover. This amino acid has been found to support liver detoxification, potentially offering relief for those suffering from the aftermath of a festive night of drinking, reported the New York Post.
L-cysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a vital role in protein synthesis within the body. Our bodies produce it from methionine, another amino acid, and it is found in many high-protein foods. This amino acid is also available as a supplement, sometimes as N-acetyl cysteine. Research has shown that L-cysteine helps increase glutathione levels, and it is a powerful antioxidant that supports the liver and repairs damaged cells. Since the liver metabolizes alcohol, L-cysteine can play an important role in supporting the body’s detox process.
Studies suggest that L-cysteine may reduce several common hangover symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and stress, reported the Post. A Finnish study published in 2020 found that L-cysteine supplementation helped improve hangover symptoms for participants. Though the study involved only a small sample size, its results indicated that the amino acid might effectively counter the aftereffects of alcohol consumption. Despite the study’s limited scope, it represents one of the most substantial pieces of evidence supporting the use of L-cysteine for hangover relief.
Despite promising reports, there are still limitations to the existing research. The study’s small sample size and the involvement of a supplement manufacturer raise questions about the reliability of the findings. However, experts agree that there is no harm in adding more L-cysteine to your diet, especially if you tend to drink alcohol in excess. While it might not be a magic bullet, this amino acid can help your body recover.
Many foods naturally contain this amino acid for those looking to boost their L-cysteine intake.
Animal-based proteins such as chicken, turkey, pork, and beef liver are excellent sources of L-cysteine, per the Post. Other options include eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Seafood lovers can benefit from tuna, shrimp, and crab cakes, while plant-based sources like oatmeal and wheat germ are also great choices. Including these foods in your diet could help you recover from a hangover more effectively, particularly when combined with proper hydration and rest.