3 “Cocktail Companions” Reduce Alcohol’s Health Risks
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 10, 2024
We’ve all heard the alcohol warnings. Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver problems.
But let’s face it, sometimes you still want to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a cocktail with friends.
While there’s no magic bullet to completely erase alcohol’s effects, new research suggests there ARE some simple strategies that could help protect your health when you do indulge.
For years, the advice for drinkers has been pretty basic: alternate alcoholic drinks with water, eat before drinking and don’t overdo it.
But scientists have now uncovered some nutritional interventions that can give your body a bit of extra protection when you indulge.
So, if you’re going to continue to enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, there are three supplements that I suggest you consider adding to your routine:
- Vitamin C: This common vitamin is a powerful ally against alcohol’s damaging effects. Oxidative stress is a key factor in alcohol-induced liver damage. Vitamin C naturally reduces oxidative stress, which can help protect your liver from alcohol’s harmful effects.
- Probiotics: I’m sure you’re familiar with using probiotics for digestive health. But these beneficial bacteria may also help your body handle alcohol better. Probiotics can help clear alcohol from your bloodstream faster, lowering levels of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, and improving liver function markers.
- B-Vitamins: Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12 protect against alcohol-induced damage. Taking a B-complex supplement is linked to improved cognitive function after drinking, better hangover recovery, and lower levels of homocysteine (a marker linked to cardiovascular risk).
This triple-threat combo can go a long way toward reducing alcohol-linked risks.
However, remember that while these strategies can help mitigate the damage caused by alcohol, they’re not a free pass to drink excessively. The safest approach is still to limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
P.S. This undercover liver defender is a real TREAT.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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