Mailbag: 3 “Cocktail Companions” to Safely Ring in the New Year
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 31, 2024
“I don’t usually drink alcohol. But I’m going to a New Year’s party and might have a few drinks.
Can I do anything to make them less harmful to my health?”
-Cheering In the New Year
Hi Cheering,
As you prepare for your New Year’s celebration tonight, you may be looking forward to raising a glass with friends and family.
After all, while we know that the safest choice is to avoid alcohol, ringing in the New Year with a drink is a tradition many of us enjoy.
The good news is, if you do choose to occasionally indulge in alcohol, you can help protect your health with some simple supplement interventions.
Scientists have identified three key nutrients that can help your body better handle those celebratory drinks.
You can think of them as your “cocktail companions.” However, they’d also be great additions to your regular supplement routine, not just when you’re planning to drink.
First up is our old friend vitamin C.
This powerful antioxidant does more than just boost your immune system… C helps combat the oxidative stress that alcohol can cause in your liver. Consider it like adding a shield to your body’s natural defenses.
The second helper, which might surprise you, is probiotics.
While we typically associate these beneficial bacteria with digestive health, research suggests they may also help your body process alcohol more efficiently. They can speed up the clearance of alcohol from your bloodstream and reduce harmful byproducts that occur when your body breaks down alcohol.
Completing the protective trio are B vitamins, particularly B1, B6, and B12.
When, bundled together, these vitamins are known as a B-complex. They’re your body’s recovery team, supporting better cognitive function after drinking and helping ease those morning-after effects.
They’ve also been linked to lower levels of homocysteine, a compound that can increase cardiovascular risks.
But here’s the crucial part…
While these supplements might offer some protection, they’re not a free pass to overindulge. Think of them as a safety belt—helpful in reducing risk, but NOT a license to drive recklessly.
This trio is best viewed as part of a broader approach to drinking responsibly, which includes:
- Staying well hydrated
- Eating before and while drinking
- Pacing yourself
- Setting clear limits before you start
As you plan your New Year’s celebrations, remember that these nutritional strategies can be part of your healthy approach to occasional drinking, but they don’t make excessive alcohol consumption safe.
The best gift you can give yourself this New Year is moderation—whether that means limiting your drinks or choosing not to drink at all.
Cheers to making informed, healthy choices as we welcome the New Year!
P.S. Helpful hangover cures to ring in the New Year.
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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