A team of researchers in Finland might have just done the impossible and figured out a scientifically-backed cure for hangovers. Yes, really.
While moderation is the best way to approach alcohol consumption (and avoid a hangover), even a little tipple can push you into hangover territory at times. For those occasions, having a cure for the alcohol-induced side effects would provide great relief.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland looked at ways to reduce hangover symptoms including nausea, headache, stress and anxiety in a recent study. According to Boss Hunting, the team found that a 1,200-milligram dose of amino acid L-cysteine reduced nausea and headaches caused by alcohol.
An additional 600-milligram dose was also found to help reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety often experienced with a hangover. L-cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid that is found naturally in the human body, says Healthline. It’s considered semi-essential as your body has the ability to create it from other amino acids, including methionine and serine.
L-cysteine can also be found in high-protein foods including chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes and as well as in supplement form.
The Finnish researchers also found that consuming L-cysteine after drinking also reduced “the need of drinking the next day”. This finding could potentially help those who struggle with alcohol dependency.
“L-cysteine would reduce the need of drinking the next day with no or less hangover symptoms: nausea, headache, stress and anxiety,” the researchers said. “Altogether, these effects of L-cysteine are unique and seem to have a future in preventing or alleviating these harmful symptoms as well as reducing the risk of alcohol addiction.”
It’s unclear whether these findings will translate into the easy accessibility of L-cysteine but it is handy to know. But, something to note before diving into L-cysteine is the fact that it has been known to decrease the effectiveness of other drugs when taken together, so keep that in mind.
Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. See your doctor for advice before adding supplements into your diet.