Expert Explains Why Pharmacist’s ‘Viral Hangover Cure’ Really Works

The holiday season is in full swing, but nothing kills that festive cheer faster than a prolonged, painful hangover.

However, an American pharmacist has shared the hangover ‘cure’ she swears is ‘100% effective’ – and those who have tried it agree.

Ari, a licensed physician in Los Angeles, revealed she took a B-complex, magnesium and folic acid supplement with an electrolyte drink, saying it was ‘on its own the most effective way’ to conquer those terrible morning symptoms.

Describing the concoction as an “oral version of an IV fluid bag”, Ari said it helps relieve symptoms of dehydration and replenish electrolytes.

His trick has since gone viral on TikTok, with many follow-up videos sharing their success. So does it really work? According to Australian experts, there is a scientific reason why it is so effective.

Does this “cure” for viral hangovers work?

Social media users raved about Ari’s advice, with one Australian user saying people “dying a slow death from hangovers should take notes”.

After purchasing all the necessary items, TikTok user @brokebutmakeitboujee said, “It works, it really works.

“It’s all super cheap—probably the most expensive thing is Hydralyte—but you know what, it’s worth not dying at Christmas parties,” she said.

Clinical nutritionist Sally O’Neil, who recently launched health coaching platform @status.8020, told news.com.au she hadn’t actually tried the ‘hack’ but explained why it did. “made sense”.

“Theoretically and anecdotally, it would make sense that it could help relieve a hangover, yes,” she said.

“Depending on the dose and purity of the supplements taken (which the viral ‘cure’ does not mention), this may slightly lessen the effects in some, while for others it may be very effective.”

However, she cautioned that the doses dispensed in IV bags in hospitals are “often much higher than those recommended on the back of over-the-counter vitamin labels”, which could also affect results.

Why is it effective?

“In current studies, the hangover remedies that show positive effects are those that inhibit the acceleration of alcohol metabolism,” Sally said.

“B vitamins are essential enzymes used in the process of converting carbohydrates and alcohol into energy. So, taking more B vitamins can help your body metabolize (break down) alcohol efficiently.

“‘Remedy’ electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) may improve symptoms when deficient, but there does not appear to be evidence that a single alcohol drink causes electrolyte deficiencies or imbalances, assuming no vomiting or diarrhea has occurred.

“In this case, electrolytes can help.”

How to follow the “cure” for a hangover

Although there is scientific research to back up Ari’s hangover “cure”, Sally pointed out that she hasn’t advised anyone on the best process to use it.

“There is no clinical evidence that shows a significant difference between taking B vitamins for hangovers in the morning or in the evening. In other words, you can take it any time that suits you,” a she declared.

“Just be sure to avoid caffeine for at least an hour after taking supplements as it can inhibit effective absorption of the vitamin.”

Sally also warned anyone wishing to try it this silly season to be aware of the quality of the product they are buying.

“Not all ‘vitamin B complexes’ contain the same B vitamins or ratios,” she said.

“B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), folic acid, B6 and B12 all play major roles in brain and nervous system function and could arguably be beneficial here.”

However, electrolytes can be taken once a loss has occurred, which means that after drinking, everything is fine.

“Remember – the only reliable cure for a hangover is to limit alcohol consumption in the first place,” she said.

put it to the test

Of course, news.com.au couldn’t tell you about a hangover cure without testing it out for ourselves, and I was happy to be the guinea pig.

I decided to take my B-complex and folic acid the morning of an event, then took an electrolyte drink and the magnesium supplement on my way home from the party.

The next morning I was pleasantly surprised as I had slept, which never happens after a few drinks. I also had no other pesky symptoms such as headaches or junk food cravings, saving my bank balance and waistline.

What is a hangover?

Hangovers ‘happen’ because of alcohol and its effects on the brain,” Sally said.

“Although we don’t really know the specific mechanism of action, we have some ideas.

“Ethanol, recognized as a toxin by the body, triggers an inflammatory response that damages and disrupts neurons in the brain.

“The headaches and other pretty hangover symptoms are likely caused (in part) by the damage caused by this inflammation and oxidative stress to the brain and other tissues.

“This can lead to impaired energy metabolism.”

Sally – who also runs Instagram page @TheFitFoodieBlog – explained that another chemical found in some liquors can also “aggravate” a hangover.

Sally – who also runs Instagram page @TheFitFoodieBlog – explained that another chemical found in some liquors can also “aggravate” a hangover.

“Congeners are a chemical found in some alcohols that may be another contributing factor,” she said.

“They are found in darker liquors such as whiskey, rum and brandy, as well as in red wine. “Studies seem to show that congeners make hangovers worse than other drinks of the same alcohol content.