29th of November and I would say the Festive season is well and truly upon us. The radio stations have been playing songs for about a week already (personally I don’t think they should be played until 1st December; but maybe I’m a scrooge), it’s acceptable to watch Love Actually and festive drinking is well underway.

People seem to be booked up almost every weekend with various drinks organised within, and outside work. Leaving the majority of us having to squeeze in that extra catch up over a drink* (*realistically more than one) midweek. Inevitably resulting in that 6.30am alarm and meeting at 9am becoming 10 times more painful than you’d hoped.  Less than ideal.

Unfortunately, there are no EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) claims for supplements that will help reduce your hangover, so picking up an obvious product on your way to work isn’t going to be so easy. EFSA claims are heavily moderated by Trading Standards, so to claim that a product is “anti hangover” isn’t possible. Recently, a German court ruled that hangovers are an “illness” and therefore ruled against a brand with an ‘anti hangover’ supplement.

So what can you be looking for to help the morning after a big night out?

  • Milk thistle; supports liver health, something you should probably be looking after, after a night on the beers.
  • B vitamins; key for the functionality of the brain and the nervous system
  • Vitamin C; contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism
  • Electrolytes; alcohol is a well known diuretic, and therefore you’ll have dehydrated yourself during a big night. Top up your sodium and potassium levels with some much needed electrolytes
  • And finally caffeine.

It is important to note, that these ingredients above will help you on a day to day basis, rather than just when you are hungover! But looking for products containing these ingredients when in need of a boost, could help with those not so nice side effects from the night before, along with appropriate rehydration.

And if you need more tips, the NHS has some suggestions here.

If you are looking to supply your customers with a much needed boost after a night out (without calling it a hangover cure!!) please get in touch at enquiries@opalbond.co.uk and we would love to help!