Minimize the unwanted side effects of alcohol with these nutritional supplements

( Natural News ) Drinking alcohol in small to moderate amounts can be beneficial to the heart, but it can also cause unwanted side effects. When you drink alcohol, the ethanol breaks down the toxic compound called acetaldehyde. This compound is the reason you get a hangover after excessive alcohol consumption. In addition to morning-after headaches and shakiness, acetaldehyde also binds to DNA, causing mutations that trigger cancer. It also produces reactive oxygen species that cause inflammation and encourage tumor development. Lastly, this toxic compound diminishes amounts of essential vitamins, at the same time interferes with the natural antioxidant defense systems of the body. Fortunately, there are nutritional supplements that help mitigate the side effects of alcohol . These include the following: B-vitamins – Consuming alcohol depletes vitamins B6 and B1, which are important for fighting oxidation. Alcohol also affects folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, which is responsible for suppressing cancer genes called proto-oncogenes. Therefore, nutritional supplements of the vitamin B complex are important to reduce the risk of cancer . Moreover, health experts suggest that taking a B-complex supplement, together with 100 milligrams (mg) of thiamine, helps protect the nervous system whenever you drink alcohol. Barley grass extracts – Barley grass is a fiber-rich grain that contains extracts that prevent gastrointestinal tumors, according to an animal study. Barley grass also contains lunasin, which is a specific cancer-preventing protein. Barley grass is also a prebiotic that serves as food for good gut bacteria and helps ward off colon cancer. Benfotiamine – Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form of thiamine, is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage and neutralizes the harmful effects of acetaldehyde. It also works better for increasing thiamine levels after alcohol consumption than thiamine alone. Chlorophyllin – Chlorophyllin, the water-soluble form of chlorophyll, is a natural […]

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