After a night out, it’s no secret your body has a bit of catching up to do. As it breaks down alcohol, it increases oxidative stress, depletes key antioxidants, disrupts sleep patterns and produces acetaldehyde - a toxic compound - leaving you feeling far from your best the next day. That’s where considered nutrient support becomes important.
A nutritionist-formulated recovery supplement, Rebound Recovery combines 46 carefully selected vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanicals, chosen to support liver function, antioxidant activity, energy metabolism and sleep quality.
But what is actually inside our recovery and wellness packs? In this blog, we break down five key ingredients: Quercetin, Choline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), L-Glutathione and Magnesium, exploring what they are, what they’re good for and how they contribute to recovery support after late nights.
Quercetin
What is Quercetin?
Often discussed in relation to general health and wellbeing, Quercetin is a plant pigment, or flavonoid, recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body manage periods of increased oxidative stress.
While research is ongoing, it is widely known as a compound that contributes to cellular protection against free radicals. Following alcohol consumption, when oxidative stress levels can rise, antioxidants such as Quercetin may help support the body’s natural defence systems.
What is Quercetin Found In?
Quercetin can be found in a variety of different fruits and vegetables, including radish leaves, coriander, yellow pepper and red onion; however, it can also be supplemented alongside a healthy, balanced diet.
Choline
What is Choline?
Choline is an essential nutrient your body relies on for several key processes, including liver function, fat metabolism, brain health and normal cell structure. Although it’s not officially classified as a vitamin or mineral, it is often grouped alongside B vitamins due to its similar functions.
In particular, Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism and the maintenance of normal liver function, particularly relevant to those of us who have busy social calendars or a festival lined up. While true deficiency is uncommon, consistently low intake may impact normal liver function over time.
What is Choline Found In?
Although the body can produce small amounts of Choline, it’s important to source the nutrient from foods such as salmon, eggs, broccoli and cauliflower, or via supplementation where appropriate.
N-acetylcysteine
What is N-acetylcysteine?
N-acetylcysteine, more commonly known as NAC, is a supplemental form of cysteine - an amino acid involved in the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants.
Glutathione levels can become depleted during periods of increased oxidative stress, including alcohol metabolism and a lack of sleep. By providing a precursor to glutathione, NAC helps support the body’s ability to maintain its own antioxidant status.
Interestingly for us, ongoing research continues to explore how NAC supports antioxidant status during periods of increased oxidative stress, such as following alcohol consumption.
What is N-acetylcysteine Found In?
Cysteine itself is found in high-protein foods such as chicken, yoghurt and legumes, but NAC offers a stable and convenient supplemental form.
L-Glutathione
What is L-Glutathione?
Often described as the body’s “master antioxidant”, L-Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine, helping to neutralise free radicals and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce glutathione levels in the body, which may contribute to increased oxidative stress. Supporting antioxidant pathways with nutrients that help maintain glutathione levels can, therefore, be an important part of overall recovery support.
Clinical research has also shown that Glutathione plays a role in the body’s natural antioxidant and detoxification processes - something we’ve been keeping a close eye on.
Magnesium
What Does Magnesium Do?
Magnesium is an essential mineral responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, from muscle and nerve function to energy and blood sugar regulation. As a result, most people are deficient.
Most importantly for Rebound Recovery, Magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function and normal psychological function - something that can easily be thrown off after social occasions or disrupted routines.
What is Magnesium Found In?
Best obtained from nuts, seeds, leafy greens or legumes, Magnesium can also be supplemented alongside a healthy, balanced diet.
Why Do We Use These Nutrients in Rebound Recovery?
When you drink alcohol, your body produces acetaldehyde as it breaks down ethanol. Oxidative stress can increase, key antioxidants are used up and sleep may be disrupted - all while the liver works harder than usual.
Rebound Recovery, using the nutrients above alongside 41 others, has been carefully formulated to provide:
- Sleep support
- Antioxidant support
- Liver function support
- Energy metabolism support
- Nervous system support
Rather than masking how you feel, Rebound Recovery focuses on supporting your body’s normal biological processes - because feeling your best isn’t about extremes, it’s about giving your body the support it needs, consistently.