The Protocol
Afterburners Protocol

Speed up the machine.

Your body is a machine. When you drink, it produces a toxin
called acetaldehyde. Your machine clears it -- just not fast enough.
That's the hangover. A bottleneck, not a punishment.

The Afterburners Protocol is a specific combination of supplements
that addresses this bottleneck. Open science. Exact products. Exact doses.

Preflight -- before you go out
Afterburner -- when you get back
21 compounds, 3 layers

Exact products, exact doses, exact timing. Free. No spam.

Get Afterburners and get after it.

Read the science ↓
01 -- The Problem

Acetaldehyde, Not Ethanol

Alcohol's damage is not caused by ethanol itself. Ethanol is the active compound that produces the effects you want -- GABA-A receptor potentiation (relaxation), dopamine release (euphoria), endorphin release (warmth), and serotonin modulation (social bonding). Those effects happen in the brain. That's what you're paying for when you order a drink.

The damage happens in the liver, where ethanol is metabolized through a two-step enzymatic chain:

Ethanol
what you drink
→ ADH →
Acetaldehyde
Group 1 carcinogen
→ ALDH2 →
Acetate
harmless

Acetaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It causes DNA damage, protein adduct formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory cytokine release, glutathione depletion, and oxidative stress. The symptoms attributed to "hangover" -- headache, nausea, fatigue, cognitive fog, anxiety -- are primarily caused by acetaldehyde accumulation and the downstream inflammatory cascade it triggers.

The hangover is not a punishment for drinking. It's a processing bottleneck. The ALDH2 enzyme cannot convert acetaldehyde to harmless acetate fast enough, so acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood, damages tissue, triggers inflammation, and produces symptoms. Any intervention that accelerates ALDH2 throughput, reduces acetaldehyde dwell time, or scavenges acetaldehyde directly will reduce the hangover proportionally.

02 -- The Architecture

Three-Layer Clearance System

The Afterburners Protocol addresses the acetaldehyde bottleneck through three independent but complementary strategies. No single layer is sufficient alone. The combination creates redundant coverage of the clearance chain.

Layer 1 Reduce Production
Not all ethanol must pass through the hepatic ADH→ALDH2 chain. The body has alternative elimination routes -- pulmonary, renal, and cutaneous -- that excrete ethanol unchanged, producing zero acetaldehyde. Layer 1 enhances gastric first-pass metabolism through zinc cofactor loading (zinc is an essential ADH cofactor), provides gastric mucosal protection through Shi Hu (Dendrobium nobile), and slows ethanol absorption to reduce peak acetaldehyde load.
Zinc Shi Hu Ginger
Layer 2 Accelerate Clearance
The core innovation. Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway to upregulate ALDH2 gene expression -- the only ingredient that makes the body produce more enzyme. Liposomal DHM directly enhances ALDH2 catalytic activity. Ubiquinol protects the enzyme from oxidative damage. Ge Gen root increases hepatic blood flow for faster substrate delivery. Full cofactor loading ensures the enzymes can operate at peak capacity.
Sulforaphane DHM (liposomal) Ubiquinol CoQ10 Silymarin Ge Gen root B-Complex Magnesium
Layer 3 Trap Breakthrough
Whatever acetaldehyde escapes the enzymatic pathway is chemically trapped before it can damage tissue. NAC provides the glutathione precursor for hepatic detoxification -- glutathione conjugation is the liver's primary pathway for neutralizing reactive aldehydes. L-cysteine's sulfhydryl group binds directly to acetaldehyde, forming stable non-toxic thiazolidine compounds. Benfotiamine (fat-soluble B1) supports mitochondrial energy metabolism and traps aldehydes directly via its active metabolite thiamine pyrophosphate.
NAC L-Cysteine Benfotiamine Vitamin C
03 -- Design Constraint

Pleasure Pathway Non-Interference

The protocol was designed with an explicit constraint: do not reduce the subjective experience of alcohol consumption. All active ingredients operate in the liver and GI tract, not in the brain's reward circuitry. The drinker should feel identical to drinking without the supplement during the evening. The only difference appears the next morning.

Pathway Effect of Alcohol Formula Impact
GABA-A Relaxation, anxiety reduction Not affected
Dopamine Euphoria, reward, confidence Not affected
Endorphin Warmth, pain relief, glow Not affected
Serotonin Mood elevation, social bonding Not affected
Endocannabinoid Appetite, mild anxiolysis Not affected

Ge Gen root dose is calibrated for moderate hepatic blood flow increase -- sufficient to accelerate acetaldehyde delivery to ALDH2 but insufficient to meaningfully accelerate systemic ethanol clearance, preserving the duration of alcohol's brain effects.

04 -- The Protocol

Every Ingredient, What to Buy

Every ingredient, every dose, and every mechanism is documented below with specific product recommendations. No proprietary blends. No hidden formulas. Buy these exact products and follow the timing protocol.

Tier 1 -- Primary Clearance Agents
Sulforaphane 50mg / Preflight only
The only ALDH2 upregulator. Activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway to increase ALDH2 gene expression -- the body builds more processing capacity. Takes 2-3 hours to reach peak enzyme induction, hence the PREFLIGHT pre-timing. This is the most important ingredient in the protocol.
BrocElite Plus (broccoli seed extract with myrosinase) View on Amazon ->
Liposomal DHM 600mg pre / 900mg post
Primary ALDH2 accelerator from Hovenia dulcis (Japanese Raisin Tree). Makes existing enzyme work faster. Liposomal encapsulation achieves 5-6x bioavailability over standard powder. Dual dosing: 600mg PREFLIGHT to prime the system, 900mg AFTERBURNER to accelerate clearance during peak acetaldehyde load.
Zaigon Liposomal DHM View on Amazon ->
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 600mg pre / 600mg post
Glutathione precursor for hepatic detoxification. Glutathione conjugation is the liver's primary pathway for neutralizing reactive aldehydes that escape enzymatic clearance. NAC rapidly replenishes glutathione stores that alcohol depletes. Used clinically at much higher doses for acetaminophen overdose through the same hepatoprotective mechanism.
NOW Foods NAC 600mg View on Amazon ->
Tier 2 -- Force Multipliers
L-Cysteine 250mg pre / 500mg post
Direct acetaldehyde trap. Sulfhydryl group binds acetaldehyde into stable non-toxic thiazolidine compounds. Chemical trap, not enzymatic -- works regardless of enzyme status. Higher post-dose to catch breakthrough acetaldehyde during peak clearance.
NOW Foods L-Cysteine 500mg View on Amazon ->
Silymarin (Milk Thistle) 250mg pre / 500mg post
Hepatocyte protector, glutathione upregulator, CYP2E1 suppressor. Redirects ethanol through the cleaner ADH pathway by blocking the dirtier CYP2E1 alternative. Protects liver cells from oxidative damage during heavy processing. Standardized to 80% silymarin.
Nature's Bounty or Jarrow Formulas (80% standardized) View on Amazon ->
Ubiquinol (CoQ10) 100mg pre / 100mg post
Reduced CoQ10. Mitochondrial ALDH2 protector. Neutralizes reactive oxygen species that physically damage the enzyme during alcohol processing. ALDH2 operates in the mitochondrial matrix -- ubiquinol protects it where it works. Kaneka ubiquinol form for superior absorption.
Jarrow Formulas QH-Absorb (Kaneka ubiquinol) View on Amazon ->
Ge Gen / Kudzu Root 300mg pre / 500mg post
Pueraria lobata root extract. Increases hepatic blood flow -- pipeline throughput accelerator. More acetaldehyde delivered to ALDH2 per minute. Must be root extract standardized to 40% puerarin. Critical: the flower (Ge Hua) inhibits ALDH2 -- the opposite effect. Root only.
Any 40% puerarin standardized root extract View on Amazon ->
Tier 3 -- Support & Recovery
Benfotiamine (fat-soluble B1) 150mg pre / 300mg post
Fat-soluble thiamine derivative with superior bioavailability. Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism via thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), which is essential for the pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes. Also traps aldehydes directly through TPP-mediated carbonyl scavenging. Alcohol depletes B1 aggressively.
Double Wood Supplements Benfotiamine View on Amazon ->
Zinc Bisglycinate 15mg / Preflight only
Essential cofactor for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ADH requires zinc at its catalytic site to convert ethanol to acetaldehyde. Also supports gastric ADH first-pass metabolism, allowing more ethanol to be processed before it reaches the liver. Bisglycinate chelate for gentle absorption.
Thorne Zinc Bisglycinate View on Amazon ->
Magnesium Glycinate 200mg / Preflight only
Mitochondrial function support. ALDH2 operates in the mitochondria -- magnesium is required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the mitochondrial matrix. Alcohol is a potent magnesium waster via renal excretion. Glycinate form for bioavailability without GI distress.
Doctor's Best or NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate View on Amazon ->
B-Complex 1 cap / Preflight only
Full cofactor restoration. B3 (niacin) specifically supports NAD+ regeneration required for ADH function -- NAD+ is consumed as a coenzyme in every round of the ADH reaction. B6 supports amino acid metabolism for cysteine conjugation. B2 supports the glutathione reductase cycle.
Thorne Basic B Complex View on Amazon ->
Ginger Extract 150mg pre / 250mg post
5-HT3 antagonist -- the same anti-nausea mechanism as ondansetron (Zofran). Direct pharmacological intervention for morning nausea. Also supports gastric motility for faster gastric emptying, reducing ethanol contact time with the stomach lining.
Nature's Way Ginger Root View on Amazon ->
Vitamin C 500mg / Afterburner only
Antioxidant neutralization of residual reactive oxygen species generated during alcohol metabolism. Supports adrenal recovery from alcohol-induced cortisol disruption. Post-dose only -- taken during the clearance phase when oxidative stress peaks.
NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000 View on Amazon ->
TCM Herbs -- Afterburner Only
Shi Hu (Dendrobium nobile) per extract label
Gastric mucosal protector -- rebuilds the stomach lining alcohol damaged so you can eat breakfast and start real recovery. Yin-nourishing herb in TCM that addresses the fluid depletion and heat patterns caused by alcohol.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) per extract label
Smooth muscle relaxant for GI cramping and tension headache. Liver Blood nourisher in TCM -- replenishes what alcohol consumed. Contains paeoniflorin with documented hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) per extract label
Classical damp-heat clearer with hepatoprotective flavonoids. Addresses the residual metabolic turbidity from alcohol processing. Documented choleretic activity -- promotes bile flow to aid hepatic clearance of alcohol metabolites.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Che Qian Zi (Plantago seed) per extract label
Gentle diuretic that opens the urinary exit pathway for acetate and metabolite flushing without electrolyte depletion. Supports the body's natural clearance of water-soluble alcohol metabolites.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
He Huan Hua (Albizzia flower) per extract label
Shen-calming herb that addresses the anxiety and emotional dysregulation from alcohol's GABA rebound. Supports restful sleep during the critical recovery window. Traditionally used for irritability, insomnia, and emotional constraint.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Mei Gui Hua (Rosa rugosa) per extract label
Qi-moving herb that addresses the stagnation pattern alcohol creates in the Liver and Stomach. Promotes smooth flow of digestive energy, reduces bloating and epigastric distress. Gentle aromatic that harmonizes the middle burner.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) per extract label
Liver-protective adaptogen with documented hepatoprotective lignans. Schisandrin B has been shown to enhance glutathione-dependent detoxification. Astringes Liver Qi and prevents further leakage of vital substances. The "five-flavor berry" -- sour, bitter, sweet, acrid, salty -- addressing multiple organ systems simultaneously.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
Sang Shen (Mulberry fruit) per extract label
Blood and Yin nourisher. Rich in anthocyanins with antioxidant activity. Replenishes the fluids and Blood that alcohol's hot, drying nature depletes. Supports Liver and Kidney Yin -- the deep reserves that heavy drinking draws down.
Treasure of the East concentrated extract View on Amazon ->
05 -- Complete Protocol

The Full Stack

Two doses. One before, one after. Every product linked below.

Preflight
30-60 minutes before drinking
Sulforaphane 50mg ->
Liposomal DHM 600mg ->
NAC 600mg ->
L-Cysteine 250mg ->
Silymarin 250mg ->
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) 100mg ->
Kudzu Root 300mg ->
Benfotiamine 150mg ->
Zinc 15mg ->
Magnesium 200mg ->
B-Complex 1 cap ->
Ginger 150mg ->
Afterburner
When you get home
Liposomal DHM 900mg ->
NAC 600mg ->
L-Cysteine 500mg ->
Silymarin 500mg ->
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) 100mg ->
Kudzu Root 500mg ->
Benfotiamine 300mg ->
Ginger 250mg ->
Vitamin C 500mg ->
TCM Herbs per label ->
Electrolytes 1 serving

TCM herbs: Bai Shao, Yin Chen Hao, Che Qian Zi, He Huan Hua, Mei Gui Hua, Wu Wei Zi, Sang Shen

06 -- References

Published Research

Every claim on this site is supported by published peer-reviewed research. No proprietary blends. No vague marketing language. The science is open.

  1. Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P. Broccoli sprouts: an exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 1997;94(19):10367-10372.
  2. Shen Y, Lindemeyer AK, Gonzalez C, et al. Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. Journal of Neuroscience. 2012;32(1):390-401. DOI
  3. Keung WM, Vallee BL. Kudzu root: an ancient Chinese source of modern antidipsotropic agents. Phytochemistry. 1998;47(4):499-506.
  4. Kettunen R, Kröger H, Gylling H, et al. L-cysteine and acetaldehyde: a randomized controlled trial. Alcohol and Alcoholism. 2020.
  5. Sadowska AM, et al. N-acetylcysteine mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology. 2012.
  6. Abenavoli L, et al. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy Research. 2010;24(10):1423-1432.
  7. Dinkova-Kostova AT, Talalay P. Direct and indirect antioxidant properties of inducers of cytoprotective proteins. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2008;52(S1):S128-S138.
  8. Choi HK, et al. Mitochondria-targeted ubiquinone and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity preservation. Biochimie. 2009.
  9. Silva J, et al. DHM and alcohol metabolism in clinical populations. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 2020.
  10. Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2000;84(3):367-371.
  11. He DY, Bhatt M, et al. Identification of paeoniflorin pharmacological mechanisms via network analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2011;138(1):1-9.
  12. Zhao Y, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Artemisia capillaris: a comprehensive review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;176:94-117.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This protocol is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All ingredients listed are dietary supplements or traditional herbal ingredients with documented history of use. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking medication or have a medical condition.

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Same Night. Better Morning.

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