As the festive season brings celebrations and social gatherings, the dreaded morning-after hangover can be an unwelcome guest. However, a medical expert has shared a simple dietary tip that could help mitigate the effects of a night out.
The Cheese Board Defence Against Hangovers
In a recent TikTok video, Dr. @neenziiemd, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care, advised that consuming cheese before drinking alcohol may decrease your chances of suffering a hangover. With Christmas festivities often featuring cheeseboards, this advice could be conveniently applied.
The doctor explained that cheese is rich in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients can help coat the stomach lining, which in turn slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. This slower absorption allows the body more time to process the alcohol effectively.
Furthermore, cheese can aid the body's metabolism of alcohol and may offer some protection against liver strain. It is also a valuable source of Vitamin B and calcium, two nutrients that are heavily depleted when the body processes alcohol. Calcium supports nerve and muscle function, while Vitamin B is crucial for energy and metabolic processes.
Dr. @neenziiemd concluded by emphasising that "No alcohol is better than any alcohol", but for those who choose to drink, having some cheese beforehand could be a beneficial strategy.
How Many Drinks Lead to a Hangover?
To understand when a hangover becomes likely, Dr. Bhavini Shah, a GP with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, outlined the stages of alcohol consumption and its effects on the body.
She noted that alcohol begins affecting the nervous system and brain relatively quickly. One to two units – where a single unit is 10ml of pure alcohol – typically increase heart rate, dilate blood vessels, and produce a mild 'buzz' that enhances sociability.
"After four to six units, alcohol begins to impact your nervous system, decreasing reaction time and affecting areas of the brain associated with decision making," Dr. Shah explained. This leads to poorer judgement and potentially riskier behaviour.
The critical threshold for a hangover is around eight units of alcohol. This is equivalent to approximately four pints of lower-strength beer or cider (3.6%) or four standard 175ml glasses of wine. "After eight units, your vision and sleep will be affected and you will have consumed more alcohol than your liver can process in one night, resulting in a hangover," she stated.
Consuming ten units or more significantly impairs coordination and can induce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and severe headaches.
A Practical Tip for the Party Season
While moderation is always the safest approach, this medical insight offers a practical, food-first strategy for those partaking in festive drinks. Incorporating a serving of cheese before consuming alcohol could be a simple yet effective way to enjoy the season's cheer while potentially lessening the next day's discomfort. Remember, however, that individual tolerance varies, and no method can completely eliminate the risks associated with excessive drinking.
