If you are planning to get a bit tipsy during the Christmas period, then read this first as it could help you to avoid a nasty hangover. Here’s everything you need to know
Many of us put the ‘merry’ in Merry Christmas during the festive period.
From mulled wine to hot toddys and glasses of fizz, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrating the big day. The only drawback is we can be left with a sore head if we’re not careful!
Thankfully, though, a doctor has shared her top pieces of advice to prevent you waking up with a sore head. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, a medic who specialises in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, shared her top tip with her 125,000 TikTok followers.
The 33-year-old, from Florida in the US, recommends consuming a dairy product before you go out boozing. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not milk.
Dr Neena said: “If you are going for a night out on the town and you are going to drink alcohol, eating cheese before drinking alcohol can decrease your risk of having a hangover.
“This is because cheese has a lot of protein, fat and complex carbs that can coat the stomach, which decreases the absorption of alcohol.
“Cheese can help the body metabolise alcohol better and prevent liver damage. Cheese also replenishes nutrients because it is full of B vitamin and calcium – these specific nutrients are depleted from the body when drinking alcohol.
“Calcium, which can be depleted through alcohol specifically helps to improve nerve and muscle function, and B vitamins are needed for energy and metabolism.”
People seemed chuffed about the hack – as the clip garnered 248,000 likes and plenty of positive comments. One viewer joked: “Cheese as a cure? Say less.” Another laughed: “Like I needed an excuse to eat cheese.”
A third wrote: “I’ve never had a hangover… and I’m 97% cheese at this point so that adds up actually.” And a fourth added: “I won’t be hungover over the entire Christmas period then.”
So is there any science behind this advice? A study published onto Science Direct suggests there is evidence behind it. However, don’t get too carried away as there is no miracle cure to hangovers if you party too hard.
The NHS warns that men and women shouldn’t drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. This is equivalent to six pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine.
Dr Neena added: “Just remember, no alcohol is better than any alcohol. However, if you are going to drink, try to remember to try some cheese before alcohol.”
