The holidays often come with extra dinners, spontaneous meetups, and one more round than you planned. While pacing yourself is still the best move, a doctor has shared a simple pre-night out habit that could make the next morning feel a little less punishing. It involves a familiar food many people already have in the fridge.
A pulmonary and intensive care doctor who posts on TikTok under the name @neenziiemd says eating cheese before drinking alcohol may reduce the risk of a hangover. Her tip is aimed at those moments when you know you will be sipping more than usual, like parties and big celebrations. It is not presented as a cure, but as an easy way to give your body a better starting point.
Her explanation is straightforward. Cheese contains a mix of protein and fat, along with more complex carbohydrates, and she suggests that combination can help “line” the stomach and slow down how quickly alcohol is absorbed. When absorption is slower, the spike can feel less intense, and your system may handle the night more smoothly.
She also notes that cheese may support the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol and potentially reduce strain on the liver. Another reason she likes it is the nutrient angle, since she points out cheese is rich in B vitamins and calcium. In her view, those are nutrients that can be depleted when drinking, and she links calcium to nerve function and B vitamins to energy.
@neenziemd Things they dont tell you pt 298 Cheese before alcohol can help prevent hangovers #cheese #alcohol #hangover ♬ original sound – Neenz
Even with the tip, she adds a reminder that skipping alcohol altogether is healthier than any amount. Still, if you are going to drink, she suggests trying a small portion of cheese beforehand as a practical step you can actually remember when you are getting ready to head out.
The broader question is how much alcohol is too much, especially during the festive season when drinks can add up across several days. The UK’s National Health Service advises not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. It defines one unit as 8 grams or 10 ml of pure alcohol, and that can translate to about half a pint of lower strength beer or cider, a small 25 ml measure of spirits, or a small glass of wine that may count as more than one unit depending on strength.
The NHS also describes alcohol misuse as drinking in a harmful way or being dependent on alcohol. GP Dr Dave Nichols, speaking to The Sun, has described alcoholism as an uncontrolled urge to drink and warned that the long-term impact can include liver problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. He also noted that some of these can be “hidden” for a long time, so people may not realize the damage until it has progressed.
What is your go to strategy for avoiding a rough morning after a celebration, and does a pre-drink snack like cheese sound worth trying? Share your thoughts in the comments.
