As the festive season hits full swing, many across the UK will be indulging in one too many mulled wines or glasses of fizz at Christmas parties. While responsible drinking is always advised, a medical expert has shared a surprising dietary tip that could help mitigate the dreaded morning-after effects.
The Pre-Drink Power of Cheese
In a viral TikTok video, Dr. Neenz, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, highlighted a simple preventative measure. Eating cheese before consuming alcohol can significantly decrease your risk of a hangover, she claims. The advice, posted on December 18, 2025, centres on the food's unique composition.
The doctor explains that cheese is rich in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients work to coat the stomach lining, which in turn slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Furthermore, cheese aids the body's metabolism of alcohol and may offer some protection against liver strain.
Dr. Neenz also points out that cheese replenishes vital nutrients depleted by drinking, namely Vitamin B and calcium. Vitamin B is crucial for energy and metabolic processes, while calcium supports nerve and muscle function. Her final word of caution remains clear: "No alcohol is better than any alcohol." But for those who choose to drink, a pre-emptive slice of cheese could be a wise move.
The Ideal Hangover Recovery Breakfast
For those who forget to 'pre-brie' and wake up feeling worse for wear, nutritional therapist Cara Shaw recommends a specific breakfast to aid recovery. Speaking to Metro, she advised steering clear of greasy options like bacon sandwiches.
Instead, the optimal meal includes:
- Three eggs
- Half a cup of sautéed mushrooms in olive oil
- Half an avocado
- A sprinkle of feta cheese
- A handful of cooked tomatoes
- A drizzle of olive oil
This combination provides protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants to support the liver's detoxification process. Shaw also recommends a cup of Matcha tea over coffee, due to its lower caffeine content and high antioxidant levels. Her top tip is to consume any caffeinated drink after eating to avoid spiking cortisol levels, which is especially important when hungover.
Understanding the Limits of Alcohol Consumption
While food can help, it's vital to understand the risks of excessive drinking. Recent research from UC San Francisco offers a stark warning about binge drinking and liver health.
The study found that 21 binge drinking sessions over seven weeks (equating to three sessions per week) can trigger early-stage liver failure symptoms. For men, this translates to roughly 12 pints of beer weekly for seven weeks, and for women, about nine pints weekly for the same period.
Experts caution that even limited binge drinking can disrupt liver function and lead to severe damage. The NHS defines binge drinking as consuming more than eight units in a single session for men, or more than six units for women. This is roughly equivalent to four pints of regular-strength beer for a man, or three pints for a woman.
The official health guidance recommends that both men and women do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. These units should be spread over three or more days, with several drink-free days included. Fourteen units equals about six pints of average-strength beer or ten small glasses of lower-strength wine.
