This post was originally published on here
People might have all sorts of creative ways to dodge a hangover – but this one has been backed by scientists
Cheese could be the best way to prevent getting a nasty hangover this Christmas, scientists have claimed. Something found in a handful of common cheeses may help people dodge spending a day with a banging headache and feeling queasy as others celebrate.
A selection of cheeses laid out on a board is commonly whipped up for Christmas parties. People might have a few pieces as an appetiser, as an alternative to a sweet dessert, or simply as a snack while binge-watching Christmas TV.
Scientists have found that certain cheeses offer a benefit that many people celebrating this season would like to benefit from. According to a study, certain probiotics found in cheese might help reduce the day-after effects of drinking alcohol.
For most, we blame the alcohol itself for any nasty hangovers the day after. But it’s actually a buildup of acetaldehyde, a natural byproduct made by the liver, which causes the common hangover symptoms like headaches and sickness.
Cheese might be the answer to helping quash, or even avoid a hangover altogether, in theory. This is because certain cheeses contain probiotics, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium.
These wordy bacteria have been proven to help break down acetaldehyde, resulting in less acetaldehyde in your system and less severe hangover symptoms. Cheese can be suitable for most people as part of a balanced diet, but it may not be suitable for everyone to eat.
Most cheeses are low in lactose and may be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. However, if you have lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your diet. People with high blood pressure should choose cheeses that are low in sodium.
Which cheese contains the most of these probiotics?
When putting together a pre-hangover cure cheese board, it makes sense to try and maximise your exposure to these probiotics. Luckily for fans of the dairy product, there are numerous common types of cheese that are rich in either Lactiplantibacillus plantarum or Bifidobacterium.
When shopping, go for cheeses specifically labelled as containing “live cultures” or “probiotics”. Some good options to pick up, or have handy in the fridge this Christmas include:
- Feta cheese (traditional/artisanal): Strains of L. plantarum have been isolated from the brine of Greek feta cheese and found to be prevalent in some varieties.
- Cheddar cheese (aged/probiotic varieties): While not typically a dominant natural component, commercial probiotic cheddar cheeses are specifically produced with L. plantarum as an adjunct culture, which survives well during the ripening process and results in high populations of the bacteria
- Aged Gouda: This cheese is also known to support the survival of Bifidobacterium strains.
Beyond the potential hangover benefits, cheese offers other proven advantages, including providing protein, calcium, vitamins (such as B12 and A), and various minerals. It supports bone and teeth health, promotes muscle growth, and can aid heart and gut health.
