Does the Olive Oil Trick Really Prevent Hangovers?

You're getting ready for a night out, but you're on the fence about drinking. The hangovers have been getting worse lately — creeping into Sundays and even causing you to miss work on Mondays. As you walk through your kitchen, you spot a bottle of olive oil and recall hearing that taking some before drinking might prevent hangovers.

How much would you need? Do you really have to drink it straight? Could something more enjoyable, like greasy focaccia bread, work just as well? Let's explore whether this old trick holds up and look at other ways to make hangovers less intense — or maybe even inspire you to take a break from alcohol altogether.

What Is the Olive Oil Trick?

The olive oil trick is exactly what it sounds like: drinking a spoonful of olive oil before consuming alcohol to prevent next-day hangover symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Hangovers are mainly caused by dehydration, inflammation, stomach irritation, and the buildup of toxins produced when your body metabolizes alcohol. For a deeper dive into what happens during a hangover, check out our blog post "What Exactly Happens During a Hangover?"

The Theory Behind the Olive Oil Trick

Is there any science to support this? Partly. One key factor in hangovers is acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When you drink too much, your liver struggles to process it all, leading to a buildup in your system.

Coating your stomach with olive oil may slow alcohol absorption because fat slows down metabolism. This gives your liver more time to process alcohol without becoming overwhelmed.

And yes — you don't necessarily have to drink plain olive oil. Eating something fatty, like greasy pizza or chorizo, can have a similar effect. As one former student noted, "It's fatty, and it sits in your stomach for like 12 hours. For some reason, the hangover goes away."

Searching the Pantry for Hangover Cures

Olive oil isn't the only pantry item rumored to prevent or cure hangovers. Here are a few others:

• Milk: While it can help with rehydration and electrolytes, it won't cure a hangover.
• Milk Thistle: Known for liver benefits, but no clear evidence it prevents hangovers.
• Yeast and Borage: Some studies suggest these may reduce symptoms like discomfort, restlessness, and headaches.
• Prickly Pear Cactus Juice: No significant hangover relief found in studies, but its anti-inflammatory properties warrant further research.
• Pickle Juice: A myth — it might help with electrolytes but won't cure a hangover.
• Cabbage: Ancient Greeks and Romans believed cabbage repelled wine's effects. It may help remove toxins from the body.
• Coffee: Provides a short energy boost but dehydrates you, potentially making the crash worse.
• Burnt Toast: Charcoal can absorb alcohol in cases of poisoning, but it's ineffective once alcohol is in your bloodstream.
• Egg White ("Prairie Oyster"): Unpleasant to drink and unlikely to help — though the thought of it might curb your drinking!

Ultimately, the best way to avoid a hangover is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Alternative Hangover Prevention and Relief

Before you reach for the olive oil, consider these science-backed strategies:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking to combat dehydration.
• Eat Before Drinking: A nutritious meal slows alcohol absorption and provides essential nutrients.
• Watch Your Intake: Set a limit before you go out, or try mocktails for a change.
• Consider Vitamins or Supplements: Magnesium may help with symptoms, but be cautious — many "hangover cure" supplements are ineffective or unsafe.
• Choose Your Drinks Wisely: Dark liquors and red wine contain more congeners, which can worsen hangovers.
• Replenish Nutrients the Next Day: Opt for anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods like avocado, beans, or lentils to help your body recover.

Summing Up

If you're frequently trying to prevent or recover from hangovers, it might be time to reevaluate your drinking habits. There's no need for guilt or strict rules — just an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. If you're curious about cutting back or going alcohol-free, Quitemate is here to support you every step of the way.