Does eating before drinking prevent a hangover according to Spanish university research?

No, research from a Spanish university found that eating before or during drinking does not prevent alcohol-induced headaches or hangovers.

What is the most common hangover symptom identified by scientists?

The most common hangover symptom identified by scientists is thirst, which was experienced by virtually every participant.

What is clinophilia and how common is it during a hangover?

Clinophilia, also known as 'staying-in-bed syndrome,' is a strong determination to remain in bed and affected 88.5% of hungover participants in the study.

Home / Health / Hangover Myth Busted: Food Offers No Protection

Hangover Myth Busted: Food Offers No Protection

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Eating before or during drinking does not prevent alcohol-induced headaches.
Thirst is the most common hangover symptom, linked to headaches.
Clinophilia, or staying in bed, affects over 88% of hungover individuals.

Hangover Myth Busted: Food Offers No Protection

A recent scientific study has debunked the common belief that eating before drinking alcohol can prevent a hangover. Researchers investigated the effects of food consumption on hangover symptoms, finding no evidence that eating before or during alcohol intake mitigates headaches. This challenges a widely held notion about mitigating the after-effects of a night out.

The study identified thirst as the most prevalent symptom, experienced by nearly all participants. Prolonged thirst was notably linked to the occurrence of headaches. Other common symptoms included a stuffy or runny nose, hunger, and sensitivity to light and sound. A significant majority also experienced 'staying-in-bed syndrome,' a strong desire to remain in bed.

While eating before bed may slightly shorten hangover duration, this effect was not statistically significant. The findings, published in the journal Life, emphasize that popular strategies for preventing hangovers lack scientific backing, highlighting thirst and a desire to stay in bed as more common after-effects than previously thought.