What if the key to surviving a hangover is as simple as eating a slice of cheese? A recent study out of Seoul suggests that probiotics found in cheese might actually help reduce the nasty effects of drinking, and it’s all about what’s going on in your liver.

When you drink alcohol, your liver works hard to break it down, but a byproduct called acetaldehyde can build up and cause the dreaded hangover symptoms – think nausea, headache, and fatigue. Some probiotic bacteria, like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium, are known to help break down acetaldehyde. However, until now, there hasn’t been much research on how they might help in foods, like cheese.

Related story: The kids cheeses that adults secretly love

Enter the study that tested probiotic cheese with two specific bacteria: Lactococcus lactis LB1022 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB1418. Researchers found that the probiotics in cheese helped speed up alcohol metabolism by boosting key liver enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase). It also activates important pathways that reduce fat buildup in the liver and reduce inflammation, which can happen when you drink too much.

In simple terms, this cheese seems to help your liver handle alcohol better, which could mean less discomfort the next day. 

That’s a lot of Latin, but bear with us because the best part is yet to come.

Cheeses that are particularly high in these hangover-fighting fungi include fresh goat’s cheese… and shredded cheddar cheese. Which means that all those times you’ve shoved a fistful of cheese in your gob before a night on the booze? You’re kind of taking care of yourself. Thanks, science!

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How to cure a hangover

Uh-oh, that bad huh? If you’re reading this, we suspect you might have gotten a little carried away. Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for a hangover. Some say pickle juice, others say bacon. The responsible adult in us says prevention is better than cure.

In the meantime, pop a Hydralyte, order a pizza, and head back to bed. Oh, and maybe don’t look at your sent messages.

Drink responsibly. Eat cheese.

Related story: Science says consuming wine and cheese daily is good for your brain