Does a Shot of Olive Oil Before Drinking Actually Prevent Hangovers?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

The idea of taking a shot of olive oil before drinking alcohol to prevent a hangover has gained traction, fueled by viral social media trends and celebrity endorsements. But does a shot of olive oil before drinking actually work, or is it just another piece of folklore? The scientific consensus suggests otherwise, pointing to more effective, evidence-based strategies for harm reduction.

Quick Summary

The popular belief that olive oil coats the stomach to block alcohol absorption is a myth. Science indicates it only slightly delays absorption, with the liver still processing the alcohol.

Key Points

Coating the Stomach is a Myth: Olive oil does not form a lasting, protective barrier to block alcohol absorption in the stomach.
Limited Absorption Delay: Any delay in alcohol absorption caused by oil is minimal, as most alcohol is absorbed later in the small intestine.
No Effect on Metabolism: Olive oil does not interfere with the liver's metabolism of alcohol, which creates toxic byproducts causing hangovers.
Better Prevention Methods Exist: Eating a balanced meal, staying hydrated, and drinking in moderation are scientifically proven methods to mitigate alcohol's effects.
Placebo Effect: Perceived benefits from the oil shot are likely due to the placebo effect rather than a physiological change.
Not a Cure-All: While olive oil is healthy, a single shot is not enough to offset the inflammatory effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

The Myth: How the 'Stomach Coating' Theory Works

For years, the folk wisdom surrounding olive oil and alcohol suggested a simple, physical mechanism. The theory posits that consuming a shot of olive oil creates a protective layer, or 'coating,' on the lining of your stomach. This barrier is supposedly meant to slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, mitigating its intoxicating effects and subsequently reducing the severity of a next-day hangover. This notion is often heard in Mediterranean cultures, where olive oil is a dietary staple. However, the reality of human digestion is far more complex than this simple explanation suggests.

Why the Stomach Coating Theory Falls Short

While it is true that consuming any fatty food can delay gastric emptying—the process by which your stomach empties its contents into the small intestine—this effect is minimal and temporary. The vast majority of alcohol absorption (around 80%) happens in the small intestine, not the stomach. Any slight delay caused by a shot of olive oil only postpones the inevitable absorption of alcohol, it does not prevent it. The alcohol you drink will eventually enter your bloodstream and be processed by your liver, regardless of whether you’ve had a shot of oil beforehand.

The Scientific Reality: Alcohol Metabolism and the Liver

Hangover symptoms—including headaches, nausea, and fatigue—are primarily caused by the body's reaction to toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism, especially acetaldehyde. The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol, first into this toxic compound and then into a less harmful substance, acetate. The body's capacity to process acetaldehyde is limited. When you drink too much, too quickly, acetaldehyde builds up and causes oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to feeling unwell. Olive oil has no proven mechanism to interfere with or accelerate this metabolic process.

While extra virgin olive oil is rich in beneficial antioxidants, the amount from a single shot is simply not enough to counteract the significant oxidative stress caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The best way to manage alcohol's effects is through well-established, scientifically supported methods, not unproven home remedies.

Better Strategies for Hangover Prevention

Instead of relying on a folkloric remedy, adopt proven strategies to manage alcohol's effects on your body. These methods focus on the real mechanisms of alcohol absorption and metabolism.

Effective Tips for Drinking Responsibly:

Eat a Full Meal: Consume a substantial meal containing a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats before you start drinking. A full stomach slows gastric emptying more effectively and for longer than a single shot of oil, pacing alcohol absorption.
Stay Hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic and a major cause of hangover dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. A good rule of thumb is to alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.
Moderate Your Intake: The most effective method is to simply drink less. Setting limits for yourself and pacing your intake gives your liver time to process the alcohol efficiently, preventing the buildup of toxins.
Replenish Nutrients: After drinking, consuming nutrient-rich foods and drinks that replenish electrolytes can help your body recover. Coconut water or a sports drink can be beneficial.

The Olive Oil Myth vs. The Scientific Reality: A Comparison


Aspect	The Olive Oil Myth	The Scientific Reality
Mechanism	Coats the stomach to block alcohol absorption.	No effective coating is formed; most absorption occurs in the small intestine.
Effect on Absorption	Significantly slows down or prevents alcohol from entering the bloodstream.	Causes a slight, temporary delay in gastric emptying.
Hangovers	Prevents or cures hangovers by stopping absorption.	No effect on the liver's metabolism of alcohol, which is the primary cause of hangovers.
Scientific Evidence	None. Relies on anecdotal stories and celebrity endorsements.	Abundant evidence supports that true prevention involves moderation and hydration.
Best Use Case	As a pre-drinking 'quick fix'.	As part of a healthy diet, drizzled over food, for its antioxidant benefits.

Conclusion: Prioritize Science Over Folklore

The idea that a shot of olive oil before drinking can prevent a hangover is a persistent myth, but one that lacks any scientific basis. While the oil's high-fat content can cause a slight delay in alcohol absorption, it does not prevent the process or impact the liver's metabolic functions, which are the true cause of hangover symptoms. The best way to avoid feeling unwell the next day is through responsible choices grounded in scientific understanding. Eating a well-balanced meal, staying properly hydrated with water, and moderating your alcohol consumption are the most reliable strategies for a more enjoyable night and a better morning after. For reliable health information, always consult authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a shot of olive oil before drinking does not prevent a hangover. The theory is a myth that lacks scientific evidence. Hangovers are caused by the liver's metabolism of alcohol, a process that olive oil does not affect.

The theory is that the high-fat content of olive oil 'coats' the stomach lining, creating a barrier that slows down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This is a misconception, as most alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine.

The most effective ways to prevent a hangover are to drink in moderation, eat a substantial, balanced meal before consuming alcohol, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Some people may perceive a benefit due to the placebo effect or because any fatty food can slightly delay the feeling of intoxication. This is often mistaken for preventing the hangover itself.

Yes, consuming a complete meal that includes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins is far more effective at slowing alcohol absorption than a single shot of oil. It gives your liver more time to process alcohol.

While a shot of high-quality extra virgin olive oil has no inherent harm for most people, it can cause digestive upset for some. More importantly, relying on it as a 'quick fix' can lead to drinking more and having a worse hangover.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and offers general health benefits as part of a balanced diet. However, the amount of antioxidants in a single shot is too small to counteract the inflammation caused by heavy drinking.