“Beer before wine, you’ll feel fine; wine before beer, you’ll feel queer,” is a phrase that has been passed down for generations.

But is there any scientific truth to this saying? Does it really matter what order you consume alcoholic drinks in, or is it all just a myth?.

What Causes a Hangover?

Before we dive into the specifics of drinking beer before wine, let’s first review what causes a hangover. Alcohol, regardless of the type or order of consumption, can lead to a hangover the next day.

A hangover is caused by several factors, including dehydration, inflammation, and the byproducts of alcohol metabolism. Hangover symptoms can vary but commonly include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound.

What is the Beer Before Wine Myth?

The beer before wine myth suggests that consuming beer before wine can help prevent a hangover.

The idea is that starting with a lower alcohol content drink such as beer and then progressing to a higher alcohol content drink such as wine will cause less of a hangover than starting with wine and then switching to beer. The thinking behind this comes from the idea that drinking beer first may help pace the drinking, leading to less alcohol consumption overall, and ultimately less of a hangover.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence to Back this Up?

Despite the popular belief that drinking beer before wine can help prevent a hangover, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

In fact, research conducted at the University of Cambridge found that the order of consumption made no difference in the severity of hangover symptoms. The study involved 90 participants, who were split into three groups and given different orders of drinks to consume. One group consumed only beer, one group consumed only wine, and the third group consumed both beer and wine in alternating order.

The results showed that the severity of hangover symptoms was the same across all three groups.

Other Factors that can Influence a Hangover

While the order of consumption may not matter, there are other factors that can influence the severity of a hangover. Here are a few things to keep in mind:.

1. Alcohol Content:

The higher the alcohol content of the drink, the more likely you are to experience a hangover. Consuming drinks with lower alcohol content, such as beer or wine, can help decrease the severity of a hangover.

2. Amount Consumed:

The more alcohol you consume, the more severe your hangover symptoms are likely to be. Pace yourself while drinking and limit your overall consumption to reduce the likelihood of a severe hangover.

3. Hydration:

Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can lead to headaches and other hangover symptoms. Drinking water or other non-alcoholic beverages between drinks can help keep you hydrated and reduce the severity of a hangover.

4. Mixing Drinks:

Drinking a variety of alcoholic beverages can increase the likelihood of a hangover. Stick to one type of drink to minimize the severity of hangover symptoms.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Beer Before Wine

Despite the popular belief that drinking beer before wine can help prevent a hangover, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

While the order of consumption may not be important, other factors such as alcohol content, amount consumed, hydration, and mixing drinks can influence the severity of a hangover. Remember to pace yourself while drinking, drink plenty of water, and stick to one type of drink to minimize hangover symptoms.