It is not easy to walk away from a Chinese party without being totally drunk. Holidays usually mean more time to spend with friends and family, but in China, where "bottoms up" (or gan bei, which literally means "empty glass") is a popular toast, it means more pressure to consume alcohol.

Alcohol kills liver cells, and drinking is simply the most hazardous thing one can do to the liver, according to liver disease specialist Chi Xiaoling with Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine.

For those who already have chronic liver disease, alcohol may cause permanent damage. Chi remembered one of her patients who died of cirrhosis, a complication developed from alcoholic hepatitis.

"He was still drinking before he was sent to the hospital the last time," she told the Global Times.

As one popular Chinese toast goes, "If our relationship is good, drink it all." An easy way to impress Chinese people is to never refuse a drink.

The Spring Festival is the time that sees many people ending up in the hospital from trying to cement a relationship. According to Chi, her patients will more than double at this time of year, especially after the holiday.

"Maybe they are too busy drinking [to come the hospital] during the holiday," she said. "I feel that people are not paying enough attention to the liver, which they consider to be invincible. They only come to hospital when they are too sick to work."

Even for healthy people, a one-time drinking binge can result in liver damage.

But unless we are attending an occasion that is designated as alcohol-free, most of our social events are filled with alcoholic beverages, and in China, that usually means baijiu, the country's infamously potent liquor.

Fortunately, there are some strategies for you to successfully socialize while pleasing the liver.

"If you look at those who do not easily get drunk at the table, they actually have some tricks up their sleeve," said Chi, who also specializes in diet therapy.

Alcohol can affect the body's metabolism, causing the loss of protein, which helps to protect the liver. So reach for food that is high in protein such as tofu and ribs while drinking.

Collagen in food such as pig's elbow can create a protective layer in the digestive system and slow down alcohol absorption, protecting the liver, according to Chi. Vegetables that are high in fiber such as kelp and cabbage can also slow down alcohol absorption.

Foods that are high in sodium such as pickles, preserved fish and sausage should be avoided.

"Also, do not drink too quickly, and leave some time for the alcohol to metabolize," she said. "Never drink when the stomach is empty. Having some yogurt or milk before drinking also protects the liver."

Tomato juice, bananas and olives help to dispel the effects of alcohol, and watermelon can help alcohol pass through the urine more quickly.

"Instead of falling right asleep, drink a lot of warm water when you get home. But if one suffers from upper abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and bloating, medical advice should be sought."

People who have a fever should avoid drinking, as most antipyretics, which reduce fever, can react with alcohol, producing harmful effects on the liver. It is also not advised to take any medicine after drinking. People who already have liver problems such as hepatitis and fat deposits on the liver should cut off their alcohol intake.

"Take some non-alcoholic beers, ciders and sparkling water when attending a party," she said. "Don't say you can't drink. Say it is the doctor's orders."