Genetic predisposition to alcohol consumption

Does a small glass of wine make you experience face flushing or a pint of beer gives you a stuffy nose? You probably are intolerant to Alcohol. There is a difference between alcohol intolerance & alcohol allergy. It is the former that causes alcohol flush reaction. Alcohol tolerance is linked to our genetic predisposition to alcohol which we are going to discuss at length in this blog. We are also going to detail about symptoms linked to alcohol sensitivity, diseases associated with alcohol intolerance & how we can manage this.

Alcohol intolerance is a genetic disorder that is caused by alcohol consumption. The main culprit in this entire process is a chemical called acetaldehyde – a toxic product that is produced in our body when it is broken down into our system. This issue begins in the liver when we consume alcohol. It is neutralised by enzymes. At first instance, it is converted into acetaldehyde. Then the ALDH2 enzyme neutralises it so that it can be removed from your body. Those suffering from alcohol intolerance have enzymes that do not work together or do not work fast enough, so acetaldehyde accumulates. When there is lot of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream, it creates lot of side effects such as nausea, flushing etc.. 

Your genetic makeup determines the speed at which these enzymes work & that causes issues related to alcohol intolerance such as,

1. The acetaldehyde-neutralising enzymes work slowly. This essentially means that it takes time for the substance to be broken down & removed from the body. 
2. Enzymes are not synced. The enzymes that convert alcohol into acetaldehyde & those that neutralize acetaldehyde does not talk to each other, acetaldehyde can build up.

Alcohol intolerance is associated with combination of ADH1B & ALDH2 genes variants that influences your alcohol neutralising enzymes. 

Symptoms of alcohol intolerance include:

1. Flushing
2. Hives
3. Blocky nose
4. Nausea
5. Diarrhoea
6. Low Blood Pressure
7. Drowsiness

Besides, some alcohol intolerance is not solely based upon your genetic code. There are other substances in alcohol that cause your body to react. For example, sudden alcohol tolerance is caused due to some specific diseases or sensitivities to certain substances found in alcohol. Some of these causes can include:

1. Gluten Intolerance 
2. Sulfite Sensitivity
3. Histamine Intolerance

If you experience a flush reaction sometimes, it may be due to consumption of some specific alcohol. For instance, red wine &  beer contains sulphites & histamine & if you are sensitive to these substances, you may feel that kick & it is always recommended to figure out alternatives so that it does not trigger your immune system.

If you feel a sudden alcohol flush reaction after you consume alcohol, then you should immediately  consult a doctor. Alcohol intolerance is diagnosed on the basis of immediate alcohol flush reaction followed by a headache.

It is quite unfortunate that there is no cure for alcohol intolerance. The only way to manage this to avoid alcohol consumption. It is also recommended to avoid tobacco consumption that can increase the level of acetaldehyde in the body.

Discover your personal traits & learn about your genetic makeup to alcohol intolerance. By subscribing to our membership & preventive health solutions, you will get access to various resources, guidance, training, coaching & workshops covering the impact of your genetic predisposition to various aspects of health that will help you maximise your fitness potential & improve your health. Sign up for our membership here.