A nutrition and genetics specialist has shed light on why a small tipple can leave some feeling as if they've had one too many, pointing towards a potential allergy to alcohol. MyHealthChecked is on a mission to get people to pay attention to the signs of alcohol intolerance. Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis, the nutrigenetics guru at MyHealthChecked, explained: "Every time we drink alcohol, our body breaks it down to acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde is toxic to humans and therefore, it needs to be eliminated. An enzyme (protein) called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is responsible for the elimination of that toxic substance." "In most people, the DNA code (gene) that is responsible for the production of the protective ALDH is correct and the toxic acetaldehyde is cleared efficiently.
In some people however, there is a variation in the ALDH gene, which results in a defective form of the protective enzyme, and accumulation of acetaldehyde." "Symptoms typically start shortly after alcohol consumption. Although the intensity of symptoms varies between individuals, they usually start with facial flushing and warmth, headache and dizziness.
In more severe cases, or after consumption of larger amounts of alcohol, they can escalate to nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations and difficulty with breathing." Dr Yiannis also noted that symptoms might become more pronounced in hot weather and offered advice on how to manage these symptoms to safely enjoy a drink in the summer sun. Drink responsibly, folk.
