Did you know that most people with Asian heritage get flushed when they drink alcohol? Apparently, it is a genetic disorder. The reason for this is because of a lack of an enzyme known as aldehyde dehydrogenase. This enzyme is needed to break down alcohol into harmless acetaldehyde, which causes the characteristic Asian flush. The enzyme is made in the liver in two steps.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase
A blood test has shown that most people with Asian ancestry get flushed after drinking alcohol. This flushing reaction is caused by an enzyme called ALDH. This enzyme is essential for breaking down alcohol, and one of the three genes responsible for this condition is defective in Asians. When this enzyme is absent or is deficient, the body will show an abnormal reaction to alcohol. The affected person may have a rash across the chest, arms, or face. The rash is usually harmless, but it can be potentially life-threatening if it occurs repeatedly.
Genetic Disorder
Researchers suggest that Asians who are flushed after drinking alcohol have a genetic disorder that impairs their ability to process acetaldehyde, toxicity produced by alcohol metabolism. Some studies have also shown that Asians have a greater risk of developing stomach cancer and peptic ulcers after alcohol consumption. In addition to that, alcohol consumption can result in an elevated heart rate, constricted airways, and an unpleasant feeling. Apply this Asian glow alcohol to avoid blushing and flushing face.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
While the symptoms of Asian flushing may be harmless, the effects can be severe. The disease can increase the risk of various types of gastrointestinal diseases, including cancer. Most Asians with this syndrome are not alcoholics, but they may be atypical or have a genetic predisposition. As a result, it is crucial to avoid alcohol altogether if you want to avoid an Asian glow.
Low Blood Pressure
The Asian flush is a reaction to alcohol. It is caused by the liver’s inability to break down ethanol into an aldehyde. It is also linked to a lack of tolerance for alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol flushing include low blood pressure, nausea, and redness in the face. The Asian flush is also associated with a low level of tolerance. Most of these people have a low-quality aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme.
Lack of Enzymes
Although the symptoms of the alcohol flush are caused by a lack of the enzymes ADH and ALDH, it is the lack of these enzymes that cause the symptoms. The ALDH2 gene is a gene that helps the body break down alcohol, but it also affects the body’s ability to process it. Most Asians get a flushed face after drinking alcohol, but it is not a dangerous condition.
Susceptible to Alcoholism
This gene is responsible for alcoholism, and people with this genetic condition are likely to be more susceptible to alcoholism. But despite the negative effects of alcohol, the Asian flushing reaction can still be beneficial. Many people with the disease have lower rates of alcoholism than those without the disease. A double dose of ADH results in the same reaction in both men and women. In some studies, this gene has a beneficial effect on health, but it may be helpful in preventing esophageal cancer.
Breaking Down Acetaldehyde
Some people with this genetic mutation have a deficiency of the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. This causes them to get a “flush”. Some of these people will feel sick after drinking alcohol, while others may continue to drink even though they are not in any danger. Fortunately, the disease is treatable. The good news is that most Asians with the variant do not suffer from alcoholism.
Summary
Fortunately, the disease isn’t as severe as it once was. It may have evolved as a protective mechanism to protect the Asian population against the negative effects of alcohol. In addition to the negative effects, the disease is also associated with a decreased risk of alcoholism. Most people with the Asian flush will experience a mild flush. This symptom has no lasting effect on other organs, but it may prevent an individual from getting a hangover.