The Good, The Bad And The Downright TERRIFYING Things About ‘Asian Glow’
As an Asian dude, my face has been known to glow red after a beer or two. The phenomenon known as “Asian Glow,” leaves me blushing, my heart beating, my stomach queasy and my head throbbing.
While my non-Asian friends friends poke fun, the glow is actually a condition many Asians face.
Officially titled Alcohol flush reaction, the redness is caused by the body not being able to metabolize alcohol as effectively as others might. Because the syndrome is most common among folks of Asian descent, Asian flush syndrome or Asian Glow is a common nickname.
Your body can’t break down the alcohol
Two enzymes determine how the body breaks down or metabolizes the alcohol consumed. These enzymes are Alcohol dehydrogenase and Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Alcohol dehydrogenase converts alcohol to acetaldehyde (a chemical compound from alcohol) where Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) breaks down acetaldehyde so that it doesn’t harm the body.
Folks with flush syndrome aren’t able to properly break down the acetaldehyde so it builds up in the body and causes the flushing reaction.
The downright scary thing about ‘Asian Glow’
Because acetaldehyde is a toxic, cancer-causing agent, it can trigger inflammation in the upper gastrointestinal tract, says Dr. Victor Lee Tswen Wen, Senior Consultant from the Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery. It can also cause damage to DNA and increase risk for gastrointestinal diseases. This includes esophageal and stomach cancers and peptic ulcers.
According to HealthXchange, those with flush syndrome who regularly drink two beers a day increase their chances of esophageal cancers up to 10 times more than a person who has a normal ALDH2.
The good news is, however, that those with the condition are less likely to become alcoholics. With all the discomfort that comes with alcohol flush, you’re probably not going to drink all the time.
How we currently deal with it
With no current cure for Asian flush syndrome, people use short-term hacks that help keep their faces clear and their heart still when out drinking.
Popping Peptol Bismal about a half hour before drinking has been known to prevent redness in the face. Though consistently ingesting Pepto Bismol, AKA bismuth subsalicylate, can cause toxicity in the body. However, if medicine isn’t your thing we’ve also tried the all-natural Before Elixir that’s filled with antioxidants works pretty well against the Asian glow.
Pro-tips for a night out drinking
Drinking moderately may be asking a lot for some, but if you’re a heavy drinker with flush syndrome make sure you:
Pick drinks with lower alcohol content. This leaves less acetaldehyde for your body to have to break down.
Eat plenty of food. Don’t drink on an empty stomach and try to eat while you’re drinking.
Drink plenty of water. Before you jump headfirst into a few brews, down a glass or two of water. While drinking, alternate between your booze and water/non-alcoholic drinks.
These tips will definitely help your body process alcohol better when you’ve got the Asian Glow.
