Do you have a terrible hangover or do you feel bad just drinking some alcohol? It could be a sign of intolerance – or even allergy – to alcoholic beverages.
Do you have a terrible hangover or do you feel bad just drinking some alcohol? It could be a sign of intolerance – or even allergy – to alcoholic beverages.
What we mean by “hangover” is a specific set of symptoms, typically a burning headache, nausea, intense thirst, fatigue, and mental fog.
All this happens after the consumption of alcoholic beverages or, more precisely, as a result of a series of processes in the body triggered by alcohol.
Alcohol is toxic and the body needs to convert it into non-toxic substances. But this takes time and causes symptoms to last a full day or even longer.
The duration and severity of a hangover can vary depending not only on the content and amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the speed at which our body processes it, which varies from person to person.
Dehydration is an important part of a hangover, as it can be responsible for many other typical symptoms, from headaches and fatigue to anxiety and sensitivity to light and sound, according to Timothy Watts, an adult allergy specialist. . hospital The London Clinic.
genetic intolerance
Anyone who drinks to excess is likely to experience these harmful effects to a greater or lesser extent.
But people who have alcohol intolerance often experience particularly severe hangover symptoms, due to a genetic metabolic disorder that “causes the body to process or metabolize alcohol incorrectly,” according to Watts.
When we drink alcohol, an enzyme in our body called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) breaks down into a compound called acetaldehyde. And another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), transforms acetaldehyde into acetic acid (vinegar), which is non-toxic.
Older adults have a lower than average ALDH, which explains why our reaction to alcohol seems to worsen with age. But people with genetic intolerance have an ALDH mutation, according to Watts.
“The mutation of this fundamental enzyme generates accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body and several unpleasant symptoms,” explains the doctor. “Typically, they include extensive redness of the skin and other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, palpitations, headaches and fatigue.”
Research indicates that this is one of the most common inherited diseases in the world, affecting 560 million people, or 8% of the world’s population. The highest incidence (35-40%) is in people of East Asian descent.
Other types of intolerance
In other cases, people may be intolerant of the substances that give color and flavor to alcoholic beverages rather than the alcohol itself. Common examples are histamine (found in red wine) and salicylates (found in wine, beer, rum and sherry).
Some people are intolerant to alcohol preservatives called sulphites. They find that its consumption can lead to symptoms that include a runny or runny nose, severe headache, hives, itching, wheezing, and stomach upset.
Research indicates that up to 10% of asthmatics are sensitive to sulfites, with reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening.
“Wheezing and symptoms in the nasal region occur in particular due to the release of sulfur dioxide, which causes irritation of the airways,” Watts explains.
Alcoholic beverages that are high in sulfites and / or histamine include wine (red, white, rosé, and sparkling), cider, and beer. Some varieties of gin and vodka, in addition to “natural wines”, are low in sulphites. But asthma experts advise allergy sufferers to choose their drinks carefully, as even low-sulfite wines contain some of the substance.
allergies to alcohol
“True alcohol allergy is rare,” according to Fiona Sim, chief medical consultant for the British organization Drinkaware. “Instead of alcohol, it is much more common for people to be allergic to one of the ingredients of alcohol, such as wheat, barley or other grains.”
Another type of allergen is lipid transfer protein (LTP). It is found in fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds, and grains and may also be present in some alcoholic beverages.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to LTP typically appear within 15 to 30 minutes and include swelling, itching, digestive problems, breathing difficulties and, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. LTP is not destroyed by heat.
“LTP allergy is an increasingly recognized cause of food allergy in the UK, certainly over the past five years,” says Watts. “Alcoholic beverages can trigger reactions in many cases, as can other food groups.”
It is sometimes very difficult for consumers to know if an alcoholic drink contains allergens or ingredients that cause intolerance. However, in many countries, alcohol manufacturers are not required to include a complete list of ingredients or nutritional information on the label.
So Fiona Sim advises anyone who knows they are allergic to certain foods, especially grains, to remember that they can also be present in drinks.
“This risk needs to be considered,” he says. “Someone with a severe allergy, which can be fatal, should be advised to ask the manufacturer about the ingredients in a drink before trying it.”
This is especially important for people who drink cocktails or other mixes of drinks, which will have longer and more varied component lists. “Think of all the ingredients to avoid anything you are allergic to,” advises your doctor.
Alcoholic beverages can also cause allergic reactions when consumed with food, as alcohol can interfere with the intestinal lining. Someone who is allergic to wheat, for example, may only experience a reaction after eating the wheat followed by alcohol or exercise. “This is called food-dependent cofactor-induced anaphylaxis,” according to Watts.
cooking with alcohol
Many sweet and savory recipes contain alcohol, including red wine stews and stews, as well as liqueur-soaked cakes. Is it possible to consume these foods when you have an intolerance to alcohol or an allergy?
“Alcohol and sulphites tend to evaporate during cooking, so the potential for intolerance is definitely reduced,” Watts explains. But if you are allergic to an ingredient found in certain alcoholic beverages, it is not safe to consume dishes that contain that drink.
In case of doubt
It’s relatively easy to tell the difference between a hangover and alcohol intolerance.
“Hangovers are usually strongest in the morning after a night of heavy drinking,” according to Timothy Watts. “But genetic metabolic intolerances occur more quickly, usually within an hour of consumption.”
Differentiating intolerance from allergy is more difficult, as the symptoms can be similar. Some allergic reactions are almost instant, but not all.
“If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional,” advises Watts. “Alcohol reaction tests typically consist of specialized blood tests for allergies, skin prick tests, and perhaps even a food challenge.”
Fiona Sim advises people with any kind of alcohol intolerance to avoid drinking, but acknowledges that “many people are willing to endure the discomfort of skin rashes and perhaps mild abdominal symptoms to continue drinking alcohol occasionally.”
It is especially important not to drink alcohol if you have a genetic intolerance, as this “will increase the risk of organ damage from alcohol, including some cancers and liver disease.”
When it comes to allergy to any component of an alcoholic drink, you should never consume it. “It can be deadly,” she concludes.
– This text was published in https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/geral-62760551
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
