Do you feel like you “can't handle the alcohol” — or do you feel nauseous, flushed, or have a racing heart after enjoying small amounts of your favorite cocktail?
These may be signs that you have inherited it Alcohol intolerance – A mutated gene could be to blame, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Health experts said that this genetic mutation hinders the body's ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its derivatives from the body.
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Alcohol intolerance test
An at-home DNA test can detect if you have the mutation causing this alcohol problem.
The test looks for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes, which affect metabolism, according to the websites of several laboratory companies that produce the test kits.
A mutated gene can cause hereditary alcohol intolerance, according to the Cleveland Clinic. (Istock)
The test kit, which costs about $150, includes a cheek swab and mailing the sample to a laboratory company to see if Genetic mutations They exist.
Results usually come in less than two weeks, according to several testing company websites.
Deaths from alcohol have doubled in recent years, especially among women
“A simple mouth swab is all we need to know if you have inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and may increase your risk of serious disease. Health complications“, Genex Diagnostics, a Seattle-based company that specializes in DNA testing, said on its website.
Health experts said that the genetic mutation hinders the body's ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its derivatives from the body. (Istock)
Dr. Frances Lee — Hepatologist (Hepatologist) specializing in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City – He is not affiliated with any of the lab companies, but commented to Fox News Digital about these test kits.
“The genes involved are ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2,” Lee told Fox News Digital.
He said that the ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into the chemical acetaldehyde. The ALDH2 gene then helps oxidize acetaldehyde to acetic acid.
“Whether it is a boom or not, I would urge anyone who wants to drink alcohol to consider the quality and quantity of their drinks.”
“This is an important step in ethanol metabolism, because acetaldehyde is toxic and inflammatory to cells,” Lee said.
“Variations in the ALDH2 gene can cause the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work at a slower rate, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde levels in the body.”
The test kit, which costs about $150, involves a cheek swab and mailing the sample to a laboratory company to see if genetic mutations are present. (Istock)
Acetaldehyde is also associated with some unpleasant symptoms of alcohol poisoning, Like a headacheredness, hives and nausea, according to me.
This type of genetic testing may provide an individual with at least a partial explanation for their alcohol intolerance, Lee told Fox News Digital.
Potential disadvantages of genetic testing
All genetic testing should be treated with caution, because it can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, Lee said.
Other health experts told Fox News Digital that there are pros and cons to this type of genetic testing.
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“I can envision a situation where this test might encourage a person to drink less if a previously unknown heterozygosity for ALDH2 is detected,” Mount Sinai's Lee told Fox News Digital. “If that happens, I would consider this test to have a useful result.”
However, there is a possibility that the test will not reveal anything Genetic variationWhich could be interpreted as a license to drink more.
One expert warned that all genetic tests must be treated with caution, because they may sometimes lead to more questions than answers. (Istock)
“This would be an example of a harmful outcome,” Lee said.
While DNA testing can confirm that someone has a defective gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of alcohol in lower doses, it “should not be used to encourage others that they can drink more (alcohol) without repercussions,” says Dr. Farid. Davis, Assistant President L Emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, to Fox News Digital.
Tips for responsible drinking
For those who want to enjoy an occasional cocktail, Makenzi Mollitor, a Registered dietitian A sports nutritionist at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, has some advice.
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“If you're someone who feels like their body is screaming at them even after one drink, abstaining from alcohol may be best for you,” she told Fox News Digital. “However, whether there is a mutation in alcohol's DNA or not, I would urge anyone who wants to drink alcohol to consider the quality and quantity of their drinks.”
The nutritionist warned that spirits with a higher alcohol concentration, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, could worsen symptoms. (Istock)
Molitor recommends choosing a high-quality alcohol, such as orange wine or other naturally fermented, low-sugar wines that are high in beneficial polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties.
The nutritionist warned that spirits with a higher alcohol concentration, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, could worsen symptoms.
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“No matter what you choose to consume, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than the recommended drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men,” Molitor advised.
Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading reason for liver transplants in the United States, Lee told Fox News Digital.
One expert advises limiting your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
According to the report, efforts to reduce risks and prevent alcohol-related morbidity and mortality “equivalent to improving the health of populations and individuals.” Liver transplant specialized.
“For people who are concerned about developing liver disease from drinking alcohol, talking to a liver specialist should be the first step,” Lee advises.
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Fox News Digital reached out to several lab companies that sell DNA testing kits for further comment but did not receive any response.
