Asian Flush Guide and Solutions

What is Asian Flush?

Asian Flush or Asian Glow is a common reaction among East Asians, and small numbers of Caucasians, and ALL Native Americans. It is a condition which is characterized by a low tolerance for alcohol. Alcohol flush reaction, the more technical name, describes the body’s inability to break down ingested alcohol completely.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms are alcohol-induced, can range from mild to severe depending on the individual, and include:

- Redness and “flushing” of the face, neck, or body.

- A burning sensation of heat

- Splotchy redness on the neck, shoulders, and upper torso

- Dizziness/drowsiness

- Increased heart rate

- Shortness of breath and headaches.

The Cause of Asian Glow:

A person who suffers from Asian Glow has an inactive enzyme, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is normally responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of the metabolism of alcohol. Acetaldehyde is a toxin and if your body can’t break it down, it accumulates and causes flushing.

Girls with Asian Flush:

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Asian Glow and Esophageal Cancer:

The effects might be more serious than just a red face. Researchers warn of a link between this condition and an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus from drinking alcohol.

The Public Library of Science reported that the more alcohol that people with this deficiency drink, the greater their risk. In Japan and South Korea, for example, many people have the deficiency but still drink heavily. Researchers found that these drinkers develop a form of esophageal cancer six to ten times more often than those without the deficiency. Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It can be treated when found early, but once it grows the chances of survival drop sharply.

Solution:

The best way to prevent this is don’t drink.

If you still choose to drink, try not to take hard liquor. Rather than drinking one shot of hard liquor, go for a beer, which has a lower alcohol content. Otherwise try mixing your hard liquor with something.

Drink slowly so that you do not overload your system with a lot of alcohol. Remember, before you drink you should drink lots of water and eat lots of food.

For the actual flushing, try wearing slightly heavier foundation when you intend to drink. This doesn’t fully cover the flushing though. Another tip is to wear clothing that has the color red or hot pink, so that your face will look less red by comparison. Always remember to listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel physically uncomfortable, stop drinking—it is for your own benefit!

Non-Alcoholic Party Drinks

When you plan your next get-together, don’t forget about your friends who don’t drink alcohol. Mocktails, simply cocktails without the alcohol, are a delicious and safe alternative to alcoholic beverages and are suitable for partygoers of all ages. Consider having a family-friendly party and provide some fun and festive mocktails for everyone to enjoy.

Here are some of my favorite drinks:

1. Screwdriver

Step 1: Fill a medium-sized glass with chipped ice. Screwdrivers are traditionally served over ice in a short glass.

Step 2: Pour ginger ale into the glass until is half full. You can substitute sparkling cider or soda if you prefer.

Step 3: Fill the rest of the way with your favorite brand of orange juice. Pulpier brands tend to work better at simulating a hard-core Screwdriver.

Step 4: Stir this concoction with a swizzle stick until the orange juice and ginger ale are fully blended. The non-alcoholic Screwdriver is nearly complete.

Step 5: Stick two cocktail straws into the glass. This completes the look of the virgin cocktail.

Step 6: Serve immediately. This drink is best when the ice cubes have not fully melted, diluting the juice and ginger ale.

2. Margaritas

Step 1: Pour the coarse salt onto a plate or saucer.

Step 2: Moisten the rim of a margarita glass with the lime wedge. Dip the glass into the salt until it coats the rim.

Step 3: Fill a margarita glass with ice and pour in the lemon-lime soda, sweet and sour mix and lime juice.

Step 4: Garnish with the lime.

You may be the one that people call “party poopers” or “light-weight drinker” but you will never be an alcoholic. Also, you will probably not suffer from cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, or go broke from buying alcohol. Lastly, you might even live longer than the ones that do drink!

2 Responsesto “Asian Flush Guide and Solutions”

1. Reebkk says:

   March 10, 2010 at 6:58 pm

   Judy this is brilliant! Astounded with the red-faced facts, the picture comments made me chuckle too…hehe
2. Ellie Hughes says:

   May 20, 2010 at 7:50 am

   Hepatitis could lead to liver cirrhosis if you did not maintain a healthy lifestyle.`;~