The reason you get a red face when drinking…

severe allergic reaction to alcohol producing the classic red face symptom

The reason for a red face when drinking is a condition commonly referred to as Asian flush or Alcohol allergy. Alcohol flush reaction, the more technical name, describes the body’s inability to break down ingested alcohol completely.

This condition is quite common in Asians with as many as 50% of Asians experience symptoms of Alcohol Flush Reaction.  Although less common in non Asian people it does still exist.  I know this as I experienced the symptoms myself which included a bright red face when drinking, red patches or rashes on the legs, chest and arms, itching sensation of the skin, an intense nasal congestion, feel extremely bloated around the head and face almost as if my face and head were about to explode, nausea, dizziness, headache, and increased pulse.

The cause of the red face when drinking…

The enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), normally responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of the metabolism of alcohol. Acetaldehyde is a toxin. If your body can’t break it down, it accumulates causing flushing.  Scientists don’t know why the enzyme is inactive primarily in Asian people.  It IS genetic and can be passed on by either parent.

The positive side to people who suffer from the “red face when drinking” and other alcohol allergy effects from drinking…

are found to be at lower risk to experience alcoholism basically because the symptoms of Alcohol Flush Reaction are unpleasant and greatly take away from a persons ability to enjoy the “buzz”.  Not so coincidentally there are lower levels of alcoholism amongst Asian people.

The negative side to people who suffer from the “red face when drinking” is…

there is a much higher possibility or risk for cancer of the stomach and esophagus.  This has not been proven conclusively.  The good news is that if you would prefer NOT to give up drinking but you wish to eliminate or cure your Asian Flush Reaction and its symptoms there is a well known and extremely popular item called The No Red Face Formula.

No Red Face Formula website

no red face formula web site