Many East Asians experience a noticeable facial flush after consuming even small amounts of alcohol, a phenomenon often called "Asian flush" or "Asian glow". This reaction, affecting approximately 38% of East Asians, is estimated to impact 560 million people globally who carry a specific gene variant. Lucas Kwan Peterson, a Chinese American, vividly recalls his first experience with this at a Chicago party in the US. After just a few sips, his cheeks and the area around his eyes turned red. Further consumption led to a warm scalp and neck, an increased heart rate, and sometimes headaches and nausea.
The underlying cause of this reaction is the body's method of alcohol breakdown. Typically, the body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance. The ALDH2 enzyme then further processes acetaldehyde into a less harmful form for elimination. However, individuals with the ALDH2 gene variant possess an enzyme that functions less efficiently. This inefficiency leads to acetaldehyde accumulating rapidly rather than being quickly broken down.
Becca Krock, a scientist at the genetic testing company 23andMe in the US, confirms that this accumulation of acetaldehyde is the direct cause of symptoms such as facial flushing, rapid heart rate, headaches, and nausea.
Many individuals, including Peterson, have attempted various remedies to lessen the redness, but these efforts are largely ineffective. Peterson tried strategies like eating a full meal before drinking, taking hot showers, and using antacids and allergy medication, none of which yielded positive results. Similarly, many others use antihistamines or acid reducers, hoping to conceal the visible flushing, but these medications do not enhance the body's ability to break down acetaldehyde.
Che Hong Chen, a researcher at Stanford University in the US, emphasizes that the physical discomfort associated with alcohol flushing is a crucial warning sign for the body to cease drinking. Masking these symptoms with medication can lead individuals to mistakenly believe they have a higher alcohol tolerance, prompting them to consume more while toxins continue to build up. Furthermore, regular drinking does not improve alcohol tolerance for those with the ALDH2 variant, as the enzyme's ability to process toxins is entirely dictated by genetic predisposition.
As he matured, Peterson gradually adapted his drinking habits. He now often chooses low-alcohol beverages or soft drinks. He highlights the practical benefits of drinking less, such as saving money and never driving while intoxicated. For him, declining a drink no longer carries the social apprehension it once did.
Ngoc Ngan (According to Los Angeles Times, Washington Post)
