Can’t seem to “handle your alcohol” – or do you experience nausea, facial flushing or a racing heart after enjoying a small amount of your favorite cocktail?
These may be signs that you have inherited an inheritance. Alcohol intolerance — and according to the Cleveland Clinic, a mutated gene may be the culprit.
Health experts say this gene mutation blocks the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body.
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Alcohol intolerance testing
An at-home DNA test can detect whether you have the mutation that causes this alcohol disorder.
According to the websites of several laboratory companies that manufacture testing kits, the test looks for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes, which affect metabolism.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a mutated gene can cause hereditary alcohol intolerance. (iStock)
The testing kit, which costs about $150, involves swabbing the cheek and sending the sample to a laboratory company to determine whether Gene mutations are present
According to several websites of testing companies, results are usually available in less than two weeks.
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“A simple mouth swab is all we need to know if you’ve inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and increase your risk of serious complications. Health complications” Genex Diagnostics, a Seattle company specializing in DNA testing, said on its website.
Health experts say the gene mutation blocks the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body. (iStock)
Dr. Francis Lee – a hepatologist (liver doctor) specializing in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health System. New York City — is not affiliated with either lab company, but commented to Fox News Digital about these testing kits.
“The genes in question are ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2,” Lee told Fox News Digital.
He said the ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into the chemical acetaldehyde. The ALDH2 gene then helps oxidize acetaldehyde to acetic acid.
“Mutation or not, I urge any aspiring drinker to consider both the quality and quantity of their drink.”
“This is an important step in the metabolism of ethanol, because acetaldehyde is toxic and inflammatory to cells,” Lee said.
“Mutations in the ALDH2 gene can cause acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work at a slower rate, leading to increased levels of acetaldehyde in the body.”
The testing kit, which costs about $150, involves swabbing the cheek and sending the sample to a laboratory company to determine whether the gene changes are present. (iStock)
Acetaldehyde is also linked to some of the unpleasant symptoms of alcoholism, Like a headacheFlushing, hives and nausea, according to Lee.
Lee told Fox News Digital that this type of genetic test could provide an individual with at least a partial explanation for their alcohol intolerance.
Potential pitfalls of genetic testing
According to Lee, all genetic tests should be approached with caution, as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers.
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 imagine a case where this test might encourage someone to drink less if a previously unknown heterozygosity in ALDH2 is revealed,” Mount Sinai’s Lee told Fox News Digital. “If it does, I will consider this test to be a beneficial result.”
However, there is a chance that the test will not reveal anything Genetic variationwhich can be interpreted as a license to drink even more.
One expert cautioned that all genetic tests should be approached with caution, as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers. (iStock)
“That would be an example of a pernicious outcome,” Lee said.
Although a DNA test can confirm that someone has a defective gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of low-dose alcohol, “it should not be used to encourage others to Can drink more alcohol. [alcohol] without consequences,” Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of Emergency medicine Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.
Tips for responsible drinking
For those who want to enjoy an occasional cocktail, Mackenzie Molitor, a Registered Dietitian And a sports dietitian 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, then avoiding alcohol may be best for you,” he told Fox News Digital. “However, whether or not alcohol is a DNA-changer, I urge anyone wanting to drink to consider both the quality and quantity of their drink.”
One nutritionist warns that spirits with high alcohol content, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, can exacerbate symptoms. (iStock)
Mollitor recommends choosing a quality wine, such as orange wine or other naturally fermented, low-sugar wine that’s high in beneficial polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties.
Spirits with high alcohol content, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, can exacerbate symptoms, the nutritionist warned.
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“No matter what you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men,” Molitor suggested.
Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States, Lee told Fox News Digital.
One expert recommends limiting your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Efforts to reduce risk and prevent alcohol-related morbidity and mortality “are tantamount to improving population and individual health”. Liver transplantation expert
“For people who are concerned about developing liver disease as a result of drinking alcohol, the first step should be to talk to a liver specialist,” advises Lee.
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Fox News Digital reached out to several laboratory companies that sell DNA test kits for further comment, but they did not respond.