By: Lydia Li, CEO and founder of iBlush

Alcohol flush, commonly known as “Asian Glow,” has been the subject of many debates and misunderstandings. While many people think of it as a normal cosmetic reaction to alcohol, the truth is that this phenomenon has deep roots in genetics and can carry serious health implications. 

Let’s unpack some of the most common misconceptions surrounding alcohol flush and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.

What is Asian Glow?

The term ‘Asian Glow’ might sound lighthearted, but it refers to a genetic condition primarily affecting people of East Asian descent. However, this issue isn’t limited to any single ethnic group. While alcohol flush is most commonly observed in East Asians, studies suggest that a smaller percentage of other groups, including some Caucasians and Native Americans, may also experience this reaction.

Moreover, alcohol flush is a deficiency in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. Without enough of this enzyme, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, which then causes symptoms like facial redness, nausea, headaches, and an elevated heart rate.

It’s important to understand that alcohol flush doesn’t discriminate based on ethnicity. Anyone with a deficiency in ALDH2 could experience it. The reason it’s more common in East Asians is due to the higher prevalence of this enzyme deficiency within that population, but other groups can be affected as well. This reaction is genetic and not solely tied to race or culture.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth 1: You can train your body to tolerate alcohol flush over time.

One of the most common misconceptions is the idea that drinking more regularly will allow your body to build a tolerance to alcohol flush and stop the reaction. This simply isn’t true. While you can build a tolerance to the intoxicating effects of alcohol, alcohol flush is rooted in a genetic deficiency and cannot be “trained away.”

• Myth 2: Alcohol flush is harmless, and drinking more won’t cause damage.

Continuing to drink despite experiencing alcohol flush can be harmful. The more frequently you expose your body to alcohol when you have an ALDH2 deficiency, the higher your risk of serious long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of cancers linked to acetaldehyde accumulation, such as oropharyngeal cancer and irreversible DNA damage.

• Myth 3: Antihistamines can stop alcohol flush.

Another misconception is that antihistamines can stop alcohol flush. Although antihistamines may reduce visible redness, they do not prevent acetaldehyde buildup. Masking these signs could inadvertently lead some individuals to consume more alcohol, which can increase their exposure to acetaldehyde’s effects.

Cosmetic vs. Gut Health?

“I get a little red, but it’s no big deal” is something I’ve heard many times from friends, relatives, and even people on social media. Research indicates that individuals with alcohol flush syndrome may have a significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer due to acetaldehyde buildup. Recognized health organizations have noted this correlation, emphasizing the importance of monitoring alcohol intake for those affected.

Research suggests that individuals with ALDH2 deficiency may experience heightened strain on organs like the liver and increased cardiovascular stress due to acetaldehyde exposure. Over time, this buildup can contribute to greater health risks, underscoring the importance of cautious alcohol consumption for those affected.

So, is alcohol flush a cosmetic issue, or is it a matter of gut health? The answer is both—but it leans heavily toward the latter. Your body’s response to alcohol flush is a red flag that there’s something going on internally, specifically in how your body processes alcohol and toxins.

Final Thoughts on the Rumor Mill

There are so many misconceptions swirling around alcohol flush, and unfortunately, some of these can lead people to make decisions that put their health at risk. The notion that one can build a tolerance to alcohol flush through repeated exposure is a misconception. Alcohol flush is rooted in genetics, and therefore, increasing alcohol intake will not alter or reduce the reaction over time.

Alcohol flush is a sign that your body is struggling to process alcohol. It’s not something to be ignored or trivialized as a cosmetic quirk. Recognizing this condition for what it is—an indicator of potential health risks—can help you make more informed decisions about your alcohol consumption.

If you experience alcohol flush, it’s imperative to understand the risks associated with continuing to drink regularly. The reaction may seem like a minor inconvenience now, but it could have severe implications for your long-term health.

Published by: Khy Talara