Why Some Of Us Turn Red When We Start Drinking
And no, we're not blushing...
- by
Alex Pierotti
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We all have that mate who turns beetroot after a few drinks. Wait, that's you? How many times have you been razzed about sunburn? Well, it turns out the problem is more than just skin deep.
According to Buzzfeed Science, the condition is a result of a deficiency in the ALDH2 enzyme – the enzyme that helps neutralise alcohol in your system.
Once you start drinking, an enzyme in your body converts the alcohol into acetaldehyde, a poisonous by-product of booze. Another enzyme, ALDH2, then neutralises that byproduct.
Unfortunately, a lack of the ALDH2 enzyme can result in Alcohol Flush Syndrome - a condition that causes your skin to turn red, rapid breathing, nausea and vertigo.
Ending the tomato jokes might be a good reason to cut back on drinking – you might just be doing your body a favour as well. Find out the 8 things that happen when you stop drinking alcohol.