Do you go red with alcohol, but ask yourself can it really be Asian flush if I'm not Asian? Then you have come to the right place. There is a common misconception that you have to be Asian or be of Asian descent to have Asian flush, but this is not true. The simple answer to the question is, that you can have Asian flush if you are not Asian.
The reason why it has been named ‘Asian’ flush is due to the large amount of the East Asian population that experiences this phenomenon. According to this study around 36% of East Asians have this genetic mutation.
This mutation is simply a deficiency in the enzyme needed to break down the toxic by-product of alcohol. So even Caucasians can experience Asian flush.
Here at Flush Off we know the uncomfortable feeling all to well, we will be going over the science behind Alcohol flush, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Asian Flush in Caucasians, What is It?
Asian flush/alcohol flush happens due to a deficiency in the enzyme ALDH2. This enzyme is normally active and helps break down acetaldehyde which is a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism, but for people who struggle with alcohol flush, this enzyme is inefficient in breaking down alcohol, which causes acetaldehyde to get into the bloodstream and leads to symptoms like:
- Red flushed face on the face/neck/chest
- Tight chest or throat
- Headaches/migraines
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea/Sickness
- Bloodshot or itchy eyes
So, What is Causing Asian Flush In Caucasians?
Asian flush can happen to anyone, just because it is called ‘Asian’ flush does not mean it's only seen in Asians. This type of genetic condition is passed down through generations. So, if one of your parents has Asian flush, you will also have a chance of getting this genetic deficiency too.
What causes this reaction then? From this article, we have shown how getting a red face and other alcohol flush symptoms is started the same way as people who are Asian It all comes down to having an ineffective enzyme called ALDH2. This causes your body to effectively break down alcohol which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
At this moment in time, there is no cure for alcohol flush, although there are products like our flush patches that contain vitamins and antioxidants that assist the body in the breakdown of acetaldehyde.