Why does my face turn red when I drink alcohol? 🥵🥵🥵

I am someone who enjoys drinking alcohol.

It's about the point where I get pleasantly tipsy and my cheeks flush, but sometimes even just one or two drinks make my face turn red like a baked sweet potato. ㅠㅠ

 

The phenomenon of facial redness when drinking alcohol is called alcohol flush reaction. This occurs during the process of metabolizing alcohol in the liver, especially in people with low activity of the enzyme ALDH2 that breaks down acetaldehyde.

 

Why does my face turn red?

1. Alcohol metabolism process

Ethanol contained in alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde in the liver.

- Acetaldehyde is highly toxic and needs to be broken down quickly, but if the ALDH2 enzyme does not function properly, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body.

2. Vasodilation

- Acetaldehyde causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a reddening of the face.

 

Can it affect your health?

Blushing may simply be due to individual differences, but please pay attention to the following:

Sensitive to alcohol: When the level of acetaldehyde in the body is high, symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or nausea may occur.

- Long-term risk: There are research findings suggesting that continuous accumulation of acetaldehyde may increase the risk of esophageal cancer, liver disease, and other conditions.

 

🔥Coping methods

1. Appropriate intake: It is most important to drink in moderation, within the level you can digest.

2. Drink alcohol slowly: Drinking slowly allows your body time to process the alcohol.

3. Choose beverages with low alcohol content: Drinking drinks with lower alcohol levels can reduce the burden.

4. Consume with side dishes: Eating food together can help reduce alcohol absorption.

 

If your face turns very red or feels uncomfortable after drinking alcohol, it is important to adjust your intake according to your constitution.