How to Get Rid of Asian Glow
Asian glow, Asian sensation, Asian explosion, Asian flush or Asian blush; a rosy face by any other name is just that; a rosy face. Hang with me here and let’s look at the possible causes for a person of Asian descent to have a rosy face while drinking alcohol. Most non-Asians have aldehyde dehydroxygenase 2, or ALDH2, which is an enzyme in the liver that metabolizes alcohol. Findings show that most Asians lack this enzyme or theirs is like the Teenage Ninja Turtles: mutant. This altered enzyme is ALDH2*2 and the difference between it and ALDH2 is more than just an asterisk and an extra “2”. ALDH2 metabolizes alcohol while ALDH2*2 does not allow alcohol to be processed efficiently.
Eat to Drink
Some people eat to live, others live to eat. “We eat to drink” is a phrase that sufferers of Asian glow may want to add. Since the problem may involve the body’s inability to metabolize alcohol, the goal is to provide less alcohol that needs to be converted. Complex carbohydrates like bread, crackers and toast are some food choices that stay in the stomach and help absorb liquid. Protein rich or high fat foods such as cheese, poultry, eggs and milk stay in your digestive system and while there soak up some of the alcohol.
Fruit Today May Keep Asian Glow Away
Fruits and fruit juices have Vitamin C and fructose. Scientific studies done at the University of Michigan indicated that people taking high doses of Vitamin C before drinking were less severely affected by alcohol than those who did not take it. Vitamin C actually speeds up the body’s ability to clear alcohol. While drinking, you may want to order drinks that are fruit based. Salty Dogs, Screwdrivers, Bloody Marys, Pina Coladas and strawberry daiquiris instantly come to mind. Another source of high fructose is honey. Before going out on the town spread some warm honey on a biscuit as you sip some juice and down some grapes.
An Oral Dilemma
Ranidine and Famoridine are the ingredients in heartburn medicines such as Pepcid AC and Zantac. Many people swear that these drugs can lessen the onset of Asian Glow. It is important to remember that no medical research support or disproves these claims. The working theory is that these drugs cause the alcohol to convert to acetaldehyde at a much slower rate. With less acetaldehyde in your system, the effects of the Asian Sensation may also be less. If you decide to try this method, please read all labels before you put these drugs in your mouth.
Like a Virgin
Even though you might not want to hear this, your best bet may be to order non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol that is absorbed into the body and not metabolized can cause serious health risks. Among those risks are a higher than normal rate of colorectal and esophageal cancer as well as higher risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease. A benefit to the inability to process alcohol is that alcoholism, a disease running rampant among non-Asians, is rare among Asian people.
Last Call
Everyone is different and reacts to “cures” in their own unique way. If you drink, drink slowly, lightly, and healthily. Pay attention to the message your body is sending you. Try out some of the food and drink strategies that may help you lessen the effects of alcohol on your system. Moderation is the key when drinking but especially important in the case of using medications, even if they are available over-the-counter. There are no magic bullet cures for Asian Glow but with a little pre-planning, the effects may be lessened.
