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The phenomenon of drinking and blushing and the genetic causes behind it
In daily life, we often see some people blush when they drink alcohol, while some people can get drunk without getting drunk. Many people think that they blush when they drink alcohol because of poor alcohol consumption or allergies to alcohol, but in reality, there may be more complex reasons behind this.
Studies have shown that people who blush when they drink alcohol may be because there is a special genetic mutation in their body that makes them more likely to blush after drinking alcohol.
More worryingly, this genetic mutation is also strongly associated with multiple health risks, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Today we will take a closer look at this issue.
Overview of ALDH2 gene mutations
The main cause of flushing is a mutation in a gene called ALDH2 in the body. Under normal circumstances, after alcohol enters the human body, it will be converted into acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase, which will then be converted into acetic acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and finally decomposed into carbon dioxide and water and excreted from the body.
For those who carry the ALDH2 gene mutation, the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity in their bodies is greatly reduced, resulting in the inability of acetaldehyde to be metabolized in a timely manner. In this case, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, stimulating telangiectasia, causing blushing.
ALDH2 mutations are unevenly distributed worldwide. According to statistics, about 8% of the world's population carries this mutation, while in East Asia, the proportion is as high as 30% to 50%.
In China in particular, studies have shown that nearly 40% of people have this genetic mutation. Therefore, drinking blush is not uncommon among Chinese, also known as "Asian redface".
Many people think that alcohol consumption can be improved through practice, but in fact, for people with ALDH2 gene mutations, alcohol consumption is largely determined by genes.
Such people are not only prone to blushing after drinking, but also more likely to feel uncomfortable, and even experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Therefore, if you blush after drinking alcohol, you are likely to be a carrier of the ALDH2 gene mutation.
Health risks of drinking alcohol flushing
Drinking blush isn't just a cosmetic phenomenon, it can also pose serious health risks. Studies have found that people with ALDH2 gene mutations have significantly increased health risks due to acetaldehyde accumulation in the body after drinking alcohol.
This group of people is at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance that can damage vascular endothelial cells and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, which can lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.
In addition, people who drink alcohol and blush are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. A study by Stanford University states that mutations in the ALDH2 gene cause the accumulation of harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage neurons and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers tested cells from some Alzheimer's patients and found that mice with ALDH2 gene mutations were more severely neuronal damaged and had more pronounced Alzheimer's symptoms after receiving alcohol injections.
Not only that, but mutations in the ALDH2 gene are also associated with an increased risk of several cancers. Especially in Asian populations, people with ALDH2 gene mutations are more likely to develop stomach and esophageal cancers after drinking alcohol.
People with ALDH2 gene mutations have a significantly increased risk of stomach cancer, even if they drink a lot of alcohol. This is because acetaldehyde, as a carcinogen, accumulates in the body and causes long-term damage to the gastric mucosa, increasing the chance of cancer.
Precautions in everyday life
In the face of the health risks revealed by these scientific studies, we need to take effective preventive measures. First of all, for those who know they have a mutation in the ALDH2 gene, reducing or avoiding alcohol is the most straightforward way to go.
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause acetaldehyde to build up in the body, increasing health risks. Therefore, understanding your genetic status and making informed drinking choices is an important step in protecting your health.
When it comes to diet, it's also important to choose healthy eating habits. It is recommended to consume more foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce the damage caused by acetaldehyde.
Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and overly processed, which can burden the liver and not be conducive to acetaldehyde metabolism.
Regular medical checkups are also key to preventing alcohol-related health risks. With regular health check-ups, potential health problems can be detected early and timely interventions can be taken.
In particular, for people with a family history or known to have an ALDH2 gene mutation, regular checkups are especially important. By testing blood indicators, liver function and other relevant indicators, you can have a comprehensive understanding of your health status and avoid the occurrence and development of diseases.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should not be neglected. Moderate exercise, maintaining a good mindset, and getting enough sleep all help to improve the body's immunity and strengthen the resistance to diseases. Exercise, in particular, can not only boost the body's metabolism, but also effectively reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health.
I hope that through scientific knowledge, you can recognize your own health risks and take necessary precautions to protect your health.
Understanding our genetic status and making healthy lifestyle choices is something that each of us should pay attention to. Only in this way can we stay away from illness and enjoy a healthy and happy life.