Symptoms of abdominal bloating and excessive gas after consuming dairy products suggests lactose intolerance. Certain soft drinks, juices, dried fruits and gums contain sorbitol and fructose, which can lead alcohol intolerance to watery diarrhea in people with sorbitol and fructose intolerance. Certain other medications such as NSAIDs, antacids, antihypertensives, antibiotics and antiarrhythmics can have side effects leading to diarrhea. Unfortunately, because alcohol intolerance is a genetic (inherited) condition in most cases, there’s no direct treatment option for it.
Ways Drinking Alcohol Could Give You Anxiety
Clearly communicating your boundaries is crucial; by explaining that consuming alcohol may lead to unpleasant symptoms, you can encourage a more supportive environment for your choices. This transparency not only helps others understand your situation but also strengthens your relationships. Plus, having a meal before you drink can keep those sudden spikes in alcohol concentration at bay, which often leads to worse intolerance symptoms. By taking this simple step, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier drinking experience overall. Pay close attention to any symptoms that arise after each type of drink. You might find that certain beverages trigger discomfort while others don’t bother you at all.
What are the symptoms of alcohol intolerance?
Still, an alcohol allergy will typically create a more instantaneous reaction whereas an intolerance will not show symptoms until the body attempts to break alcohol down. Alcohol intolerance is an adverse reaction by the body to alcohol, often due to a genetic deficiency in the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. This deficiency can lead to an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound, resulting in a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
Tips to Cut Down on How Much You Drink
If you ever find yourself experiencing these symptoms, getting medical help right away is really important. Understanding the difference between alcohol intolerance and an alcohol allergy is really important for figuring out how to manage each condition. While both can make enjoying certain drinks a challenge, they stem from different causes and come with different symptoms. This questionnaire will summarize your specific allergy symptoms to share with your healthcare provider and learn more about your testing options. If you experience severe symptoms of alcohol allergy or intolerance it is important you limit or abstain from alcohol while you seek a diagnosis from your GP or allergy specialist.
- ALDH2, another enzyme in the body, then converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which you can then remove from your body.
- So, the next time you’re out with friends or hosting a cosy night in, remember these alcohol-free options—they might just transform a potential headache into a delightful evening.
- By steering clear of these beverages, you can reduce the risk of uncomfortable symptoms.
- Alcohol itself has a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels by triggering the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which stimulates the heart to beat faster.
- Just as alcohol consumption causes a wide range of effects on the body and mind, so does the period of withdrawal.
- Moreover, we’re always adding new features to enhance your in-app experience.
You can also consider low-sulfite or organic wines, which are often better tolerated by those sensitive to sulfites, common preservatives found in many wines. If you’re looking to savour a drink without the consequences the next day, consider reaching for those lighter options more often. For instance, vodka is usually lower in congeners and could be a smart choice if you’re concerned about how you’ll feel afterward.
Because it is caused by your body’s inability to process alcohol correctly, drinking slowly and giving yourself time between each drink can lessen its severity. Drinking when you have alcohol intolerance does increase your risk of cancer, and you should consider trying to completely stop drinking alcohol instead of just moderating it. Your doctor can give you medications to lessen the symptoms of alcohol intolerance, such as anti-inflammatory medicines for pain. Additionally, medications only help mask symptoms and do not help with the underlying problem.