Wine tolerance

[myravelu]

I have always enjoyed a glass of wine with a meal or a girls night in but recently after a glass or two I get a really red flush on my face and chest. Its embarrasing, any ideas?

[mullein3]

it could be a hormone imbalance...does this happen around period time? as when women reach the menopause years alchol does that too them so i am just guessing its hormonal...get some herbal supplements for ladies only and see if that makes a difference..you could just be lacking in a vital nutrient..

[rachela500]

I get this but only with white wine, not red or any other alcohol. I've managed to counteract it my having white wine spritzer instead, and not drinking it too fast. Also, if it's hot in the place you are in it is more likely to happen. Try to stand near a doorway or under air-con to keep cool air on you.

[eash]

I have exactly the same problem but by now everyone i go out with knows it will happen so i don't get that embarrassed anymore! And like rachela500 said I try to stand near the door or under air con and also it's only with white wine too so i don't drink that as much and stick with the vodka now, with plenty of ice!!

[morg_monster]

This is may be a known medical phenomenon. It is a result of a deficiency in one of the two enzymes used in the liver to metabolise alcohol (aldehyde dehydrogenase). This leaves an unwanted chemical (acetaldehyde) behind which can result in the flush you describe, and also sweating. In people who are severely deficient it can mean they are somewhat intolerant of alcohol and become quite ill after only a small amount.

It is unfortunately largely a genetics thing - its our genes which govern the production of enzymes. Asian (oriental) people are often deficient, and Native Americans and Inuit people are usually completely deficient - resulting in the problems these races can have with alcohol. Women also have smaller amounts of the enzyme, partly explaining why women in general can't drink as much as men.

Have a read of this
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=258303
for some possible solutions. They seem to advocate using an antacid, or large doses of niacin (a B-vitamin). Don't go over any recommended doses though if you do try this.