I can't drink alcohol!!! :(

[jondl]

I'm asian and a sip of alchy turns my face bright red but i can still hold my liquor. Turning red has nothing to do with holding your liquor. nuff' said.

 

[V00DOO]

Originally posted by: Xylitol

Originally posted by: krnxpride83
i weigh about 165lb... and even if i take a sip of beer.. i just get all red... perhaps im allergic?

Are you asian?
Cuase most asians cant take strong liquor/alcohol and turn red really easily

ENZYME DEFICIENCIES AND ASIAN FLUSHING

An interesting phenomenon that occurs in some people is the familiar flushing of the face after low to moderate amounts of alcoholic beverage consumption (Luu et al., 1995). This alcohol-flush reaction occurs in some Caucasians, but is particularly common among Asians. Degrees of flushing can range from slightly pink, to bright red. The reaction has been found to be caused by a mutation in the structural gene for the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (Takeshita et al., 1994). Approximately 500f Asians have a deficiency in low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), which is the result of inheritance of a mutant ALDH2*2 allele (Wall et al., 1997). The mutation has the effect of both reducing enzyme activity and increasing the turnover of this activity (WWW3).

ALDH2, located mainly in mitochondria, is responsible for the oxidation of most of the acetaldehyde generated in alcohol metabolism (Takeshita et al., 1994). Acetaldehyde normally is removed by ALDH, but a deficiency of the mitochondrial form

means prevalence of the cystolic version. Cystolic ALDH2 has a

high Km, which causes a lower affinity for acetaldehyde. This leads to slower conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate, giving a steady-state level of acetaldehyde (WWW3). Acetaldehyde therefore accumulates in the blood of individuals deficient in ALDH2 activity, even after small doses of alcohol. The build

up of acetaldehyde results in vasodilation, causing facial flushing.

In addition to flushing of the face, other unpleasant effects also can occur. These include tachycardia or increased heart rate, low blood pressure, headache, hyperventilation, and nausea (WWW3). The presence of these unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms therefore tends to reduce the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption by the person affected. It has been proposed that these effects combine to deter drinking among many Asians, and may effectively act as a protective mechanism to prevent them from reaching consumption levels indicative of alcohol dependence and abuse (Takeshita et al., 1994). Carriers of the inactive allele do not drink as often, and have consumption levels of alcohol that are significantly lower than non-carriers which include Caucasians and other Asians (WWW4). This genetic trait seems to be one of the strongest factors that influence drinking behavior and risk of alcoholism (Xiao et al., 1996). Studies have found that alcohol use and alcoholism are indeed lower in people of Asian

descent than rates in other ethnic groups (WWW4).

The exact connection between ALDH2*2 and its protective role in alcoholism is not yet thoroughly understood. Other factors may also regulate the mechanism. These include regulation by histamine, prostaglandins, and stimulation of bradykinin (WWW3). What is certain, however, is that elevated levels of acetaldehyde in the blood, rather than blood alcohol concentration, are required to induce flushing. Acetaldehyde is therefore the originator of the physiological effects of flushing (WWW3). Future studies and research would be required to completely determine the role in alcohol consumption and alcoholism.

Link

 

[quakefiend420]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
if your being sick ... your driniking too much

and usuallly a pint of water before bed cures the headache the mornining after. alcohol isnt for everyone, dont feel pressured to drink, if you dont wanna drink just stick to coke, or fruit juice or something

i dont always feel like drinking on a night out, so i jus buy a couple of cokes, or cranberry juice.


ill tell you what is a nice drink that you may be able to handle......Malibu and cranberry. the cranberry overpowers the coconutty alco taste of malibu.....i could drink them all night! but then again you have to like cranberry lol!

that could be misinterpreted

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: krnxpride83
I can't enjoy drinking alcohol... i've tried many times to enjoy it and have a great time.... it never works for me!.. first, taste is just horrible to me... and second, stomache and headache followed by vomitting never lets me into the fun side of drinking..
Anyone here wants to drink, but can't take it?

Sounds like you are drinking too much too quickly. I recommend eating a full meal before you drink and stick to beer.

Concerning the taste, you get use to it.