Does your face go lobster red after downing just a few mugs (or bottles) of alcohol? We’ll tell you why.
Despite being considered a positive indicator, having a red face after drinking alcohol is actually a symptom that your body is not metabolising alcohol properly rather than a sign of strong qi or healthy blood circulation. Although you experience similar side effects like flushing, perspiration, and a red face, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an allergy to alcohol. Some Asians with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean ancestry frequently encounter the Asian flush syndrome. The Asian flush is a reaction to alcohol that results in a lobster-red face and neck, but it can also result in additional symptoms like a fast heartbeat, a headache, and nausea.
But of course, this shouldn’t stop you from gulping down a good dose of booze. That’s why we’re here to help. If you’re someone who experiences the Asian flush often, we’ve got some tips and tricks on how to tackle it.
Be mindful of your drinks
Does red wine make you flush more than lager, or vice versa? Whatever the circumstance, choosing the right alcohol for your constitution is crucial for managing your drinking-related symptoms. To find out the APV of each beverage, you can also read the label on the bottle. For instance, beers and sparkling wines have lower APVs than spirits. The amount of alcohol your body can withstand can then be determined.
Eat before drinking
Always avoid drinking on an empty stomach. It’s also important to eat something quickly before you start partying the night away, even if you were too preoccupied getting ready or applying your makeup to fit in dinner. This is due to the fact that a full stomach protects the stomach lining from being overly irritated by alcohol. For instance, by preventing alcohol from entering the small intestines too quickly, consuming fatty and carbohydrate-rich foods like seeds, nuts, cheese, pizza, pasta, and bread can slow down the pace of alcohol absorption. You can sort of manage that “flushing” on your face by eating a bit.
Don’t binge drink
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Even if some of us enjoy sipping on wines and cocktails, it’s important to keep in mind that you should limit your intake if you don’t want to experience the Asian flush or even a hangover the following day. This is due to the body’s ability to digest alcohol becoming overloaded as a result of heavy drinking. If you have Asian flush syndrome, you should refrain from drinking anything more until the redness has disappeared.
Be a moderate drinker
It’s the weekend. And like every other party-goer, you and your friends love to drench the weekend with booze. While some people may be able to handle a few glasses at once, it’s crucial to keep track of how many drinks you’re having and make sure you don’t have more than you can handle. I know it’s fun to go high and party all night, but the next day (or maybe the very next second!) you’re going to hate it.
Blend in water/non-alcoholic drinks
Not saying you should dilute your alcohol with water. Alcohol can cause dehydration since it is a diuretic and can increase thirst. To counteract these effects, it is advised that you drink a few glasses of water before ingesting alcohol. You should also try to alternate drinking alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to rehydrate your body.
Hangover remedy
Most hangovers fade away on their own within 24 hours. There is no one magic cure for a hangover, but treating the symptoms can help you feel better. If you frequently binge drink and get the dreaded flush, it’s time to start investing in hangover treatments. Water is the one item you can count on when you have a hangover. Drinking water will help to lessen the dehydration symptoms of a hangover, such as dry mouth, dizziness, and lethargy. Additionally, you can rely on other beverages like fruit juices. In addition to liquids, you can take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs like Panadol to lessen the aftereffects. Hot ginger or lemon tea has shown to be the most effective treatment thus far. It is quite helpful.
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