People have been imbibing beer and wine for millennia, enjoying alcohol ever since someone discovered the altered sensations from fermented fruits and grains. In fact, archeologists have discovered an Egyptian brewery dating to the time of the great pyramids.
This article examines how alcohol is metabolized and how your genes impact the rate at which it is broken down. Members will see their genotype report below, plus additional solutions in the Lifehacks section. Consider joining today.
Alcohol: Breaking it down and getting rid of it
What exactly does alcohol do in our bodies? And why do people react differently to alcohol? (yep – it’s genetic!)
First, alcohol is absorbed through the stomach into our bloodstream, making its way to our brain and liver.
In the liver, alcohol is first broken down with an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase, which helps to convert it into acetaldehyde.
In the second step of this elimination process, the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase helps convert the acetaldehyde into acetate. The acetate can then be easily excreted.
This is a simplified explanation, but it covers the majority of alcohol metabolism.[ref]
Genetics of alcohol metabolism:
The ADH genes, such as ADH1B, code for alcohol dehydrogenase.
The ALDH gene family, such as ALDH2, produces acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Two well-studied genetic variants have different ways of reaching the same endpoint:
~ an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) variant that speeds up the conversion to acetaldehyde, thus creating a buildup of acetaldehyde
~ an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) variant that slows down the conversion from acetaldehyde to acetic acid, again creating a buildup of acetaldehyde.
More than just alcohol that we drink:
In addition to the beer, wine, and other alcohol we might drink, the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme also breaks down alcohols produced by bacterial fermentation in the intestines. For example, some of your bug guts could be fermenting the apple you ate this morning, with the ADH genes activated.
Retinol (vitamin A) and bile acids are also metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase.[ref]
Acetaldehyde: flushing, nausea, and carcinogenic (potentially cancer-causing)
Acetylaldehyde is created in the initial step of metabolizing alcohol. What does acetaldehyde do in the body?
- Acetaldehyde increases skin temperature, making you feel hot and flushed.
- It also causes nausea, headache, and allergy-like histamine release.
Top it off with being carcinogenic and damaging to your DNA. Moreover, it may also be causing catecholamine release in your brain, giving you feelings of euphoria. Your body wants to get rid of it as soon as possible since it is toxic, but the euphoria makes you want to drink again.[ref]
People who don’t break down the acetaldehyde quickly enough will be likely to flush and feel bad when drinking.
Alcohol Metabolism Genotype Report
Members: Log in to see your data below.
Not a member? Join here.
Why is this section is now only for members? Here’s why…
Lifehacks for Drinking Alcohol:
Making alcohol less toxic?
The simple answer is that alcohol is toxic to everyone. Drinking a lot is bad for your body. I know that many people will ignore the ‘don’t drink’ advice, so below are ways to help your body clear acetaldehyde.
Zinc and niacin (vitamin B3) are both co-factors for acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.[ref] Make sure you have sufficient levels of both through foods or supplements.
Glutathione is also needed for the conversion of acetaldehyde into acetic acid. NAC is a precursor to glutathione.
H2 blockers such as cimetidine can help reduce the flushing symptoms of the ALDH2 variant. Note that this is just helping the flushing and not moving out the acetaldehyde faster.[ref]
Supplement Stacks for Alcohol Metabolism SNPs
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Dopamine Receptors
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Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Circadian Clock Genes
New research shows that depression and bipolar disorder are linked to changes or disruptions in circadian genes. Some people carry genetic variants in the circadian genes that make them more susceptible to circadian disruption.
Lithium Orotate + B12: Boosting mood and decreasing anxiety, for some people…
For some people, low-dose, supplemental lithium orotate is a game-changer for mood issues when combined with vitamin B12. But other people may have little to no response. The difference may be in your genes.
References:
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“Antihistamines Prevent ‘Asian Flush’ — Alcohol-Induced Facial Redness — but Pose Risks.” USC News, 8 Dec. 2016, https://news.usc.edu/112489/antihistamines-prevent-asian-flush-the-red-face-some-people-get-from-alcohol-but-with-huge-risks/.
Butterworth, R. F. “Pathophysiology of Alcoholic Brain Damage: Synergistic Effects of Ethanol, Thiamine Deficiency and Alcoholic Liver Disease.” Metabolic Brain Disease, vol. 10, no. 1, Mar. 1995, pp. 1–8. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01991777.
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Originally published June, 2018. Revised Feb. 2020