Got that lobster-red face after downing a few sips (or bottles) of alcohol? We’ll tell you why.
Gone are the days when nightlife was non-existent. After the pandemic rules were loosened, nightclubs were filled to the rafters, bars stayed open late, and drinking has again become a popular activity. But we Asians have one thing to watch out for when we drink: the dreaded Asian flush!
While it’s said to be a good sign, getting a crimson face when consuming alcohol is definitely not a signal of strong qi or healthy blood circulation, but rather, that your body is not metabolizing alcohol effectively. It doesn’t actually mean you’re allergic to alcohol – but you exhibit similar side effects, such as flushing, sweating, and a red face. The Asian flush syndrome is a condition some Asians of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean heritage frequently experience. When they consume alcohol, the Asian flush causes a lobster-red face and neck, but it can also cause other symptoms, like an elevated heart rate, 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.
Choose your drinks carefully
Does beer make you flush less, while red wine makes you flush more? Whatever the situation, selecting the appropriate alcohol for your constitution is essential for controlling your symptoms when drinking. You can also check bottle labels to learn the APV of each beverage. Beers and sparkling wines, for example, have lower APVs than spirits. You may then determine how much alcohol your body can withstand.
Don’t binge drink
Even though some of us enjoy drinking wines and cocktails, it’s crucial to remember that you should definitely cut back on your consumption if you want to avoid having the Asian flush, or even a hangover the next day. This is because heavy drinking causes the body’s capacity to metabolize alcohol to become overloaded. If you experience Asian flush syndrome, then you should wait until the redness has subsided before having another drink.
Eat before drinking
Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. And even though you might have been too busy getting ready or doing your makeup to fit in supper, it’s still crucial that you eat something quickly before you start partying the night away. The reason for this is that a full stomach guards against excessive alcohol irritability of the stomach lining. For instance, eating fatty and carbohydrate-rich snacks like seeds, nuts, cheese, pizza, pasta, and bread can slow down the rate of alcohol absorption by preventing the alcohol from entering the small intestines too soon. By eating a little, it kind of controls that ‘flushing’ on your face.
Drink moderately
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 that you should add water to your booze. Since alcohol is a diuretic and can make you thirstier, it can actually lead to dehydration. It is recommended that you consume a few glasses of water before consuming alcohol to offset these effects, and that you try to alternate alcoholic beverages with glasses of water or even non-alcoholic beverages to rehydrate your body.
Hangover remedy
In most cases, hangovers subside on their own in 24 hours. Treating the symptoms can make you feel better, but there is no one magic remedy for a hangover. If you’re always boozing and experience the dreaded flush, then it’s about time you invest in hangover remedies. The primary thing you can rely on during a hangover is some H²O. When you are hungover, drinking water will assist to reduce the symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, lightheadedness, and lethargy. You can also rely on other drinks like fruit juices. Aside from drinks, you can take medication like Panadol or pain killers to relieve the after effects. The best thing I’ve tried so far is hot ginger or lemon tea. It really helps.
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