Tag: Asian glow

It is estimated that up to 40% of people of East Asian descent experience a flushed face after drinking, a condition known as alcohol flush reaction. This phenomenon is rooted in a genetic variation that affects how the body processes alcohol, leading to an uncomfortable and potentially harmful buildup of a toxic chemical.

Approximately 540 million people worldwide experience the alcohol flush reaction, a genetic inability to properly process alcohol that causes a red face and other symptoms. In this article, we explore the definitive answer to the question: can red face from drinking be reversed?

Approximately 35–45% of individuals of East Asian descent have a genetic variant (ALDH2*2) that results in an inactive form of the ALDH2 enzyme, affecting how their bodies process certain toxins. The search query, 'What foods are high in ALDH2?', stems from a common misunderstanding; ALDH2 is a mitochondrial enzyme, not a nutrient found in food. This guide explains what ALDH2 is and how dietary choices, specifically concerning acetaldehyde, impact its function.