Alcohol Intolerance or allergies to liquor can be quite unpleasant in nature. It is caused by the inability of the body to properly break down alcohol or is induced by any other ingredients present in the alcoholic beverage itself. The symptoms are innumerable and in several cases act as an indication to another condition.
However, there are many ways (some rather unpleasant) through which you can figure out if you have any alcohol allergies. Keep in mind that it is imperative that you find out if you have alcohol intolerance. If your body is not able to metabolize chemicals that you are consuming, it could lead to dangerous consequences.
In most, cases, it isn’t the alcohol that leads to an allergic reaction. Although, allergy to alcohol itself is quite rare, it isn’t unheard of. However, in most cases, it is one of the grains used in the making of alcohol or one of the preservatives needed to keep it fresh that triggers an allergic reaction. Beer, Liquor and wine, each contain a particular allergen known as histamine. It is produced as a by-product of fermentation.
It is the histamine that sets off an allergic reaction in the human body. These liquids also have sulfites, which are used as preservatives. They lead to the worsening of any asthmatic condition and cause further allergic symptoms. LTP is a protein allergen that is found on the skin of grapes that are further used in the preparation of red wine.
It also acts as a common allergen. While white wine doesn’t have any LTP, it usually has the presence of a lot of preservatives. Red wine, on the other hand, has fewer preservatives, meaning lesser sulfites.
There are many common symptoms that are directly associated with alcohol intolerance. These include Nasal congestion, inflamed, itchy or red skin that is warm to the touch (more commonly known as ‘hives’). One can also suffer from a headache or experience rapid/increased heartbeat. Nausea and vomiting are quite common along with pain in the abdomen. Victims can also experience a runny or a stuffy nasal cavity.
It is recommended that you try drinking just one kind of alcohol in the night. You should stick with the same kind of beer or wine and see if any symptoms arise. Keep changing your alcoholic beverage with time, crossing of the ones that you don’t have any adverse reactions to.
Try to determine how much alcohol you can tolerate before the onset of symptoms. It is always best to visit a doctor and figure out if you have any particular alcohol allergies or alcohol intolerance. For safety, try out grain-free liquors like potato vodka, rum and tequila.