A red face from drinking alcohol can signal a propensity towards cancers and other serious diseases.Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
An Instagram search for #asianglow or #asianflush will unearth videos of people documenting the experience — showing how small quantities of alcohol can cause flushing that extends all the way downto their collarbones. Others take a lighter approach, joking about the awkwardness that comes with theimmediate onset of ruddiness.
Crazy Rich AsiansstarAwkwafinaeven poked fun at itin an Instagram selfiewithJohn Cho,Lana Condor,Jenny HanandConstance Wu, writing, “The pink light really brings out our communal Asian glow. Or maybe we were all extremely drunk at the time. Either way everyone in this pic inspires me and I love them.”
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Alcohol is first metabolized into acetaldehyde, “a highly toxic substance and known carcinogen” theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismexplains.
Normally, acetaldehyde is further metabolized — but those with the ALDH2*2 variant can’t do it efficiently.
Experts say getting a red face from drinking alcohol is a warning sign that your body can’t metabolize it properly.Getty Images
“This ALDH2 deficiency leads to alcohol not being metabolized normally, and acetaldehyde — essentially, a poison — builds up in the blood,”The Washington Postpoints out.
And “alcohol is toxic to cells, and when it gets into the cells of your blood vessels, it makes them dilate,” dermatologistAlok Vijexplained to theCleveland Clinic.“This reddens the skin and can make you feel warm.”
And Chen toldThe Washington Postthat the red flush should be seen as a warning.
“Think of it as your body having a pain sensation to tell you to stop drinking.”
source: people.com
