Asian Flush: Is There a Cure?

Before we look into the possible existence of an Asian flush cure, it is first essential to understand why we experience Asian flush and take a look into the biological process that the body undergoes when we drink alcohol. We will then look at possible Asian flush cures.

When you consume an alcohol beverage, the alcohol is absorbed by the body into your blood, via the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. The time taken for the alcohol to absorb into your bloodstream can vary from anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours. The severity of your Asian flush will depend largely on a number of factors including whether you are male or female, your body mass, the type and strength of the alcohol that was consumed, the amount and type of food that you have in your stomach, and whether or not you have taken any kind of Asian flush cure.

The alcohol is absorbed into you blood stream and makes its way to your brain. The moment the alcohol reaches the brain you will feel a slight change in your mental state. You become slightly light headed, cheerful, and more sociable. This is because alcohol targets the area of the brain that controls your inhibitions, and this is why people are more talkative and appear to have more fun after having getting a few drinks into their system.

The reason why people with Asian Flush have trouble breaking down alcohol is because they have inactive enzyme called "aldehyde dehydrogenase 2" (ALDH2), which is normally responsible for breaking down "acetaldehyde", a byproduct of the process the body uses to metabolize alcohol. Acetaldehyde is toxic, and as result of your body not being able to properly break it down and in the absence of any Asian flush cure, it accumulates and causes the red flushing that we all commonly refer to as Asian flush.

A distinctly embarrassing red face reaction is the most commonly reported symptom among people who experience Asian Flush, however, other symptoms often experienced in people who have not taken an Asian flush cure include dizziness, nausea, throbbing headaches, hives and a dramatically increased pulse rate.

Despite the varying theories, modern scientists have little knowledge as to why Asian flush occurs predominantly in people of Asian descent, but empirical studies have shown that the enzyme deficiency that causes Asian Flush is genetic and thus can be passed down by both parents. According to the weight of modern medical opinion, there isn't much offered in the way of Asian flush cure medications. According to this narrow view, we were born with it any we're most likely going to die with it - this my friends is something we're going to have to live with as there is no Asian flush cure. Well, what you doctor does not tell you is that there is an Asian flush cure, and it is very effective.

What NOT to do: If you surf the net for long enough you will most likely encounter websites and forums talking about the use of Pepcid AC, Zantac and other stomach antacid medications as Asian flush cures. First and foremost it should be noted that these are pharmaceuticals and whether it be for an upset stomach or otherwise people should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications.

So does Pepcid work as an Asian flush cure?

The short answer: NO, it is not an Asian flush cure by itself.

According to various sources, it seems that H2 blockers like Zantac and Pepcid AC may work in reducing the asian flush reaction a little bit as a result of their antihistamine properties, but they are not Asian flush cures. Alcohol is known to irritate the lining of the stomach and increase production of gastric acid. It is commonly known that antacids function by reducing gastric acid production in the stomach, but they may also have an additional effect of inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase, thus slowing down the metabolism of alcohol to acetaldehyde and enabling the deficient enzyme in Asian Flush sufferers to metabolize toxic acetaldehyde to non-toxic vinegar.

From a survey of various anecdotal accounts of using Pepcid AC as an Asian flush cure, it seems that the results are poor. Some users reported experiencing a slightly reduced facial flushing, however, none said that it was a cure for their Asian flush and that something more was needed in order to totaly cure their Asian flush. Other users reported no change whatsoever from their normal degree of facial flushing.

Verdict: Pepcid AC is not an Asian flush cure and something more than a mere antacid by itself is needed to cure Asian flush - if want more information about cures for Asian flush and other alcohol related disorders please visit the no red face formula