由 home-healthhaven 
Going out for a few drinks doesn’t seem like a big deal, right? But for me, it’s the inevitable flush that spreads over my face after just a little alcohol that’s the problem. After just half a glass of wine, I quickly become the center of attention. “Oh my gosh, look, you’re blushing!” they’ll say. What can I respond to that? It happens every single time.
So, what’s really going on? Is this just how I react to alcohol, or is there a way to prevent this so-called “glow”?
This reaction has a few nicknames like “Asian Glow,” “Asian Flush,” or “Alcohol Flush Reaction.” No matter what you call it, it’s the same thing.
Here’s the deal: you drink, and then you start blushing because of how your body breaks down alcohol. This visible sign can actually cause you to drink less. People see the redness and assume you’re already having a good time, so they might not offer you more drinks. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t show these signs might be encouraged to drink more to keep up with others at the party. Because of this, those who experience alcohol flush are less likely to become alcoholics.
Why do Asians show this symptom more often? The term “Asian Glow” exists because about 80% of Asians have a gene variation that makes them metabolize alcohol differently. Scientifically speaking, this gene causes them to break down acetaldehyde faster. This means they show physical signs of being buzzed before feeling the mental effects of alcohol.
How can you treat or prevent it? This glow can be really embarrassing and might even spoil your night out. It can also make you look really drunk long before you actually feel it. If you’re trying to meet someone new, this can be a huge turn-off.
One way to avoid the glow is to take a heartburn medication like Zantac or Tums about an hour before drinking to slow down your digestion. But be careful—doing this can increase your blood alcohol content. Anytime you mess with how your body processes alcohol, be mindful of your limits to avoid getting a DUI or losing control.
Unfortunately, there’s no permanent cure for this. It’s a genetic issue, and you can’t just build up your “drinking stamina” to push back the glow. So don’t practice drinking like you’re training for a contest—it won’t help.
If your blushing is so embarrassing that it stops you from going out, try to pace yourself. Drink slowly along with everyone else. After a few drinks, people usually stop counting how much others are drinking. If you do go the medication route, know your limits and plan a safe way to get home. Since you won’t feel the effects as quickly, it’s easy to overdrink, so always be responsible.