How do I know if I have an alcohol intolerance?

Do you ever feel unwell after drinking only a small amount of alcohol? Or find that you suffer from awful hangovers the next day? Although you might assume this is the result of having one drink too many, it’s possible that you could find out you have an alcohol intolerance that’s affecting your health.

Whether you’ve chosen to take part in Dry January or not, the new year is an ideal time to reassess your diet and make sure your favourite drinks aren’t making you feel unwell. Because alcohol intolerance can be difficult to identify, we’ve explored the typical symptoms you may experience and what you can do if you think you’re affected by them.

What are the symptoms of an alcohol intolerance?

If you have an intolerance to alcohol or its ingredients, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Facial redness (flushing)
• Red, itchy skin
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive issues
• Palpitations
• Fatigue

Because these symptoms are also typically associated with hangovers, it can be easy to dismiss an intolerance and assume you’ve just overdone it. However, finding out if your body has difficulty digesting alcohol will give you a better understanding of how it works and what it needs to function properly.

What causes an alcohol intolerance?

Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition that stops the body from processing it correctly. This leads to a build-up of a compound called acetaldehyde and the onset of various unpleasant symptoms. It’s also possible that the reaction you experience is caused by a sensitivity to an ingredient in your alcoholic drink, such as grains or the chemicals that add flavour and colour. Sensitivity to sulphite preservatives and the histamines found in red wine are common examples and can trigger typical intolerance symptoms such as an upset stomach, itchiness, headaches, and wheezing. In fact, it’s thought that up to 10% of asthmatics are sensitive to sulphites, so they should choose their alcoholic drinks carefully.

How can I find out whether I have an alcohol intolerance?

If you suspect you have an alcohol intolerance or want to rule out any other food sensitivities, we can give you the answers you’re looking for. Our food intolerance tests are available to order online and are a quick, easy way to gain a better understanding of your body. Simply send 4/5 strands of your hair with a submission form to our testing facility, and we will assess your cells’ reactivity against hundreds of food and non-food items. Your results will be emailed to you within 72 hours and give you a comprehensive breakdown of any substances that could provoke a physical reaction. Once you have this information, you can make informed decisions about the food and drink you include in your diet and take steps to improve your health.

Contact UK Food Intolerance for a healthier start to your new year

It’s not uncommon to change your diet after Christmas, but it’s important to make sure what you eat and drink is compatible with your body. Taking a food intolerance test will give you the knowledge you need to make positive changes to your lifestyle. You can order one from our website or check out our FAQs page for more information. Alternatively, please email any questions you have to [email protected].

Remember that while we’re always happy to give advice on our products and how they work, you should always speak to a medical professional if you’re concerned about your health or diet.