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Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Booze makes my face turn red - this GP-approved remedy has saved my insecurities
I thought I had an allergy to alcohol when I saw my cheeks flush bright red after a drink, but it turns out there's a unique term to describe my ailment and a GP-approved way to avoid it. When I had my first-ever alcoholic drink, I started to turn red. I never understood the reason behind it, and kept drinking until someone asked me: 'Why are you so red?'. Then I learnt the meaning behind the so-called 'Asian flush', and now I wonder if there's a way to stop it. The ' Asian flush ', also known as the 'Asian glow' is a condition in which a person develops flushes on their neck, shoulders, ears, and in some cases, their entire body after consuming alcoholic beverages. It got so bad that at one point, I even thought I was allergic to booze. This so-called alcoholic flush comes from an inherited deficiency in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), as explained by Science Direct. The build-up of acetaldehyde leads the blood vessels to dilate, which is where the 'Asian flush' comes from. As reported by Alcohol Change UK, not only does one's face become red, but it is also accompanied by nausea, headaches, itching, vomiting and a fast heart rate. It was also found that those intolerant to alcohol have a higher risk of affecting their overall health, including cancer and other diseases. My symptoms have triggered my insecurities and limited my drinking habits and I know I'm not alone. Dr Farah Ahmed, a NHS GP told the Mirror: "[Asian flush] affects an estimated 30-50% of East Asians globally, and with people of East and Southeast Asian heritage making up about 1.5% of the population in England and Wales (2021 Census), it's likely that tens of thousands in the UK are affected." Is there a cure for 'Asian flush'? To keep it plain and simple, no, there isn't a cure for 'Asian flush'. The only solution to avoid the flush from ruining your night is to stop drinking at all, experts have warned. However, there are remedies, which involve taking medication, such as Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet, although they can impose some health risks. Dr Farah Ahmed added: "Some young people use over-the-counter medications like Pepcid (famotidine) to reduce facial redness, but this only masks the visible symptoms and does not prevent the harmful internal effects, including an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers such as oesophageal cancer." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Continuing to consume alcoholic beverages during a flush reaction can lead to the build-up of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic by product of alcohol metabolism. 'The concern with this practice is that it can create a false sense of safety, as acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, still accumulates in the body," she explained. Whilst there isn't a cure for my Asian flush, the most effective way to manage and avoid the redness is to to limit alcohol intake or quit drinking altogether. Plus, going sober has multiple benefits, including better sleep, improved mental health and improved skin health. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
A Memory Project: The city is witnessing a popular trend of upcycling baby clothes to blankets, quilts and more
A baby's first birthday outfit, the tiny onesies they used to don once, their first miniature sneakers, or the first dress they wore – letting go of such clothes is a nightmare for many parents: holding on to them is synonymous with holding on to the special memories they carry. As much as every parent wants to witness their baby's growth and celebrate every milestone, it comes with the pain of letting go of things like the clothes they outgrew. However, the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry has changed people's approach to baby clothes. Enter the upcycling revolution – changing preloved garments to sustainably beautiful treasures. Farah Ahmed, founder of Sweet Roots, reflects, 'After my son's birth, balancing motherhood and a new venture was challenging, yet deeply fulfilling. Initially, Sweet Rootfocused on newborn clothing and accessories. Over time many customers expressed a desire to preserve the clothes that held the essence of their child's earliest years. Their longing to hold onto these precious memories sparked the idea of the business. The overwhelming response made it clear – this was not just a product, but a meaningful way to weave love and nostalgia into something tangible.' For Ahmed, appreciation from her customers is the driving force. Recounting one of her favourite projects, she adds. 'A remarkable project was a baby memory quilt that incorporated nearly 150 pieces of clothing, each carrying an irreplaceable memory.' Many see memory blankets as vessels of memory beyond mere fabrics. 'I did this because after a decade or two when we see this memory blanket, it will take us to all the special moments,' says Boris K, a parent who recounts his experience of creating a memory blanket out of his baby's clothes. Meanwhile, another parent, Shuchita Rathi, explains the practicality of recycling baby clothes. 'The memory quilt made from my son's clothes has been a part of our lives for over seven years now, and it's still in perfect condition. My daughter's quilts, although made recently, have been cherished nearly as much through every winter. I love how durable and practical they are – they don't get soiled easily, making them ideal for everyday use,' she says. Filled with nostalgia and memories, the making of quilts and other items requires a decent amount of time and dedication. 'Based on the size of the quilt the customer opts for, I work on sorting, cutting, ironing and prepping the patches. This is the most time-consuming process. Once the patches are all ready, I lay them out on the floor to decide on a layout. Then I start the sewing process,' explains Nandita Pai, founder of Sew Mini Moments, continuing, 'Once, a customer contacted me to upcycle her baby clothes, hand stitched and intricately embroidered by her late mother, into a memory quilt for her granddaughter. Getting to work on such treasured, heirloom clothes and touching lives across four generations was indeed an immense honour for me.'
