KNOWING THE SIDE EFFECTS
OF YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE
Written by Jamie Agee |
A glass of wine with dinner; a beer at the football game; a mixed drink at a party—alcoholic drinks are a common theme in most social situations and an indulgence most people treat themselves to from time to time. But alcohol, like everything else we put into our bodies, can have an impact on everything from how we sleep to how we feel long after the drinking is done—especially for people who aren’t free of health problems.
It’s likely everyone who drinks has experienced the uncomfortable side effects of too much alcohol. Some people, however, experience the discomfort minutes into consuming their drinks. There are many reasons for that to happen, including a possible allergy to alcohol. The alcohol, however, is not typically the reason for such a reaction. Another ingredient—such as grapes in wine, various grains in beers (such as hops, barley, rye, corn or wheat), and the addition of yeast (for fermentation of sugars and generation of alcohol)—may be the cause. If you experience hives, itchiness and swelling it could be a side effect of multiple things. Some alcoholic beverages contain histamine, which is produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine is the same chemical released by mast cells during an allergic reaction, and can cause these symptoms. People with asthma should be aware that preservatives added to alcohol known as sulfites can actually worsen asthma symptoms and may also result in hives and anaphylaxis in some people. If you find yourself getting flushed or red, or feel nauseous and experience a rapid heart rate, it may be because you lack an enzyme known as aldehyde dehydrogenase, which helps break down alcohol after it is consumed. Although this enzyme deficiency is most common in people of Asian descent, it is not exclusive to anyone. Alcohol can also have a cold-like effect on people causing nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. This is likely due to the dilation of blood vessels in the nose, resulting in mucus production and nasal symptoms and would be classified as a form of non-allergic rhinitis.
If you’re fortunate enough to experience no discomfort while drinking, you may not be in the clear just yet. Alcohol can have a significant impact on one’s sleep patterns. Some people turn to a nightcap for aid in falling asleep. While this is proven to be helpful in decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep, alcohol consumed within an hour of bedtime actually causes sleep difficulty. You may fall asleep right away, but the alcohol will likely disrupt the second half of the sleep period. You could find yourself awakening from dreams and then having difficulty falling back asleep. What about if you drink several hours before bed time? It’s not uncommon to have a drink at “happy hour” or with dinner. Even if you stop there, research shows alcohol consumed as much as six hours before bedtime can increase wakefulness during that second half of the sleep period.
Of course, alcohol can have a powerful effect on anyone’s body, but it’s especially important for people with Type II diabetes to be particularly cautious.
It’s not necessary to avoid alcohol, but the American Diabetes Association stresses the importance of moderation, which generally means two drinks per day for males and one per day for females. It’s also important to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Your liver sees alcohol as a poison, and desires to get rid of it as quickly as possible. When your liver is busy cleaning up alcohol, it “ignores” certain other jobs, such as converting stored carbohydrates into glucose.
This means that for the hours the alcohol remains in your body the only glucose you’ll be getting is from the food you eat. This can lead to some dangerous lows for people whose diabetes is controlled with medications such as insulin. Mixing alcohol with exercise, such as dancing in a club or playing volleyball on the beach, can make this worse. Of course, low blood sugar is less of a risk if your diabetes is controlled through diet and exercise alone.
If you have reason to be concerned about lows caused by drinking, there are steps you can take. First, talk with your health care provider about your specific needs and how drinking alcohol may affect the medications you take. Second, drink in moderation and with food. Nurse one or two drinks all night. Start out on a full stomach, and make sure you have high-carb snacks while you drink. Try to stick with drinks that have a lower alcohol and sugar content—for example, light beer and dry wine. Try mixing your own drink if possible, to give your self more control over the situation. Remember the signs of low blood sugar are often confused with intoxication, so wear an ID that says you have diabetes—it could save your life if you have a low. Don’t drink and drive, ever. Finally, continue checking your glucose and making sure you have enough to eat even hours after drinking. Remember, it can take your liver a long time to finish clearing alcohol from your body.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
References:
1. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa41.htm
2. Health.com: www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20188721,00.html
3. About.com Allergic Reactions to Alcoholic Drinks: allergies.about.com/od/faq/f/alcoholallergy.htm
For more info, Candace Andrews, LADC at Alliance Counseling & DUI School at (775) 677-2612.
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