Have you ever had trouble maintaining attention and alertness throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon slump? Many people frequently experience the need for an instant energy boost. An innovative “coffee nap” strategy has lately become well-liked as a productive approach to reduce tiredness and increase productivity. But does science support this pattern, or is it only a passing trend?
In this following piece of writing, we will learn about its benefits and find out if it’s a temporary fad or a proven method for recharging our minds and bodies.
Do Your Genes Favor Coffee Naps? Find Out With The Nutrition Report!
A cup of coffee before a quick doze is known as a coffee nap.
To maximize the rejuvenating effects, combining caffeine and 15 to 20 minutes of sleep will be helpful.
A caffeinated beverage, like coffee, is often consumed first (it takes the body around 20 minutes to start working), then 15 to 20-minute sleep.
According to research, caffeine plays an important role in clearing out chemicals, like adenosine, which is responsible for making a person sleep.
We must look at sleep and caffeine systems to understand the science behind th.
Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that encourages sleep and relaxation, leading to tiredness and a desire for sleep.
On the other hand, caffeine stimulants can attach to the brain’s adenosine receptors, reducing their activity and enhancing alertness.
When we take caffeine, it fights with adenosine to reduce adenosine’s sleepy effects. However, the process takes time.
Caffeine typically takes 20 minutes to reach its peak blood-level concentration. This is also the recommended duration for a coffee nap.
During a short nap, the brain undergoes various stages of sleep, including light sleep and potentially entering into the initial stages of deep sleep.
This short snooze can provide therapeutic benefits, such as reducing sleep inertia and increasing cognitive function upon waking.
Combining caffeine consumption with a nap can synchronize the effects of caffeine and sleep, resulting in a more alert and refreshed state upon waking up.
Caffeine starts to work as soon as the individual wakes up, reducing the building of leftover adenosine and boosting energy levels.
While the idea of coffee naps might appear in conflict, there is emerging scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
Numerous research has looked into how sleeping after consuming caffeine affect alertness, cognitive function, and mood, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms.
A study was conducted in Japan using a sample of 10 participants.
One group (group A) had coffee before taking a 20-minute nap, and the other didn’t (group B).
Group A showed notably better performance than Group B.
Another study was conducted on a sample of 12 individuals with a history of sleep deprivation.
They were subjected to 200 mg of caffeine before a 15-minute nap.
The study reported that the coffee nap resulted in a 91% lower rate of drowsiness while engaging in a two-hour driving simulation.
(in comparison to those who weren’t subjected to it)
This statement remains valid even in cases where individuals weren’t involved in actual sleep during their assigned nap time but stayed in a state of partial wakefulness.
Coffee naps during work hours may also be helpful to people working the night shift.
According to research conducted on shift workers, coffee naps helped improve alertness and performance in cognitive tasks like quick thinking and prolonged focus.
In addition, following a coffee nap, participants reported feeling more awake, less worn out, and happier.
How Genes Regulate The Effects Of Caffeine On Sleep
Coffee naps offer several potential benefits beyond regular naps or caffeine consumption alone. Here are some of the key advantages:
It’s important to remember that every person will experience and react to coffee naps differently.
For example, while many people report satisfying results, others may discover that the effects are milder or that they have trouble sleeping after consuming coffee.
Therefore, it’s recommended to experiment and assess how coffee naps work for you personally, considering factors such as caffeine sensitivity and individual sleep patterns.
While coffee naps offer unique benefits, they only suit some in some circumstances.
Regular naps, without caffeine, can still provide relaxation and rejuvenation.
However, some individuals may have sensitivity to caffeine or experience sleep disruptions if consumed too close to bedtime.
Therefore, it is essential to consider personal preferences, tolerance to caffeine, and sleep patterns when deciding whether to add coffee naps into one’s routine.
Genetics can influence how our bodies process caffeine and the effects of coffee naps.
For example, the CYP1A2 gene produces an enzyme the liver uses to metabolize caffeine. As a result, changes in this gene may impact how quickly the body breaks down coffee.
Coffee naps may be more advantageous to individuals who slowly metabolize caffeine because they will likely feel the stimulant’s effects for extended periods.
On the other hand, fast metabolizers could break down caffeine more rapidly, producing effects that last less time.
The reaction to coffee naps can also be affected by additional genetic variables and individual variances, such as caffeine sensitivity and general sleep quality.
To make the most out of this method, you can follow these steps:
People looking for an instant energy boost and better productivity have become interested in coffee naps.
Coffee naps provide a novel method of overcoming sleepiness and boosting alertness by combining the benefits of caffeine and a short snooze.
According to scientific studies, taking a nap after caffeine intake may promote mood, enhance cognitive function, and even help memory consolidation.
However, while assessing if this method is appropriate, consideration should be given to personal preferences, caffeine metabolism, and individual differences.
Coffee naps may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but they may be useful when a little boost in alertness and energy is needed.
As with other sleep-related practices, it is essential to put overall healthy sleeping habits first and ensure you receive sufficient rest.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-nap
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5337178/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388245703002554
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9401427/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16453980/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2603066/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3346273/
Persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained changes in appetite are just some symptoms that can signal underlying liver health issues.
When it comes to liver diseases, understanding the genetic factors involved is crucial.
In this blog post, we shed light on the top three genetic liver diseases of 2023, unraveling the connections between genetics and common symptoms that impact daily life. Read on to learn more!
Certain genes don’t directly cause diseases but contribute to increased risk. Triggered by certain environmental or lifestyle events, this risk can translate into disease development. Learning about these genes can help modify lifestyle factors to reduce your risk or even prevent the conditions. Learn more:
Genetic liver diseases are a group of genetic and metabolic defects that can result in chronic liver disease.
While some people inherit these conditions from their parents or close relatives, others are born with abnormal changes (or mutations) in their genes.
The prevalence of genetic liver diseases is variable, and they are considered rare diseases.
Hemochromatosis is a genetic liver disease in which iron begins to collect in the liver and other organs.
Primary hemochromatosis is one of the most common inherited diseases in the US.
When one family member has this disorder, their siblings, parents, and children may be at risk.
Secondary hemochromatosis is not genetic and is caused by other diseases like thalassemia.
Iron overload associated with hemochromatosis affects men more commonly than women.
Due to menstruation, women are not likely to show signs of iron overload until menopause.
Symptoms and Treatment
A few common symptoms of hemochromatosis include:
People with hemochromatosis may also show signs of diabetes and heart disease.
Treatment for hemochromatosis includes one of the following:
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, or AATD, is an inherited genetic condition that affects 1 in 1,500 to 3,500 individuals of European ancestry.
This condition affects the lungs and liver.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein that protects the lungs from damage due to infection-fighting components released by the immune system.
When this protein is too low or damaged, the lungs are affected, leading to breathing difficulty and conditions like emphysema.
People with this condition also risk developing cirrhosis due to the accumulation of alpha-1 antitrypsin.
In the lungs, AATD causes emphysema, whereas, in the liver, it causes the accumulation of abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin, leading to progressive liver injury.
Symptoms and Treatment
One of the first symptoms of AATD is usually those which affect the lungs.
Common symptoms of AATD include:
Currently, there is no established treatment to cure AATD.
While replacing the defective protein in the bloodstream may be done, experts need clarification about how effective this procedure will be.
Most often, treatment of AATD includes the management of emphysema and cirrhosis.
Other treatments may include:
People with AATD can undergo a liver transplant if they don’t have lung disease.
Wilson’s disease is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene and results in an increased accumulation of copper in the body.
This is a rare disease and affects 1 in 30,000 individuals.
Wilson’s disease does not cause any symptoms unless it is serious.
It can be diagnosed using blood and urine tests, liver biopsies, and genetic tests.
The aim of treating Wilson’s disease is to remove the excess copper in the body and prevent reaccumulation.
Symptoms and Treatment
Common signs and symptoms of Wilson’s disease are:
The treatment of Wilson’s disease includes one or more of the following:
Genetic testing is recommended for individuals with liver diseases like bile acid synthesis defects, jaundice, and cholestasis with unknown causes.
A liver genetic test usually involves sequencing or deletion/duplication analysis.
Before a genetic test for liver disease is performed, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
To undergo genetic testing for liver disease,
In some cases, a blood test may be followed by a liver biopsy to interpret the test results better.
A few genes that are routinely tested for genetic liver disease are:
Some direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies provide the option to learn your risk for liver diseases.
These tests are non-invasive and don’t diagnose genetic liver diseases. However, they present you with a comprehensive risk profile for liver diseases.
This information can then be used to reduce your risk and enable early screening and detection.
Liver Disease Parameters in Xcode Life’s Health Panel
Check Out The Gene Health Panel Here
There are several tests available for diagnosing genetic liver diseases. However, these tests have their limitations.
Genetic testing is most useful for diseases like hereditary hemochromatosis due to the high frequency of C282Y mutations in people of European descent.
In the case of other genetic liver diseases, testing is less helpful as they have a higher number of possible mutations and clinical manifestations.
Appropriate use of screening tests can help in the early detection of genetic liver diseases and prevent end-organ damage.
However, genetic testing for liver diseases cannot prevent the development of the disease.
Unlock the secrets to a better night’s sleep by understanding the fascinating interplay between your menstrual cycle and sleep.
As a woman (or people assigned females at birth), your monthly cycle influences more than just your physical and emotional well-being.
It can significantly impact the quality of your sleep.
Each phase of your menstrual cycle brings unique changes to your body that can affect your sleep patterns.
This article delves into the intricate relationship between your menstrual cycle and sleep, exploring how different phases can disrupt or enhance your rest.
We also provide practical tips to optimize your sleep throughout your cycle.
Did You Know? While external factors impact your sleep health, internal factors like your genes can also influence how well you sleep. Certain genetic differences can result in poor sleep quality and an increased risk for sleep disorders. Learn more:
There are four stages in the menstrual cycle:
| Phase | Description | Days* | Hormone changes |
| Menstrual phase | Menstruation, the initial phase of the menstrual cycle, involves the shedding of the uterine lining. This 3 to 7-day process occurs when the egg is unfertilized, eliminating the mucous layer through the vagina, though the duration may differ among individuals. | Day 1 – Day 5 | Estrogen and progesterone level drops |
| Follicular phase | Follicles develop on the surface of the ovary, with one mature to form an egg. 6th day after menstruation until ovulation. Women with regular cycles have this phase for around 6-8 days. | Day 6 – Day 11 | Estrogen levels rise, and low progesterone levels |
| Ovulation phase | Release of an egg/ovum from one of the ovaries. Women with normal cycles have this phase for around 5-7 days. | Day 12 – Day 16 | Estrogen levels start to decrease, and progesterone levels start to increase |
| Luteal phase | The luteal phase lasts around 8-11 days in regular cycles. Hormonal changes during this phase may lead to mood swings, headaches, acne, bloating, and breast tenderness – common signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If fertilization doesn’t occur, the menstrual cycle repeats from the beginning. | Day 17 – Day 28 | Higher progesterone (declines as the luteal phase approaches an end) and lower estrogen levels |
Women experience sleep disturbances more frequently than men.
One of the factors contributing to this could be the menstrual cycle.
According to a study, young women who reported sleeping less than 8 and 7 hours per day experienced more premenstrual spasms than those who slept for 8 hours or more.
Sleep disturbances tend to increase during the premenstrual and menstruation phases, particularly in women with PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps).
This could be attributed to hormonal changes involving progesterone and estrogen.
The effects of the changes are more notable in the premenstrual phase.
Women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome might encounter sleep problems due to the following factors:
Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Genetic?
Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase results in a body temperature rise of about 0.3°C to 0.7°C.
This sudden temperature change creates disturbed sleep quality.
A study also associates higher body temperature with reduced REM sleep in the luteal phase.
Therefore, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle alter temperature regulation, affecting sleep quality.
Higher progesterone (declines as the luteal phase approaches an end) and lower estrogen levels during the luteal phase prevail if the egg is not fertilized.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders investigated the relationship between sleep and PMS.
It reported the following:
Females who experience premenstrual syndrome are more likely to have insomnia.
As a result, they experience excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced focus, and concentration, and are tired and drowsy throughout the day.
Women experience more sleep problems than men, with one of the key factors being hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle.
Hormonal fluctuations alter the temperature range, which also impacts sleep quality.
Sleep problems are more evident in the luteal (premenstrual) and menstrual phases than in others due to reduced melatonin and allopregnanolone levels and menstrual cramps.
Sleep quality can be improved by incorporating natural remedies, practicing relaxation techniques, implementing pain management strategies, reducing caffeine consumption, and avoiding exposure to blue light.
Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner if you experience severe sleep disturbances or other menstrual cycle-related problems.
Here’s how you can still get your sleep report
Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and managing this chronic condition can often feel like a never-ending puzzle.
However, in our increasingly digital age, new tools and technologies are emerging to transform how we approach diabetes care.
At the forefront of this revolution is artificial intelligence (AI), a game-changing force that promises to enhance daily life for individuals with diabetes.
In this blog post, we’ll unravel the potential of AI, examining its role in improving glucose control, providing personalized insights, and even predicting future health outcomes.
Did you know? Your genes hold precious clues about nearly all aspects related to your health and wellness. Harnessing this information can help prevent diseases, improve diet, age gracefully, and maintain a healthy weight. Learn how:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people globally.
It occurs when the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels, which are critical for our cells’ energy production.
The pancreas plays a vital role in this process by producing insulin, a hormone that enables the body to manage glucose levels effectively.
However, insulin production complications can lead to abnormal sugar levels and result in diabetes.
Diabetes is classified into numerous categories. The most widespread are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?
Blood sugar monitoring, dietary adjustments, and, in some cases, insulin therapy are essential in managing gestational diabetes to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Living with diabetes presents numerous challenges that require continuous management and care. Some of them are:
The ever-evolving progress of AI has revolutionized how diabetes is treated and monitored, introducing numerous possibilities for enhanced care.
Traditional glucose monitoring typically involves periodic finger pricks to measure blood sugar levels.
By using AI technology, monitoring glucose levels has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices use tiny skin-implanted sensors to test glucose levels faster than slower traditional methods.
Lots of data are gathered and then examined using machine learning techniques.
The algorithms can detect abnormal events, trends, or patterns in glucose data from this process.
Benefits of AI-driven glucose monitoring
AI can continuously analyze glucose levels and consider factors like carbohydrate intake and activity levels.
It can then use this information to deliver precise and timely insulin doses without requiring manual calculations or frequent user intervention.
The advantages of AI-powered smart insulin pumps include the following:
It is important to note that AI technologies in diabetes management are meant to support and complement the expertise of healthcare professionals.
While these technologies offer valuable insights and automation, they should always be used under medical supervision and with personalized care plans.
Machine learning techniques have been used in medical health research, including predicting diabetes.
In a study, researchers used AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to predict diabetes in a dataset from a hospital in Luzhou, China.
The three tools used here include:
All these employ AI and ML but use slightly different techniques.
The scientists divided the data into training sets and a test set to test their methods.
They used the training sets to teach the computer program how to make predictions. Then they used the test set to see how accurate the predictions were.
While they used various methods to assess and simplify the data, they found that using all the information about a person’s health was the best way to predict diabetes.
Further, while all the 3 tools predicted diabetes accurately, random forest was the best predictor.
This study shows that machine learning can help predict diabetes.
By using these computer programs, doctors can understand who might develop diabetes in the future and take steps to prevent it or manage it better.
Mobile apps are a simple and convenient way to manage diabetes.
Features like glucose level tracking, meal planning, medication reminder, and other insights can prove useful for those with diabetes.
These are some commonly used apps:
Note: The apps in this list are not our recommendations, and we do not vouch for any of them. This is for informational purposes only. The best app for you will depend on your needs.
The following features provided by most diabetes care apps make them useful tools for managing this condition:
Can AI help with a breast cancer diagnosis?
Using AI in diabetes care can help prevent the condition in the following ways:
By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare providers can enhance preventive efforts, enable early detection, and provide personalized care for individuals at risk of developing diabetes.
Discussing the ethical issues in AI implementation is important as it continues influencing diabetic care. Developing AI ethically and preserving human control also involves safeguarding data privacy and preventing algorithmic biases.
However, the future possibilities of AI in diabetes management are promising, offering advancements that can revolutionize daily life for individuals with diabetes.
Let’s briefly discuss these considerations and their potential effects in the future:
Future Directions
Integrating AI into the lives of those with diabetes has immense potential for transformative change.
The benefits of AI are enormous, from managing diabetes more effectively to improving quality of life and overall health outcomes.
AI-based glucose monitoring technologies, such as CGM systems, offer the following benefits:
Smart insulin pumps powered by AI algorithms provide automated insulin delivery, improving glycemic control and more comfort.
Moreover, AI can predict the risk of developing diabetes by analyzing vast datasets and generating personalized risk assessments.
Diabetes care apps integrated with AI provide on-the-go monitoring, customized support, seamless data integration, reminders, notifications, and community support.
Ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithm bias, and human oversight, are crucial when implementing AI in diabetes care.
The advancements in AI for diabetes management have promising future implications.
These include continuous glucose monitoring, closed-loop systems, incorporation with wearable devices, and adopting a comprehensive approach to care.
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/top-iphone-android-apps
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422872/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7530691/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7325854/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859270/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02144-z
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.862322/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28585879/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2018.00515/full
https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/44/2/254/6692818
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6550406/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11444-glucose-continuous-glucose-monitoring
We humans often experience pain as an unwelcome barrier. But what if there was a way to break through those barriers?
What if physical activity held the key to unlocking a higher pain tolerance? A new study reinforces that engaging in physical activities reduces chronic pain experience.
This article reveals pain tolerance, the factors affecting them, and how physical activity is associated with pain tolerance effect with a study supporting this concept.
Read on to uncover further insights.
Your genes play a strong role in influencing your pain threshold.
Pain tolerance is the capacity of a person to handle or tolerate pain.
Individuals with higher pain tolerance can feel less pain than those with moderate or low pain tolerance.
A simple example is a person’s ability to touch a hot surface. A person with higher tolerance can have higher exposure than others.
Some factors influence the pain tolerance of an individual.
Genetics has emerged as a significant factor in understanding the variation in pain tolerance among individuals.
Our genetic makeup plays a crucial role in determining how we perceive and respond to pain stimuli.
Studies have shown that certain genetic variations can affect the functioning of pain receptors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory pathways, ultimately influencing our pain perception and tolerance levels.
Research strongly suggests that males and females differ in their responses to pain.
This is due to differences in the anatomy, genetic makeup, types and levels of hormones, nerve responses, etc., between males and females.
Each of us possesses a unique lifestyle and varying levels of exposure to different experiences. For instance, people who smoke may be more sensitive to pain.
On the other hand, athletes have a higher pain tolerance.
It’s no secret that your mind and body are connected. So, anything that affects your mental health, including conditions like depression and anxiety, may increase pain sensitivity.
Engaging in physical activities/exercises is associated with higher pain tolerance.
During exercise, the body releases chemical compounds known as endorphins.
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
They engage with specific parts of the brain, subsequently diminishing one’s perception of pain.
This decrease in pain sensation through exercise is termed exercise-induced hypoplasia.
Furthermore, repeated exposure to discomfort during exercise might lead to adaptations in the central nervous system, resulting in enhanced pain tolerance.
However, the exact mechanisms behind this connection are not yet fully understood.
Many aspects of our fitness, like injury risk, endurance potential, lung capacity, tendon strength, and pain tolerance, are influenced by our genes. Learning about how your genes impact fitness can be very helpful in achieving your fitness goals.
According to a recently published study in PLOS ONE, higher levels of physical activity have been found to decrease or prevent chronic pain sensation.
This study was conducted by nine researchers affiliated with the Department of Pain, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway, and some centers in Norway.
The study included 10,732 Norwegian adults, 51% of whom were females.
The participants’ mean age was 55.8 years.
The study measured two parameters: physical activity and pain tolerance.
The former was self-reported by the participants as “leisure-time physical activity,” which includes all physical activities done during the day, including exercise.
Pain tolerance was measured using a cold-pressor test (CPT) where the participants had to submerge their hands (till their wrists) in water (3°C) for as long as possible.
Certain workouts have shown promising results when it comes to improving pain tolerance through exercise. Here are some of the best exercises to consider:
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and start at an appropriate level of intensity that is best for your needs.
Consult a healthcare professional or fitness expert for any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Pain tolerance refers to a person’s ability to endure or withstand pain.
Factors like age, gender, genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors might influence a person to experience pain tolerance.
A new study suggests that engaging in physical activity is associated with higher pain tolerance – the more intensity, the higher the pain tolerance.
Certain types of physical activities, like HIIT, resistance training, yoga, and tai-chi, in particular, are known to improve pain tolerance.
Having a drink once in a while is acceptable. However, if you drink frequently and for an extended period, you develop alcohol tolerance.
While most people may boast about their tolerance to alcohol, when unchecked, it can lead to harmful health consequences, including addiction and liver disease.
Several reasons affect your tolerance to alcohol, and no two people will have the same alcohol tolerance.
Let’s explore the various factors of alcohol tolerance and how your genes have a role to play in it!
Tolerance is your body’s ability to suppress normal responses to substances and toxins.
Alcohol tolerance refers to a situation where continuous drinking results in the same amount of alcohol having a lesser effect on the body.
An increased amount of alcohol may be required to produce the same effects.
Your alcohol tolerance depends upon how your body responds to it in different situations, how much remains in the system, and the efficiency in eliminating it.
Someone with a greater tolerance usually enjoys many drinks without feeling “drunk.”
Alcohol tolerance is one of the many prominent symptoms of alcohol dependence.
This is, in fact, a stage of alcohol addiction when you need a drink to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Genetics plays a significant role in alcohol tolerance.
Changes in the genes, including ADH1B and ALDH2, that participate in alcohol metabolism can influence alcohol tolerance in individuals.
How fast or slow your body breaks down or metabolizes alcohol is influenced by your genes.
Studies report that genetics influences 40% to 60% risk of alcohol-related disorders.
Alcohol is broken down or metabolized by 3 main enzymes.
Any differences in these enzymes make people metabolize alcohol differently.
In fact, genetic differences in these enzymes are responsible for why different ethnic groups have higher or lower alcohol-related problems.
Higher levels of ADH enzymes and lower levels of ALDH2 enzymes can result in the build-up of acetaldehyde.
This leads to poor alcohol tolerance.
A type of the ADH gene called the ADH1B*2 (primarily found in Asian and Polynesian populations) produces the ADH1B enzyme with 100-fold activity.
This protects people with this gene variant from alcohol dependence.
The ALDH2 gene produces the ALDH2 enzyme.
A genetic mutation in the ALDH2 gene makes the gene less active or inactive.
A type of this gene called the ALDH2*2 gene has been observed in the Asian population.
This type produces the ALDH2 enzyme with 85% lower activity in the liver and inhibits voluntary consumption of alcohol by 50%.
Here’s how you can still get your alcohol dependence report
Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition in which the body prevents the effective breakdown of alcohol.
While many people do not develop any adverse reaction to consuming alcohol, some people who are alcohol intolerant may show some signs and symptoms.
When these alcohol-intolerant people consume alcohol, they experience an unpleasant phenomenon called a flush reaction.
A few common symptoms of alcohol flush reaction are:
While many people may think their alcohol tolerance is good, it is not!
One of the dangers of high alcohol tolerance is binge drinking and alcoholism.
Since people with high alcohol tolerance can consume and tolerate large amounts of alcohol, they are more likely to drink more.
With increased consumption, alcohol influences changes in the brain.
For example, you are more likely to feel happy or exhilarated when you drink.
This acts as an incentive, prompting you to drink more, eventually leading to alcoholism.
Along with alcohol tolerance, other factors that may contribute to alcoholism are:
While several factors influence alcoholism, family history is one of them.
One does not inherit it in a straightforward manner.
However, you can inherit the gene changes that increase your risk of developing alcoholism can be inherited.
So, while you may not inherit the addiction itself, you may receive the genes that increase your risk of developing alcoholism.
It has also been observed that since multiple genes play a role in alcohol use disorder, it may skip a generation.
Factors that may influence alcohol tolerance are:
While there are no tests for alcohol tolerance, genetic testing at home and a medical facility are available for alcohol intolerance.
A genetic test for alcohol intolerance involves taking a blood, saliva, or tissue sample to observe changes in the ADH and ALDH genes.
Certain gene changes that lower ADH enzyme levels and increase ALDH enzyme levels can increase your alcohol tolerance.
On the other hand, gene changes resulting in high ADH and low ALDH enzyme levels can decrease your alcohol tolerance, lowering your risk for alcohol use disorders.
A genetic test can help reveal what changes you carry in these genes and help you understand your risk for alcohol use disorders.
