Asians who flush when drinking alcohol are at higher risk for esophageal cancer
If you're Asian and your face turns red after just half a bottle of beer, take note: you have a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer caused by alcohol.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 patients in several countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, and found a close link between facial flushing and esophageal health.
This research was led by Dr. Brooks of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. They discovered that many people flush when they drink because their bodies lack an enzyme that helps metabolize alcohol. People who lack this enzyme are more likely to feel nauseous, experience a rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms after drinking. If they continue to drink, due to the lack of this enzyme, alcohol breaks down into a harmful chemical substance that damages the esophagus. Over time, this can lead to esophageal cancer. Dr. Akira Yokoyama of the Kuribayashi Alcohol Research Center in Japan also found that people who flush when drinking have a 6 to 10 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer than those who do not flush.
The researchers stated: "Some of the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but flushing is a form of protest from the body. Therefore, when you flush, it's best to put down your glass to protect your esophagus."