Alcohol Allergy

उपशेतेयदौचित्यादोकसात्म्यंतदुच्यते ||४९||

Alcohol Allergy - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Alcohol allergy is an allergic reaction to alcoholic drinks. More often, it interacts with components in the body’s immune system, causing reactions to lower levels of the allergen; quicker allergic reactions; or more severe allergic reactions. Consumption of even a minimal amount of alcohol causes unpleasant reactions Even the alcohol manufacturing process can trigger reactions in some individuals. Drinking alcohol that has been aged in wooden barrels, for instance, can cause reactions in people with a tree nut sensitivity. The most common alcoholic drink, which is likely to trigger symptoms is red wine.

According to Ayurveda Science Asatmya means unwholesome and Satmya means suitability to some things, which are favorable for one’s own self. A substance can be Asatmya to an individual in the form of aahara and vihara which when consumed may cause an altered response in the body of that individual. All types of food allergies can be related to this concept so is alcohol allergy.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA successfully addresses this condition and provides very safe and effective treatment for Alcohol Allergy.

Causes of Alcohol Allergy

An enzyme named ‘aldehyde dehydrogenase’ is required for the breakdown and absorption of alcohol. The deficiency of such an enzyme impairs alcohol breakdown and leads to the build-up of toxic substances in the body. These substances trigger the immune system, causing allergic reactions.

Some individuals are not directly allergic to alcohol, but to the components, which are used to make alcohol, such as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Yeast, Grapes, etc.

Ayurvedic Reference of Alcohol Allergy

Symptoms of Alcohol Allergy

Signs and symptoms of acute allergic reaction to alcohol:

Flushing
Redness of the skin, especially face
Itching
Itchy and warm bumps on the skin
Low blood pressure
Headache
Nasal congestion or stuffed nose
Sneezing
Rhinitis
Rashes
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Signs and symptoms of chronic allergic reactions to alcohol:

Asthma
Difficulty in breathing
Severe stomach cramps
Collapse
Anaphylaxis
Rapid heartbeat

Dr. Sahil Gupta - Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA aspires to be the destination of choice for people seeking authentic Ayurveda healthcare. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® care about all your concerns related to health”.

Quality care. Right here! Reach Dr. Gupta’s IAFA for all your worries about your health.

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet Management in Alcohol Allergy

Do’s (Pathya) in Alcohol Allergy

If you are allergic to alcohol, it is best to avoid it completely.
Besides this, avoid food items that contain even trace amounts of alcohol. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing food items.
Individuals with alcohol allergies must avoid beauty products and mouthwashes containing alcohol.

Don’ts (Apathya) in Alcohol Allergy

List of Foods to Avoid

Alcohol
Liqueur-filled chocolates and candies
Cakes that have alcohol in them
Meats cooked with alcohol
Desserts made with alcohol
Biscuits and cookies that have alcohol
Foods flamed with alcohol
Hot sauces
Vanilla extract
Wine-flavored cheese
Wine vinegar

Yoga Therapy in Alcohol Allergy

Yogasanas and pranayama are very effective in Alcohol Allergy.

Postures include,

Matsyasana
Paschitmoasana
Sarvangasana
Pavanamukthasana
Sirsasana
Bhujangasana

Pranayama include,

Kapalbhati
Nadishodhana Pranayama
Bhastrika Pranayama

Ayurvedic Treatment for Alcohol Allergy

Any dietary substance will become Asatmya to a person if there is improper digestive fire or Agni. Digestive fire of body (Agni) becomes weak due to ama visha (metabolic toxin) formation in the body and causes an imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha are life forces) in the body. Treatment involves Shamana chikitsa (internal medicines), Shodhana chikitsa (Panchakarma therapy), lifestyle modifications, and a very strict diet regimen.

Internal Medicines for Alcohol Allergy

Guluchyadi Kashaya
Drakshadi Kashaya
Hingvadi Vati
Kutaja ghana vati
Chitrakadi Vati

Shivakshara Churna
Trikatu Churna
Dadimadi ghritham
Guduchi satva
Pravala panchamrita

Purificatory Therapies

Vamana (emesis therapy)
Virechna (purgation therapy)
Asthapanavasti (medicated enema)

Single Herbs Used in Alcohol Allergy

Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippalimoola (Piper longum)
Chavya (Piper chaba)

Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Amlavetasa (Garcinia pedunculata)

Maricha (Piper nigrum)

Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Kutaja (Holarrhena Antidysenterica)
Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)
Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

References

Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana, Tasyasiteeya, Chapter 6, Sloka 49.
Charaka. Charaka Samhita. Vidhyotini commentary. Chaukhambha Bhartiya Academy, Varanasi. 1st volume, Sutrasthan 20/17.
Dr. Ravi Dutt Tripathi. Ashtang Sangraha, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, Viman Sthan 1/10.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Alcohol Allergy Chapter No. 20, Page No. 123-128.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Alcohol Allergy?

Answer: Alcohol allergy is an allergic reaction to alcoholic drinks. Though such an allergy is rare, its reactions can be quite severe

Question: What are the Causes of Alcohol Allergy?

Answer: It is caused due to alcohol consumption, or allergic reactions to ingredients found in certain alcoholic beverages, such as histamines in red wine, gluten in beer, and other hard liquors and foods.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment for Alcohol Allergy?

Answer: If the patient is healthy then sodhan chikitsa (purificatory) should be done with vamana, Virechana and then shaman (palliative) chikitsa should be done with advised diet and medicines.

Question: What is the cause of Alcohol Allergy according to Ayurveda?

Answer: According to Ayurveda, alcohol allergy is caused due to the variety of unwanted endogenous and exogenous materials which are accumulated to Viruddhahara (unwholesome diet).