What you can learn: In this article, you will learn how our genetic make-up affects not only our alcohol metabolism, but also predetermines addiction tendencies.
It is well known that the French do not skimp on fat when preparing their meals. They eat more meat, cheese and pork than Americans, but they have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. The secret of their success is probably the fact that the French consume a large amount of red wine. Scientists called this phenomenon the "French paradox". Red wine contains the interesting antioxidant resveratrol and, according to the latest findings of Californian scientists, also substances called saponins, which have a positive effect on LDL cholesterol levels
ALCOHOL METABOLISM AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
Did you know? Wine is clearly one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. About 80 grapes are enough to fill one glass.
Genetics also plays a role alcohol metabolism your role. Specifically, the gene that encodes the enzyme ALDH2. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde – an intermediate product of ethanol metabolism, which is even more toxic than ethanol itself. In people with a defect in the ALDH2 gene, acetaldehyde accumulates, which is why they usually avoid drinking or tolerate it worse. Despite the fact that this error is characteristic of Asians, it also occurs in other races. If you've ever had a drink with someone from China or Japan, you know exactly what we're talking about. If you metabolize alcohol well, also look at the analysis alcohol addiction. Based on a large amount of research, we can conclude that our genetic make-up determines about 65% of our susceptibility to alcohol addiction. These investigations also focused on family studies, where it was found that susceptibility to alcohol dependence is passed down from generation to generation. At the molecular level, the basis of alcohol addiction is very complicated, because its occurrence is influenced by several genes, each of which has a different influence in relation to susceptibility to addiction.
Therefore, even if you metabolize alcohol well, avoid consuming large amounts, not only because of addiction but also for health reasons. Just as 1 dcl of red wine can help in some positive processes in your body, a larger amount can be harmful.
What you could learn: Alcohol can be a good helper, but also a bad master. Red wine in small quantities can contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular diseases, in larger quantities alcohol can cause addiction, even more so if you have a genetic predisposition to addiction. But also various other health problems such as cardiovascular health and overweight. Therefore, as in everything in life, it is important to approach the consumption of alcohol in moderation. You will learn about your genetic predispositions related to alcohol and their effect on your body from your DNA analysis.
You will find out more from your DNA analysis
How alcohol consumption affects your levels LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol and thus your cardiovascular health and mineral level potassium, which, among other things, regulates blood pressure. Alcohol also changes yours triglyceride level and how it affects your weight. How your metabolism of alcohol exposes your body to free radicals and oxidative stress. How it affects removal lactate during and after exercise. Alcohol also changes yours biological aging, tendency to inflammation, sleep cycle or even bone density and many other useful information.
Related breakdowns from analysis
Alcohol is among the four main metabolic characteristics (alcohol, caffeine, lactose and gluten) that we monitor in our analysis. From the DNA analysis, you can learn about the effect of alcohol on you. In it you will find advice, recommendations and links to other analyses:
Alcohol metabolism, Alcohol dependence, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant capacity of the skin, LDL and HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides, Potassium, Bone density, Risk of overweight, Muscle fatigue, Propensity to inflammation, Biological aging and more
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