Can alcohol intolerance be treated?

If the alcohol intolerance is genetic, it is not possible to treat the cause. The altered genes that are responsible for limiting the enzymes‘ ability to function cannot be repaired. The only treatment option in this case is to abstain from alcohol.

Affected persons may not know that they have an alcohol intolerance. However, it is important to avoid alcohol or reduce consumption to a minimum if you have an alcohol intolerance. The reason for this is that even small amounts of alcohol cause major damage to the organs.

However, if the alcohol intolerance is caused by organ damage, it may be possible to treat these organs. If it is possible to completely repair the organ damage, it may also be possible to repair the alcohol intolerance. Often, however, the organ damage is caused by alcohol abuse.

In this case it is advisable to abstain from alcohol. This is difficult, as organ damage caused by alcohol abuse is often due to alcohol addiction, which makes it more difficult to stop drinking. If medication ensures that alcohol can only be broken down with difficulty, the intolerance is usually reversible.

If the treatment is terminated with the appropriate medication, the alcohol can often be broken down again normally. However, some medications must be taken permanently, for these it is important to avoid alcohol. This topic might also be of interest to you: Alcohol addiction

Forecast

If alcohol intolerance is consistently avoided, this does not lead to a reduction in life expectancy. In the western world, however, abstaining from alcohol often means a reduction in quality of life, which is why abstaining from alcohol is more difficult than in cultural circles where generally less or no alcohol is consumed. If alcohol is consumed in high quantities in the case of an alcohol intolerance, the typical symptoms of an alcohol intolerance occur. It is important to stress that the symptoms can be life-threatening under certain circumstances. Particularly in the case of a damaged heart, the increased stress caused by the rapid heartbeat can lead to problems.

What role does the thyroid gland play?

People who suffer from hypothyroidism sometimes cannot tolerate alcohol. This results in a decrease in tolerance to alcohol. On the other hand, if alcohol is consumed in moderation, it can stimulate the metabolism.

This effect is beneficial to a patient with hypothyroidism, as metabolism is slower in this disease. If the hypofunction is well corrected, i.e. the hormones that the thyroid actually produces are supplied from outside in the correct quantity, it is possible that the intolerance will decrease. Similar topics: Alcohol Addiction

What role does the liver play?

The liver plays probably the most important role in detoxifying the body from alcohol, as the enzymes that break down alcohol are produced in the liver. If the liver is damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy lifestyle or the intake of medication, it can no longer produce the required enzymes in the required quantities.