Cursed with ALDH deficiency

Firstly HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY CLARE!

Sitting at home on a Saturday night feeling sorry for myself and getting teary over Two Weeks Notice (sad sad case).

Tonight was all set to be a huge night… going out to celebrate the young and totally glamourous Clare’s 30th birthday.  Was all dressed up and looking hot (well, about as hot as Gayle can look). Instead I was stupid, had half a glass of champagne, ended up feeling dodgey and went home early leaving everyone else to party on.  Such a wuss. So disappointing.

 

I can’t drink.  Evidence item 1 – our trip to York a couple of years ago. According to foodreactions.org:

“The commonest abnormal reaction to alcohol is seen in persons from an oriental background, who get flushing, increased heart rate, and symptoms of reduced blood pressure. This is sometimes referred to as 'oriental flushing syndrome'. Approximately 50% of Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans are deficient in ALDH, and this has been reported to be protective against the development of alcoholism.”

Where Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) is an enzyme that is needed to metabolise the alcohol into acetic acid (vinegar).

 

Turns out I must get hit by this a little more than the average Oriental.  When drinking I go ridiculously pink, my heart races abnormally, sometimes I feel like I’m going to faint, and on some occasions I have.  As a result I think I have developed some paranoia about fainting which makes me panic at any sign of fainting which makes it even more likely!

 

Feeling very left out of all the fun, and I have no one to blame but myself.  You think I would grow up and be more responsible after 33 years.  I guess you could say it is giving into peer pressure… sometimes it is just not fun to be the only sober person surrounded by drunk people.

 

Upside is I got home early, definitely feeling somewhat less nauseous, and have been entertained by some faraway friends on Skype.

 

I also have to admit to having had a gorgeous day with Clare and her beautiful friends on a day trip to Hepburn Springs.  Relaxing in mineral baths/spas followed up by Devonshire tea… what a perfect day.  Didn’t get any photos of the girls (my antiquated camera has been dropped one too many times), but I did get a  photo of the place.  Thanks for including me in the fun girls.  And Clare, hope you had a really special day and night.  Can’t wait to make it up to you with some partying in Melbourne some time soon. xoxo