This article looks at some of the possible causes of alcohol allergy or intolerance.
Things get more complicated when it comes to distilled alcohol.
Unless gluten-containing flavorings are addedafterthe distillation process, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free.
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The same applies to distilled alcohol made from wheat if you have a wheat allergy.
If this is you, it’s possible for you to consider drinking potato-based or grape-based vodka.
There are also certain whiskeys made from sorghum (a gluten-free grain).
Wine and most brandies are also gluten-free.
Wine and distilled spirits are generally considered safe.
Histamine Intolerance
Many foods, including red wine and aged cheese, are high in histamine.
This is the same chemical involved in allergic reactions in the body.
A reaction to high-histamine foods could be a sign of histamine intolerance.
If they dont, you may experience a so-called red wine headache and other symptoms.
These include itchy or flushed skin, red eyes, facial swelling, runny nose, and congestion.
Although red wine is especially high in histamines, all alcoholic beverages have high levels of histamine.
Antihistamineslike Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help alleviate histamine intolerance symptoms.
However, the best treatment is the avoidance of histamine in the foods we consume, including alcohol.
Sulfite Allergies
A group of sulfur-containing compounds known assulfitesoccurs naturally in wine and beer.
They help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.Some vintners add more sulfites to wines because they act as preservatives.
There is no such thing as a sulfite-free wine.
Sulfites naturally found in wine and beer can cause asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to sulfites.
In rare cases, a reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis.
Allergies to brewers yeast and other yeasts have been well-documented in the medical literature.
People with yeast allergies should avoid these.
Distilled liquor is not made with brewers yeast.
Distilling a drink usually removes any naturally occurring yeast or yeast by-products from the liquid.
Because of this, distilled spirits are generally safe for people with yeast allergies.
Grape Allergies
Grape allergies are rare, but they have been reported in some medical journals.
Most wine coolers and packaged martini mixes should also be struck from the list.
Possible alternatives to wine and grape-based spirits include Japanese plum wine, which has an appealingly sweet taste.
Calvados, an apple brandy, is another option.
Beer and wine are considered safe.
People with sulfite allergies will likely need to avoid red wine.
While rare, people with grape allergies should avoid wine and grape-based liquors, including brandy.
Even less common is an allergy or intolerance to corn-based liquors like bourbon.
No, there is no cure for alcohol allergies or intolerance, but it is possible to manage symptoms.
It is not recommended.
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