Short Wave Drinking Turns Some Red With Asian Glow—And May Fight Tuberculosis
6 snips
Dec 24, 2025 
Katie Wu, a staff writer for The Atlantic, shares her insights on the intriguing genetic condition known as Asian glow. She discusses personal experiences with this flush that affects many after drinking alcohol. Wu delves into the ALDH2 mutation responsible for this condition and its implications for health, including potential links to tuberculosis resistance. The conversation explores how this seemingly disadvantageous trait could have provided an evolutionary advantage, highlighting a fascinating intersection between genetics and survival.
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Personal First-Sip Stories
- Katie Wu recounts her first drinks as a child and teen leading to immediate flushing and discomfort.
- She and Regina Barber describe visible redness, warmth, nausea, and dizziness from drinking alcohol.
One Gene Explains The Flush
- The condition stems from a single common mutation in the ALDH2 gene that impairs aldehyde breakdown.
- Heterozygotes with one broken copy still experience dominant symptoms because the defective enzyme reduces overall detox capacity.
Aldehydes Are Harmful Toxins
- Aldehydes are toxic carcinogens that damage DNA and proteins when they linger in tissues.
- People lacking ALDH2 function accumulate more aldehydes, raising risks like esophageal cancer and cardiovascular disease.