Auto-Brewery Syndrome: When Your Body Betrays You and Makes You Drunk

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare medical condition in which an individual's gut microbiome produces excessive amounts of alcohol from ingested carbohydrates, leading to symptoms resembling intoxication. This condition was first described in 1912, but it was only in the past few decades that it has been more widely recognized and diagnosed.

The exact cause of ABS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the gut, which can ferment carbohydrates into ethanol. Individuals with ABS may have an altered gut microbiome due to antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications, or they may have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Additionally, people with conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, may be more prone to developing ABS.

Possible Symptoms of ABS

The symptoms of ABS can vary widely depending on the individual, but they typically include dizziness, disorientation, slurred speech, and impaired coordination, which can mimic the effects of alcohol consumption.

Some people with ABS may also experience fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and bloating. These symptoms can occur unpredictably and without warning, often leading to confusion and distress for both the affected individual and those around them.

Examples of People With The Syndrome

One well-known case of ABS is that of an American man named Nick Hess. According to reports, Mr. Hess had been experiencing episodes of unexplained drunkenness for several years, even though he claimed not to have consumed any alcohol. He had been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving multiple times and had lost his job due to his symptoms.

Before receiving the remarkable diagnosis, his wife questioned whether he was an alcoholic and hiding alcohol in their Columbus, Ohio, home.

Mr. Hess explained that sometimes the development of symptoms could take days, while other times it was virtually instantaneous.

'It was weird, I'd eat some carbs and all of a sudden I was goofy, vulgar. Every day for a year I would wake up and vomit,' he told the BBC.

Eventually, Mr. Hess was diagnosed with ABS after a doctor noticed high levels of ethanol in his blood despite the absence of any alcohol consumption. He was treated with antifungal medication to control the overgrowth of yeast in his gut, which improved his symptoms and allowed him to return to work.

While ABS is a rare condition, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of its existence and to consider it as a possible diagnosis for individuals who experience unexplained symptoms of intoxication. Diagnosis typically involves measuring the levels of ethanol in a person's blood, breath, or urine, as well as ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms. Treatment may involve antifungal medication, dietary changes, or probiotics to restore the balance of gut bacteria.

In conclusion, Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare medical condition that can cause individuals to experience symptoms resembling intoxication due to excessive production of alcohol in the gut. While the cause of ABS is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the gut, which can ferment carbohydrates into ethanol.

Cases of ABS have been reported around the world, and treatment typically involves medication and dietary changes to restore the balance of gut bacteria. While ABS is a rare condition, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of its existence and to consider it as a possible diagnosis for individuals who experience unexplained symptoms of intoxication.

References and Further Study:

The man who gets drunk on FRIES: Rare syndrome means carbohydrates turn into alcohol inside Nick's stomach (and left his wife thinking he was an alcoholic)