Self-fermentation, also known as Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), is a rare medical condition where your body internally produces alcohol due to the fermentation of ingested carbohydrates in the gut.
In essence, certain types of yeast or bacteria, often residing in the small intestine or even the mouth, convert sugars and starches from food into ethanol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. This can lead to elevated blood alcohol levels and symptoms of intoxication, even without consuming any external alcohol.
How Does Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS) Work?
- Carbohydrate Ingestion: You eat foods rich in carbohydrates like bread, pasta, fruits, or sugary drinks.
- Microbial Fermentation: Instead of being properly digested and absorbed, these carbohydrates are fermented by microorganisms (typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, but other bacteria can also be involved).
- Ethanol Production: The fermentation process breaks down the carbohydrates into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide.
- Absorption and Intoxication: The produced ethanol is absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to measurable blood alcohol concentrations and symptoms of drunkenness.
Symptoms of Auto-Brewery Syndrome
The symptoms of ABS can vary in severity but may include:
- Drunkenness without alcohol consumption
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Brain fog
- Hangover-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms (bloating, gas)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood changes
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of ABS typically involves:
- Clinical History: Documenting symptoms and ruling out other possible causes of intoxication.
- Carbohydrate Challenge Test: Administering a dose of carbohydrates and monitoring blood alcohol levels over a period of time.
- Stool Analysis: Identifying the type and quantity of yeast or bacteria present in the gut.
Treatment often involves:
- Dietary Changes: A low-carbohydrate, anti-fungal diet to starve the yeast.
- Antifungal Medications: To reduce the yeast population in the gut.
- Probiotics: To restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
ABS is a real, though often unrecognized, medical condition that can significantly impact a person's life. If you experience unexplained symptoms of intoxication, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to explore the possibility of ABS and receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
