Auto-Brewery Syndrome

Auto-brewery syndrome is a very rare condition that causes the person to have symptoms of alcohol intoxication without consuming any.

Auto-brewery syndrome

There is a type of bacteria that lives in the gut that normally produces small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), and the body gets rid of it before it reaches the bloodstream. However, in the case of auto-brewery syndrome, these bacteria produce more ethanol than what the body can clear; therefore, some alcohol reaches the bloodstream and causes the symptoms of gut fermentation syndrome.

Causes and risk factors of auto-brewery syndrome

• The overgrowth of certain types of gut microbes, including gram-negative bacteria or yeasts like Candida, causes auto-brewery syndrome.
• The following triggers play a role in the gut fermentation syndrome: elevated blood sugar, gastrointestinal diseases that delay the digestive tract movement, long-term use of antibiotics, and a weakened immune system.
• The risk of auto-brewery syndrome increases due to the following factors: diabetes, metabolic syndrome, carbohydrate-rich diet, candidiasis, cirrhosis, alcohol intolerance, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome

Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome are similar to drunkenness, and they include:

• Clumsiness.
• Brain fog.
• Drowsiness.
• Memory problems.
• Delayed reactions.
• Impaired judgment.
• As the condition becomes more advanced, it causes dilated pupils, blurred vision, mood swings, slurred speech, balancing problems, vomiting, and a flushed face.
• Some people might have other symptoms, especially after consuming high amounts of carbohydrates, like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, extreme tiredness, food sensitivities, hangovers, a runny nose, and blackouts.

Diagnosis of auto-brewery syndrome

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Hydrogen breath test.

Treatment of auto-brewery syndrome

• Restoring the balance of the gut bacterium.
• Adjusting the diet.
• Medications.