Asian Flush: How to Manage Alcohol Intolerance in Social Settings
Social drinking is a regular part of many gatherings, but for 30-40% of East Asians, it comes with an unwanted side effect—Asian flush syndrome. This reaction, also known as Asian glow, happens due to a genetic inability to properly break down alcohol, leading to redness, nausea, dizziness, and a higher heart rate. While it may seem like a minor hassle, it can also pose long-term health risks, making it essential to control alcohol consumption carefully. If you or someone you know experiences Asian flush, here are helpful ways to handle social situations without discomfort. Understanding Asian Flush Syndrome Asian flush is caused by a defect in the ALDH2 enzyme, which breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol. When the body fails to handle this toxin efficiently, it accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to flushed skin, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Aside from the immediate reactions, continued contact to acetaldehyde increases the risk of high blood pressure, esophageal cancer, and other health issues. While some may try to ignore the symptoms, the best way is to manage alcohol intake wisely. How to Manage Alcohol Intolerance in Social Situations 1. Limit Your Alcohol Intake The easiest way to prevent Asian flush is to reduce alcohol consumption or avoid it totally. Many people manage symptoms by drinking slowly, mixing alcohol with water, or setting a tight limit. Pacing yourself helps reduce discomfort while still allowing you to enjoy social gatherings without the unwanted side effects of alcohol intolerance. 2. Choose Non-Alcoholic Alternatives You don’t need alcohol to enjoy a night out. Many bars and restaurants now serve non-alcoholic beers, mocktails, and alcohol-free spirits, giving the same social experience without the negative effects. If you want something in hand, ask the bartender for a custom mocktail, or try a refreshing kombucha or fruit-infused soda. These alternatives let you socialize confidently while escaping the discomfort of alcohol intolerance. 3. Pick Social Activities That Aren’t Focused on Drinking Not all social gatherings need to focus on alcohol. Instead of meeting at a bar, suggest events like: Karaoke Nights: A favorite in many Asian communities, karaoke offers a lively and social environment without the need for alcohol. Food Crawls at Asian Night Markets: Explore different cuisines while going from one food stall to another. Cultural Events & Exhibitions: Attend performances, art showcases, or traditional festivals to celebrate heritage and creativity. Outdoor Activities: Opt for group-friendly choices like riding, camping, or nature walks. Picnics in the Park: Gather friends for a relaxed day with fresh food, games, and good conversation. Game Nights & Escape Rooms: Engage in fun tasks and games that entertain everyone. Wellness & Fitness Meetups: Join yoga lessons, dance classes, or meditation groups for a social yet refreshing experience. By picking parties where drinking isn’t the main focus, you avoid the pressure to drink while still enjoying the company of friends. 4. Eat Before Drinking Eating before drinking can help manage Asian flush symptoms. Consuming carbohydrate-rich or high-protein foods, such as rice, noodles, or lean meats, slows alcohol intake and reduces side effects. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to reduce the strength of flushing, dizziness, and nausea, ensuring a more relaxed and controlled drinking experience. 5. Know Your Triggers Asian flush symptoms may be triggered to differing degrees by different alcoholic drinks. Because wine and beer have greater levels of sulfite and histamine, they often produce larger reactions. Because they contain less acetaldehyde, clear alcohol like vodka or gin may cause less symptoms when used in moderation. Selecting the appropriate beverage might aid with discomfort management. 6. Stay Hydrated Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can increase Asian flush symptoms like redness, dizziness, and nausea. To reduce these effects, drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages. Staying wet helps slow down alcohol intake, improves liver function, and allows your body to handle alcohol more efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to swap each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. This simple habit can significantly reduce discomfort and keep you feeling more in control. 7. Educate Your Friends If you often have to explain why you're not drinking, teaching your friends about Asian flush can make social situations easier. Many people are unaware of how serious the condition can be, from uncomfortable redness to nausea and higher health risks. A simple, confident answer can help avoid unnecessary pressure and awkward talks, making it easier to enjoy your night without feeling the need to explain your choices. Stay Social with Maccha: The Ultimate App for the ESEA Community Maccha is the ideal app for you if you want enjoyable social experiences without the pressure to drink. Maccha, launched in London for the East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) population, assists you in: Find Events: That Don't Include Alcohol. Locate community-focused activity-based gatherings, food markets, and cultural festivals. Connect with like-minded people: Meet people who choose to socialize without alcohol and who are aware of the difficulties associated with Asian flush. Arrange Group Activities: Maccha makes event planning simple, whether it's an outdoor excursion, karaoke night, or bubble tea hangout. Experience London's thriving social scene on your terms by becoming a member of the Maccha community. Wrapping Up Asian flush syndrome can make social drinking uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to stop you from having fun. By limiting alcohol, exploring non-alcoholic choices, and picking alternative social activities, you can enjoy nights out without the adverse side effects. And with apps like Maccha, meeting with the Asian community in London has never been easier. Whether you're looking for drink-free parties or new friendships, Maccha ensures you never miss out on the best experiences. Are you looking for social events without alcohol pressure? Download Maccha and start exploring today.
Freshers Week: Building Friendships in the ESEA Community at University
Alright, so you’ve landed at uni, and Freshers Week is kicking off—it’s buzzing, but also a bit nerve-wracking, right? Everyone’s out here trying to meet new people and settle in. But for us in the ESEA community, it can sometimes feel like we’re on a different wave. With the mix of cultures and everything, finding your people might feel like a mission. No need to stress though; there’s bare ways to connect with like-minded East and Southeast Asians and feel right at home. Get in on the ESEA Contemporary Scene One of the best ways to kick things off is by hitting up events that are all about the ESEA community. Loads of societies and orgs are now creating spaces for us to vibe, bond, and just hang out. If you’re after cultural or varied events, there are various ESEA organisations, such as the London Chinese Community Centre, and B.SEAn. They are typically volunteer-led organisations who organise events to bring the community together. If you’re after nightlife, Official K Events is Europe’s largest Kpop Club Nights organiser. If you have a love of Kpop and after a fun night, this could be a good option. If you’re in London, Thai Square in Trafalgar Square is also the Asian night to-go. Every Friday and Saturday night, the club is packed with trendy Asians dancing the night away. Whether you're Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, or repping another ESEA background, you're bound to meet people who get where you're coming from. The Asian networking scene is more alive than ever. Your Uni’s ESEA Societies Are a Goldmine Nearly every uni in the UK will have some kind of ESEA-related society—whether it’s an Asian society, an international asian student group, or something similar. These groups are the perfect places to build those solid friendships. Keep an eye out for ABACUS (Association of British Chinese University Students). Almost all universities in the UK have one, and despite the name, it’s typically open to all Asians. Most universities will also have specific ethnic societies, such as Filipino Society or Vietnamese Society. Sign up at Freshers’ Fayre or follow their Instagram pages. Asian networking events, cultural festivals, and socials—they're ideal for bonding over shared food, languages, and vibes. Don't hesitate to dive into Freshers Week! We're all in this together, and bonding over shared experiences is the best way to make friends. Feeling a Bit Lost? It’s Calm, We’ve All Been There If you’re feeling a bit out of place, no stress. Freshers Week is chaos for everyone, whether they’re locals or internationals. For the ESEA community, it might take a bit more effort to find people who get your background, but trust us—it’s 100% worth it. Hit Up Your Uni’s Asian Societies ASAP If you haven’t already scoped them out, what are you waiting for? Most unis have Asian or international societies where you can link up with people from the ESEA community. These groups are all about making you feel at home, whether through socials, cultural nights, or just chill hangouts. Honestly, it’s probably the easiest way to meet new people in the UK who just get it. Find external ESEA-related events to suit your taste If you’re based in or near London, you’re set. The London Chinese Community Centre and B.SEAn are volunteer-led community organisations. You’ll meet students, professionals, and creatives all looking to connect. The UK is also vibrant with Asian nights, from K Events, to Thai Square. Don’t worry—other cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds have their own ESEA communities with similar events, so keep your eyes peeled. Don’t Sleep on Social Media Let's be honest: everything is blowing up on social media. Follow your university's societies, the ESEA community sites, and local Asian activities. It's a low-key method to stay informed without feeling pressurised. Furthermore, it allows you to discover which events interest you and who you may like to connect with ease. Food is the Ultimate Connector Listen, food brings people together like nothing else. Whether it’s a hotpot night, dim sum run, or a homemade potluck, food events are the perfect vibe for getting to know people in the ESEA community. If your uni’s Asian society is throwing a food-based event during Freshers Week, you do not want to miss it. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Yeah, we know it's super awkward to walk into a room full of strangers. But guess what? Everyone's feeling the same way during Freshers Week! Relax, take a deep breath, and go ahead and introduce yourself! Most people are looking for mates just like you, so whether it’s joining a convo or asking about the next big event, it’s all good. Find Your People with Maccha Feeling a bit stuck on how to find your crew? Check out Maccha—the community app built specifically for the ESEA community living in the West. Maccha makes it easy to connect with like-minded people in a super chill, community-focused way. You’ll find events, activities, and casual meetups nearby, so you can link up with others who are on your wavelength. It’s like having your own personal guide to the ESEA scene! Final Thoughts Freshers Week is your perfect chance to build lifelong uni friendships, especially within the ESEA community. From joining societies to using the Maccha community app to find your tribe, the possibilities are endless. So get out there, embrace your heritage, and link up with new people who get you. Trust us, there are loads of like-minded ESEA people just waiting to meet you. Let’s make those connections happen!