Individual from Florida Suffers Uncommon Ailment: Body Regularly Produces Alcohol
In a groundbreaking development, Dr. Wickremesinghe, a renowned medical professional, is set to release a comprehensive study on Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), a rare medical condition that causes the human body to produce alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. The study will be based on the 30 patients he has treated, some of whom have travelled from as far as Romania to seek his expertise.
One of Dr. Wickremesinghe's patients is Mark Mongiardo, a former high school teacher and coach from New Jersey. Mongiardo was terminated due to drunk driving charges, but his DWI charges were ultimately dismissed by the police officers, as the prosecutors failed to bring the case to trial promptly. Mongiardo's failed Breathalyzer test was due to ABS, a fact he discovered after meeting with Dr. Wickremesinghe.
To diagnose ABS, Dr. Wickremesinghe requires patients to undergo a colonoscopy and an eight-hour blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test in the hospital. Patients must also follow a strict no-carb diet for the first six weeks, followed by a low-carb diet to lower the level of anti-fungal medication.
Mongiardo currently manages his ABS by taking 30 pills daily, adhering to a low-carb diet, and testing himself with a Breathalyzer before operating a vehicle. He categorically denies the accusations, stating he would never jeopardize his students' well-being.
ABS is caused by the disruption of gut flora due to antibiotics, allowing fungus and yeast to thrive. As a result, when someone with ABS consumes carbohydrates or sugar, their gut ferments alcohol, leading to potentially dangerous levels of intoxication. In documented cases, patients’ BAC can rise to levels as high as 0.08%—equivalent to intoxication—after ingesting carbohydrates.
Symptoms of ABS mimic alcohol intoxication, including confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, and impaired coordination, despite no alcohol consumption. Patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and distention. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes.
Auto-brewery syndrome can lead to social and legal issues, such as DUI charges, and physical health complications like liver dysfunction, malnutrition, and complications from recurrent intoxication. Persistent symptoms can also cause anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation due to misdiagnosis or disbelief from others.
Despite its rarity, ABS is underdiagnosed and can be complex to manage, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach. However, with the upcoming comprehensive study by Dr. Wickremesinghe, there is hope for a better understanding and treatment of this intriguing condition.
- Dr. Wickremesinghe's upcoming study on Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS) may contribute significantly to the understanding of health-and-wellness issues related to chronic diseases and medical-conditions, particularly mental health, as persistent symptoms often lead to anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), as patients are required to follow a strict no-carb diet for the first six weeks, followed by a low-carb diet to lower the level of anti-fungal medication.
- The mismanagement of Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS) can have far-reaching implications, not only for the health of individuals but also for their social and legal lives, as the symptoms can mimic alcohol intoxication and lead to DUI charges, liver dysfunction, malnutrition, and other physical health complications.
