A recent case in judicial practice once again drew public attention to an unusual syndrome. The fight against this disease is not limited to going to the hospital and sometimes requires strict measures to effectively counteract it.
In a unique court case in Belgium, a man was acquitted of drink driving due to a rare condition known as autobrewery syndrome (ABS), which causes his body to produce its own alcohol. His lawyer Anse Ghesquière highlighted the irony that her client works in a brewery but that job has nothing to do with his condition. Three independent medical experts confirmed the diagnosis of ABS, which influenced the court’s decision, writes The Guardian.
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Autobrewing syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome, occurs when excess yeast in the gastrointestinal tract converts carbohydrates into ethanol, the same type of alcohol found in drinks. This process can lead to symptoms typically associated with alcohol intoxication, such as slurred speech and dizziness, despite the absence of alcohol. The syndrome often develops in people with other digestive problems and can be treated with diet changes, medications and probiotics to balance gut bacteria.
Treatment for ABS involves managing the gut microbiome. This may include dietary changes to reduce carbohydrate intake, the use of antibiotics or antifungals to control yeast growth, and possibly the use of probiotics to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Research is being conducted to better understand this condition and find effective treatments. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Medicine, which highlights the pathophysiology of ABS, in which certain gut dysbiosis leads to the fermentation of carbohydrates into ethanol, which resembles the symptoms of alcohol intoxication. Treatment usually involves taking antifungal medications and dietary adjustments to curb the fermentation process.
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In delivering his verdict, the judge noted that despite the internal production of alcohol, the defendant did not show typical signs of intoxication, which influenced the decision to acquit him. The rare and involuntary nature of ABS, confirmed by doctors, played a crucial role in proving that the man’s elevated alcohol levels were due to his health condition and not intentional use.
Previously Focus wrote that beer can improve bowel function. Scientists have named the optimal dose to obtain maximum benefit.
