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      Brandy

      Brandy sensitivity arises from congeners, histamines, or residual sugars. Avoid it for 8 weeks, try substitutes like vodka or alcohol-free brandy, and support your system with probiotics, milk thistle, and turmeric to reduce inflammation.

      🥃 What is Brandy?

      Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit juice, typically grapes, though it can also be made from other fruits like apples or cherries. It is often aged in barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor.

      🤔 Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Brandy and Its Components?

      Your intolerance to brandy may stem from:

      • Congeners: Byproducts of fermentation and aging, particularly in darker or aged brandies, which can trigger headaches or nausea.
      • Histamines: Naturally present in fermented products, histamines may cause flushing, headaches, or digestive discomfort.
      • Ethanol: The alcohol content in brandy can irritate the gut, liver, or nervous system in sensitive individuals.
      • Fusel Alcohols: Trace alcohols in brandy may exacerbate symptoms like dizziness or nausea.
      • Residual Sugars: Some brandies, especially fruit-flavored ones, may have added sugars, which can worsen symptoms in sugar-sensitive individuals.

      If you tolerate other alcoholic drinks, it might be due to lower levels of congeners, histamines, or sugars in those beverages.

      🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

      To manage your sensitivity to brandy:

      • Avoid brandy for 8 weeks: Remove it completely from your diet during this period.
      • Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce brandy after 8 weeks to check for symptoms.
      • Choose alternatives: Opt for clear spirits like vodka or gin with fewer congeners.
      • Track symptoms: Maintain a food and drink journal to monitor changes and identify triggers.

      💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Brandy and Inflammation from Alcohol

      These supplements can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation:

      • Probiotics: Balances gut health and reduces inflammation caused by food and drink triggers.
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      • Milk thistle: Protects and detoxifies the liver from the effects of alcohol.
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      • NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Supports the liver’s detoxification processes.
      • Turmeric (curcumin): A natural anti-inflammatory to alleviate discomfort.
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      • Activated charcoal: May help absorb toxins and reduce the impact of alcohol on the body.
      • Electrolyte supplements: Helps replenish lost minerals and hydration.

      Why Do I Have an Intolerance to It and Not Other Alcoholic Drinks?

      Your intolerance to brandy but not other alcoholic beverages may result from:

      • Congener Levels: Brandy’s aging process creates higher levels of congeners compared to clear spirits like vodka.
      • Histamines: Fermented and aged drinks like brandy contain more histamines than distilled clear spirits.
      • Residual Sugars: Some brandies have added sugars, which may exacerbate symptoms not caused by unsweetened spirits.

      These specific factors make brandy more likely to trigger symptoms compared to other alcoholic drinks.