Lager sensitivity arises from gluten, histamines, or additives. Avoid for 8 weeks, try alternatives like cider or gluten-free beer, and support your body with milk thistle, and turmeric to reduce inflammation and improve detoxification.
๐บ What is Lager?
Lager is a type of beer that is fermented at low temperatures using specific yeast strains. It has a crisp, clean taste and comes in various styles such as pale lagers, pilsners, and dark lagers.
๐ค Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Lager and Its Components?
Your intolerance to lager may stem from:
- Gluten: Found in barley, wheat, and other grains used in brewing, gluten can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Histamines: Lager contains histamines, which may cause headaches, skin reactions, or digestive discomfort.
- Yeast: The yeast used in fermentation can be problematic for those with sensitivities.
- Additives: Some commercial lagers may include preservatives, sulfites, or stabilizers that can cause adverse reactions.
- FODMAPs: Lager contains fermentable carbohydrates that may lead to bloating or gut discomfort in FODMAP-sensitive individuals.
If you tolerate other alcoholic drinks, it could be due to differences in gluten content, fermentation byproducts, or the absence of certain additives.
๐ ๏ธ What Can I Do About It?
To manage your sensitivity to lager:
- Avoid lager for 8 weeks: Remove it completely from your diet during this period.
- Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce lager after 8 weeks to check for symptoms.
- Choose alternatives: Opt for gluten-free beers or other alcoholic beverages like cider or spirits.
- Track symptoms: Keep a food and drink journal to monitor changes and identify triggers.
๐ Supplements to Support Intolerance to Lager and Inflammation from Alcohol
- Activated charcoal: May help absorb toxins and reduce the impact of alcohol on the body.
- Electrolyte supplements: Helps replenish lost minerals and hydration.
๐ค Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Lager and Not Other Alcoholic Drinks or Beers?
Your intolerance to lager but not other alcoholic drinks or beers could result from its unique composition and brewing process:
- Higher Gluten Content: Compared to other beers, some lagers may contain more gluten due to the types of grains used in brewing, like barley or wheat. Gluten can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Different Histamine Levels: Lagers may have higher histamine levels than some beers or spirits, as histamines are a byproduct of fermentation.
- Additives or Preservatives: Some commercial lagers contain sulfites or stabilizers that are not present in other beers or spirits, which may cause sensitivity.
- Yeast Strains: Lager yeast strains differ from those used in ales, and this variation can affect tolerance.
- FODMAP Variations: Lagers may contain different types or amounts of fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) compared to other beers, which can cause bloating or discomfort in sensitive individuals.
These factors make lager more likely to trigger symptoms compared to other alcoholic beverages or beer types.
๐น Popular Drinks Involving Lager
- Lager shandy
- Lager and lime
- Beer cocktails
- Dark and light lager mix
๐ฅฅ Alternatives to Lager
- Gluten-free beer
- Cider
- Seltzer water
- Wine (if tolerated)
- Alcohol-free lager