This US Man Experiences Hangover After Every Meal Without Drinking Alcohol

A US resident, Matthew Hogg, lives in a constant state of intoxication 24 hours a day without consuming any alcohol. Matthew suffers from a rare condition called Auto Brewery Syndrome, also known as Gut Fermentation Syndrome. This disorder causes him to experience hangovers as soon as he eats.

He has been battling this disease for the past 25 years. Initially unaware of the condition, it wasn’t until a few years ago during a medical check-up at a hospital in Mexico that he was diagnosed. The tests, which helped him understand the condition, cost him approximately Rs 6.5 lakh.

Matthew’s life has been significantly impacted by this illness, causing numerous challenges both in his work and personal life. Since being diagnosed, he has adhered to a strict diet to manage his symptoms, as the disease cannot be cured but can be greatly controlled through dietary changes. Despite his condition, Matthew works part-time to make a living and raises awareness about Auto Brewery Syndrome online.

Auto Brewery Syndrome is a rare medical condition in which the digestive system produces intoxicating amounts of ethanol through internal fermentation. The organisms responsible for this process include various yeasts and bacteria. However, not all food leads to alcohol production in the body. Matthew experiences hangover-like symptoms when he consumes foods high in sugar, carbohydrates, or butter. The sugars and carbohydrates convert into ethanol in his body, triggering the hangover.

While Matthew has managed to reduce the effects of the disease by strictly controlling his diet, many sufferers find it difficult to lead normal lives as they experience hangovers regularly.

In patients with Auto Brewery Syndrome, the initial symptoms may not be typical signs of intoxication, but they can experience neurological issues such as loss of coordination and mood swings. The condition is more common in individuals with underlying health issues such as chronic intestinal obstruction, gastroparesis, diabetes, or liver dysfunction, such as MASLD or MASH.