Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS): When Your Gut Makes Alcohol
Your gut might be making alcohol — and it’s not your fault.
Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS) is a rare condition where certain microbes in your gut convert carbohydrates into ethanol — literally producing alcohol inside the body. This can lead to symptoms of intoxication, disorientation, and fatigue, even if you haven’t touched a single drink.
If you’ve been told “it’s all in your head,” or you’re experiencing unexplained brain fog, dizziness, or legal trouble — you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it.
What Is Auto-Brewery Syndrome?
Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare condition where yeast or bacteria in the digestive tract convert carbohydrates into ethanol — literally producing alcohol inside the body.
This internal fermentation process can lead to intoxication-like symptoms, chronic fatigue, mental fog, and serious disruption to daily life.
How ABS Disrupts Your Energy and Brain Function
In Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), certain gut microbes, such as yeast and bacteria, ferment carbohydrates into ethanol (alcohol) within the digestive tract. This ethanol doesn’t remain in the gut; it is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver for detoxification.
In the liver, ethanol is converted into a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde. Elevated levels of acetaldehyde can deplete essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and antioxidants like glutathione, put stress on the liver, and disrupt the function of the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle).
The citric acid cycle is crucial in converting food into energy (ATP). However, when acetaldehyde accumulates, it slows down this process, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, poor recovery, and a general feeling of toxicity, even if you haven't consumed alcohol.
Therefore, in ABS, the effects are not limited to alcohol in the gut; they have a widespread impact on your overall thinking, feelings, and bodily functions.
Common Symptoms of ABS
-Unexplained intoxication or hangover-like symptoms
-Elevated blood alcohol levels with no alcohol intake
-Brain fog, mood changes, fatigue, dizziness, seizures
-Aggression, poor coordination, violent shaking
-Slurred speech or poor coordination
-Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia
-Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
-Sensitivity to carbohydrates and sugars
-History of antibiotic overuse, gut issues, diabetes, or liver disease
-Legal or social problems due to misunderstood symptoms
Root Causes I Look For
-Fungal overgrowth (e.g., Candida, Saccharomyces, Geotrichum)
-Bacterial dysbiosis
-Slow motility and constipation
-Liver detoxification issues
-Impaired carbohydrate metabolism
-Immune suppression or heavy antibiotic use
-High WBC with no infection
-Elevated lactic acid (lactate or pyruvate on an OATs)
-High or low glucose
-High acid aldehyde
-Intermittent low-grade fever
How I Test for ABS
-GI-MAP stool testing to assess yeast, fungi, and dysbiosis
-Organic Acids Testing (OAT) to evaluate fungal metabolites
-Functional blood work for liver, immune, and metabolic markers
-Breath or urine alcohol tests when needed
*You must purchase a fuel sensor breath alcohol meter to monitor and record their readings*
My Functional Approach to ABS
-Targeted antifungal and antibacterial strategies (natural + conventional)
-Biofilm disruptors to reach hidden microbes
-Gut barrier and liver detox support
-Personalized nutrition to reduce fermentation triggers
-Restoration of the microbiome and immune balance
You’re Not Crazy — And You’re Not Alone
Many people with ABS have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. My role is to validate your experience, investigate the root cause, and guide you toward true healing.