### What is Auto-Brewery Syndrome? Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare condition where your body produces alcohol internally, making you feel drunk without drinking any alcohol. This happens because certain microbes in your gut ferment the carbohydrates you eat into ethanol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. ### Causes The main cause of auto-brewery syndrome is an imbalance in your gut microbiome, which includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When you consume too many carbohydrates, these microbes produce excess alcohol that your liver can't process efficiently, leading to a buildup of alcohol in your blood. ### Symptoms Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome are similar to alcohol intoxication and can include dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and even behavioral changes. These symptoms can be neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and psychological. ### Diagnosis To diagnose auto-brewery syndrome, doctors will typically perform blood tests to check your metabolism and blood alcohol levels. They may also recommend fecal testing to identify the specific microbes causing the condition. A carbohydrate challenge test may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis by measuring your blood and breath alcohol levels after consuming glucose. ### Treatment Treatment for auto-brewery syndrome often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including a primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, and a nutritionist. If you have diabetes or liver complications, you may also need to consult an endocrinologist or hepatologist. #### Medications Doctors may prescribe antifungal drugs like fluconazole, micafungin, nystatin, trichomycin B, and voriconazole to target the yeast or bacteria causing the condition. Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacteria are the culprit. #### Diet A low-carbohydrate diet is crucial for managing auto-brewery syndrome. Reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake can help prevent relapses. Some people may also benefit from taking probiotics to balance their gut bacteria. #### Other Treatments In severe cases, a fecal microbiota transplant may be recommended to introduce healthy bacteria into your gut. ### Long-term Management After treatment, you can generally resume a normal diet but should be mindful of carbohydrate intake. It's also important to educate friends and family about your condition to avoid misunderstandings and potential social or legal issues. ### Conclusion Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can significantly impact your life. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.