IMAGINE being pulled over for drink driving and telling the police, "officer, I swear, it's just my body brewing its own beer!"
That might sound like a wild excuse, but for one Belgian man, it was the truth.
He was acquitted of drunk-driving charges recently because he suffers from auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare condition where his body acts like an internal brewery, producing alcohol on its own.
What's even more comical?
He works at a brewery.
His lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere, shared this frothy tale, revealing that not one, but three doctors had independently confirmed his ABS diagnosis.
Despite his body's natural affinity for alcohol production, Belgian media reported that the presiding judge noted the man did not display much typical drunken behaviour during the incident.
Meanwhile, Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist, provided some scientific insight.
She explained that while people with ABS do produce the same alcohol as in beverages, they often don't feel its effects as intensely.
ABS isn't something you're born with but can develop through other intestinal issues.
Symptoms are akin to those of a heavy night out and can include everything from slurred speech and stumbling to an unintentional belch.
So, next time you're at a party, spare a thought for the guy who brings new meaning to "brewing up a storm" from within.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Apr 24
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