The Toxins:
This page is dedicated to helping you understand more about what is in your drink.
the toxin report:
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde is a congener, or a byproduct that occurs from the distilling or fermenting process. Acetaldehyde, along with tannins, furfuryl, esters, methanol, and fusel oil are also congeners, but we are going to focus on acetaldehyde specifically. These substances are responsible for some of the taste, aroma, and color of alcoholic beverages. Acetaldehyde is also found in some foods, although in amounts small enough for the body to break down. These foods include yogurt, green tea and fruits like grapefruit, apricots, mango, pears, and strawberries.
They stimulate the body to release stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine which cause inflammatory responses in the body that lead to fatigue and other intense hangover symptoms. Not all congeners are created equal, and some are more likely to cause headaches and hangovers than others. Darker alcohols such as red wine, brandy, and whiskey, tend to have higher levels of congeners than lighter alcohols such as vodka, gin, and white wine. This is why some people report experiencing worse hangovers after drinking darker alcohols.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: intense hangovers, fatigue, severe next day headaches, flushing, increased skin temperature, weakness, muscle aches, dry mouth and nausea.
HIGH CONGENERS: Bourbon, Scotch Whisky, World Whiskeys, Red Wine, Brandy, Tequila, Dark Beer, Stouts, Dark Rum.
LOW CONGENERS: Vodka, Gin, Light Rum, Light Beer, Lagers, White Wine, Champagne
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaas ingredients target and absorb acetaldehyde in all alcoholic beverages and greatly reduce (or eliminate completely) the side effects caused by it. It does this before you even take your first sip, unlike many other products that are ingested before or after you drink with the promise of helping the body break down acetaldehyde more efficiently. We recommend a minimum soak time of 5 minutes for the alkaa sachet to adsorb these harmful components.
the toxin report:
Histamines
Histamines are chemicals found in some of the body's cells that cause many of the symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose or sneezing. When a person is allergic to a particular substance, such as a food or dust, the immune system mistakenly believes that this usually harmless substance is harmful to the body. Drinking alcohol can trigger migraines in people, possibly because of histamines contained in some alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produces by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: headache, migraines, itchy skin, redness, red/hot face, congestion, migraine, breathing trouble, diarrhea, stomach pain, skin irritation.
HIGH HISTAMINE: Red Wine, Beer, Champagnes beer
LOW HISTAMINE: Tequila, Rum, Vodka, Gin, White wine
ALKAA EFFECT: ALKAA sachets significantly reduce the amount of histamines in your alcoholic beverage thus allowing you to enjoy without triggering a histamine response in your body. Give alkaa 5 minutes and enjoy your drink side-effect free.
The toxin report:
Sulfites
Sulfites are chemical compounds (sulphur dioxide) that occur naturally in certain ingredients used to make alcoholic drinks. Naturally occurring sulfites are antimicrobial agents produced as a byproduct of yeast metabolism during the fermentation process. Almost all wine contains natural sulfites. Sulfites (added by the vinter) during the winemaking process preserve freshness, prevent the growth of bacteria, and help keep the wine from turning brown. They have been used for centuries as a food preservative and have been added to wines since the 1800’s. Sulfites are also found in bottled lemon and lime juice, grape juice, molasses, some dried fruits and sauerkraut.
Sulfites in wine are heavily regulated and any wine that contains more than 10 parts per million (PPM) must display on the label the words: contains sulfites. Most wines range between 50-150 PPM for sulfites. White wine usually contain more sulfites than red wine, and lower-quality wines in most cases contain more sulfites than higher-quality wines.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: itchy skin, red blotches, flushing, rashes, hives, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, anxiety, weakness. Sulfites are known to exacerbate asthma symptoms in people with asthma.
HIGH SULFITES: Beer, Red wine, White wine, brown liquor, ciders
LOW SULFITES: Sake, Vodka, Gin, Lite Beers, Organic wine (naturally occurring sulfites only)
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaa significantly reduces the amount of sulfites in wine, beer and ciders. Give Alkaa 5 minutes steep time and you will live happily ever Alkaa. NOTE: exceeding 5 minutes will extract enough tannins to affect the taste of your wine. We recommend a maximum 5 minute steep time.
the toxin report:
Tyramines
Tyramine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in many foods including smoked or processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, corned beef, and smoked fish. It is also in pickled or fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, aged cheese, chocolate, tofu, miso, and soy sauce. Some alcoholic beverages, particularly those that are aged or fermented, can contain high levels of tyramine due to the natural fermentation process.
High levels of tyramine can cause blood vessels to tighten, which increases blood pressure. Tyramine may trigger headaches in migraineurs by facilitating a chain reaction which results in selective cerebral vasoconstriction followed by rebound dilation of the cranial vessels (the most common cause of the throbbing headache pain).
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: headaches, migraine headaches, nausea, sweating, rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath.
HIGH TYRAMINE: Barley Beer, White wine, Vermouth, Sherry, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce
LOW TYRAMINE: Red wine, Vodka, whiskey, Wheat Beer, Ciders
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaas ingredients specifically target and capture tyramines in your beverage thus reducing the harmful side effects in people with alcohol intolerance issues. Remember that Alkaa can reduce the Tyramine load in Soy Sauce and Worcestershire sauce, too. Give Alkaa 5 minutes to reduce the tyramine levels in your beverage or condiment.
the toxin report
Tannins
Tannins are naturally occurring chemical compounds, known as polyphenols, found in many plants. In grapes, these compounds are found in the skin, seeds, and stems. They act as a defense mechanism against animals and insects. When it comes to aging wines, tannins can be imparted by wood barrels. Tannins provide the unique texture and mouthfeel to wine because they bind with the protein in saliva creating that characteristic astringent (think bitter), mouth-coating sensation. Tannins can feel soft and velvety all the way to grainy and chalky. Coffee, Tea, dark chocolate, nuts, and many fruits also contain tannins.
There are many benefits to tannins, too. Many classes of tannins have antioxidant properties, which have been found to lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure and stimulate the immune system. They also have antibacterial properties that, among other things, fight tooth decay.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bowel irritation, runny nose, rash, hives, itching, stomachache, headaches, migraines, shortness of breath, swelling of lips, mouth or throat.
HIGH TANNIN ALCOHOLS: Red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah), Blanco tequila,
LOW TANNIN ALCOHOLS: White wines, Beer, Whiskey, Barrel aged alcohols (from oak casks)
OTHER LIQUIDS WITH TANNINS: Coffee, Black Tea, Green Tea
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaa does not completely remove tannins from the alcohol, but rather reduces the amount so you do not suffer from the side effects. Alkaa does not change the taste, ph balance, alcohol content, or color.
the toxin report:
Quercetin
Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits their colors. It’s found in many foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries. Quercetin is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin may improve inflammation, blood pressure, exercise performance, and blood sugar management. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, are antioxidants. They can scavenge particles in the body known as free radicals.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: headaches, upset stomach
HIGH QUERCETIN ALCOHOLS: Red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah). Levels vary dramatically depending on the amount of sunlight that the grapes are exposed to prior to harvest.
LOW QUERCETIN ALCOHOLS: White wines
OTHER FOODS WITH QUERCETIN: Onions, Green Tea, Apples, Kale, Seeds, Capers
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaa does not completely remove the
quercetin from the alcohol, but rather reduces the amount so you do not suffer from the side effects. Give ALKAA 5 minutes to reduce the amount of quercetin and acetaldehyde in your red wines, especially Napa Cabernets. Alkaa does not change the taste, ph balance, alcohol content, or color of your wine.
the toxin report:
Phenylethylamine
Phenylethylamine is found in a few food sources including chocolate, cheese, soy sauce, and red wine, and is an essential amino acid involved in creating brain signaling molecules such as dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline). As such, it produces effects of increased mood, focus, and energy. A good way to increase your natural phenethylamine is to eat food that is high in protein and exercise.
SIDE EFFECTS & INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS: headaches, anxiety, rapid heart rate, overstimulation
HIGH PHENYLETHYLAMINE: Red wines
LOW PHENYLETHYLAMINE: White wines, beer.
OTHER FOODS WITH PHENYLETHYLAMINE: Chocolate, soy sauce, cheese, beef, pork, tofu, and nuts.
ALKAA EFFECT: Alkaa does not completely remove the phenylethylamine from the alcohol, but rather reduces the amount so you do not suffer from the side effects. Give ALKAA 5 minutes to reduce the amount of phenylethylamine and acetaldehyde in your red wines.