The boozy party in your stomach

A RARE condition known as auto-brewery syndrome sees food in the stomach turn into alcohol. Sufferers even become intoxicated – slurring, stumbling and belching.

The condition occurs when food ferments in the stomach, creating ethanol – or alcohol. It usually occurs when there is too much of a certain fungi and bacteria in the body, which then interacts with carbohydrates. While uncommon, it is more likely to occur in people with a history of regular antibiotic use or diabetes.

Patients are given strong antifungal or antibacterial drugs, but the symptoms can persist for several weeks.