At least it's getting media attention now

http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/434320/Man-has-natural-brewery-in-his-STO...


Matthew Hogg, 34, suffers from a rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome, where an overgrowth of yeast in his small intestine produces pure ethanol that is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

The condition went undetected for 20 years meaning he spent years being 'drunk' after eating highly starchy or sugary foods - even when he was at primary school.

He is unable to hold down a job, and has to stick to a very strict diet as even a small portion of rice makes him feel like he has drunk three bottles of wine.

Mr Hogg, from Middlesbrough, said: "Every time I eat bread, potatoes or starchy rice I produce 100 per cent proof drinking alcohol that travels around my body through my bloodstream - if I eat a portion of rice I would suffer a hangover equivalent of having glugged three bottles of red wine the night before.

"I have experienced symptoms from birth and during my childhood there were countless times I suffered 'drunkenness' without having consumed an alcoholic beverage.

"I was a stubborn teenager and wanted a normal life so I insisted on partying and drinking and after sailing through my GCSEs I had to scrape through my A-Levels to go to university.

"But soon after starting I dropped out - I had noticed I was getting drunk more easily and was suffering severe hangovers after most meals.

"Drinking alcohol is now a big no - I already have my own personal brewery and the body was not designed to handle even more alcohol.

The illness has had a devastating impact on Mr Hogg 's life - he is unable to hold down a job and pursue a career as a nutritional therapist despite graduating with First Class Honours three years ago.

He has to adhere to a strict diet in order to manage the fermentation in his gut - the vast majority of common foods, drinks and snacks are off the menu, along with fast food and takeaways.

Mr Hogg , who lives with girlfriend Mandy Taylor, is forced to stay home as a result of having little or no energy on a daily basis - but he did set up the Environmental Illness Resource website to help fellow sufferers.

His condition is so severe, that usual treatment procedures of anti-fungal medications, probiotic supplements and selected nutritional supplements do not prevent the production of alcohol.

He has been left to manage the level of fermentation himself with only vitamin and minerals to help.

Mr Hogg added: "We now have no savings left and even if we did are at a loss as to how to regain our health - the most precious gift a human being is endowed with.

"We must typically eat a natural diet based on meat, fish, eggs, seeds and vegetables and drink only pure water and herbal teas.

"This is extremely difficult at first and would no doubt be impossible for most people, yet the consequences of eating a more conventional diet are even worse with a brewery in your gut.

"It's a frightening amount of money we've spent and the fact none of us has been effectively treated as a result that is the real kick in the teeth."