They Thought the New Jersey Coach Was Drinking—But His Body Was Brewing Alcohol on Its Own!
September 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 26, 2026
A New Jersey coach’s mysterious symptoms led to an Auto-Brewery Syndrome diagnosis, revealing his body produced alcohol, not drinking.
Back in 2006, Mark Mongiardo was a teacher and coach at a high school in New Jersey. He loved his job and worked with students every day, leading the basketball team.
But one day, things started to change in ways he couldn’t understand. Colleagues began to notice a smell of alcohol around him, even though he had not taken a single drink.
His words sometimes came out slurred, and he felt unsteady on his feet.
Mark knew he hadn’t touched alcohol at work or anywhere else. He told everyone something was wrong with him, but no one believed him right away.
Later, the school placed him on administrative leave as they got worried.
Mark later went to doctors and hospitals. They ran tests on his blood and even looked inside his body to see what was going on.
Later, they learned about a rare condition called Auto-Brewery Syndrome, or ABS. It was who confirmed his diagnosis.
In this illness, tiny germs, such as yeast or bacteria in the gut, convert sugars and starches from food into alcohol.
As a result, the alcohol gets into the blood, which makes a person act and feel drunk without ever having a drink. It often happens after consuming foods like bread or pasta.
His diagnosis proved that he wasn’t lying and that something was really wrong with him. However, the damage was already done.
Mark focuses on getting better and helping others. He takes medications to combat the germs in his gut, such as antifungal drugs.
Likewise, to avoid triggers, he follows a careful diet and checks his alcohol levels often to stay safe.
Above all, Mark shares his story and awareness for those who suffer from ABS.
Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.
Related articles
April 24, 2026
April 23, 2026
April 22, 2026
April 21, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Share article
- April 24, 2026 Kody J. Steivang, a graduate of Chippewa Falls Middle School, has passed away at the age of 17. He was born on August 23, 2008,...
- April 24, 2026 Residents in Galway have raised concerns after an incident reported at Westside Park, where a group of young boys allegedly harassed people using the...
- April 23, 2026 Durham Technical Community College graduate Vashawn Peaks tragically passed away on April 19, 2026. Vashawn Peaks was born in Durham, North Carolina, to his...
- April 23, 2026 A parent in New Castle is raising concerns about child safety after describing a troubling incident at a local apartment playground. The situation, shared...
- April 22, 2026 Darian David Atwood of Zanesville tragically passed away on Monday. Atwood was born on January 6, 2010, in Zanesville to Jonathan C. Atwood and Haylee...
