What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health
from Huberman Lab
by Scicomm Media
Published: Mon Aug 22 2022
Show Notes
In this episode, I discuss the physiological effects that drinking alcohol has on the brain and body at different levels of consumption and over time. I also describe genetic differences that predispose certain individuals to alcoholism, binge and habit-drinking. I explain alcohol metabolism in simple terms and how it effectively acts as a poison, leading to cellular stress and damage. I then explain that it impacts neuronal function and changes our thinking and behavior – hallmarks of inebriation. I also discuss how alcohol consumption of different amounts impacts inflammation, stress, neurodegeneration, and cancer risk and negatively impacts the gut microbiome, brain thickness, hormone balance, mood and feelings of motivation. Additionally, I discuss the biology of hangovers and describe science-based strategies to mitigate the severity of a hangover. Since alcohol is one of the most widely consumed recreational substances, this episode ought to be of relevance to everyone. Indeed, even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption negatively impacts the brain and body in direct ways. The goal of this episode is to help people make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption that are in keeping with their mental and physical health goals.
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Timestamps
Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Low to Moderate Alcohol Consumption & Neurodegeneration
Sponsors: AG1, LMNT
Historical Context & Uses of Alcohol
Alcohol Metabolism, “Empty Calories”
Inebriation: Top-Down Inhibition, Impulsivity & Memory Formation
Long-Lasting Effects & Impulsivity, Neuroplasticity & Reversibility
Food & Alcohol Absorption
Alcohol & Serotonin, SSRIs & Depression, Risk for Alcoholism, Blackouts
Predisposition for Alcoholism; Chronic Consumption, Cortisol & Stress
Sponsor: AG1
Genetic Predisposition for Alcoholism, Consuming Alcohol Too Young
Gut-Liver-Brain Axis: Alcohol, Gut Microbiome, Inflammation & Leaky Gut
Tool: Improving/Replenishing Gut Microbiome
Reducing Alcohol Consumption & Stress
Hangover: Alcohol & Sleep, Anxiety, Headache
Hangover Recovery, Adrenaline & Deliberate Cold Exposure
Hangover Recovery, Dehydration & Electrolytes
Types of Alcohol & Hangover Severity, Congeners
Alcohol Tolerance, Dopamine & Serotonin, Pleasure-Pain Balance
Are There Any Positive Effects of Alcohol?, Resveratrol
Alcohol & Brain Thickness
Alcohol & Cancer Risk: DNA Methylation, Breast Cancer Risk
Mitigating Cancer Risk, Folate, B Vitamins
Alcohol & Pregnancy, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Hormones: Testosterone & Estrogen Balance
Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption
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