What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #86
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.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1 (Athletic Greens):
Levels:
Eight Sleep:
ROKA:
Supplements from Momentous
Social & Website
Instagram:
Twitter:
Facebook:
TikTok: @hubermanlab
Website:
Newsletter:
Articles
Associations between alcohol consumption and gray and white matter volumes in the UK Biobank:
Gut Microbiota at the Intersection of Alcohol, Brain, and the Liver:
Tolerance to alcohol: A critical yet understudied factor in alcohol addiction:
Associations Between Drinking and Cortical Thickness in Younger Adult Drinkers: Findings From the Human Connectome Project:
Moderate Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Breast Cancer:
Can alcohol promote aromatization of androgens to estrogens? A review:
Other Resources
Examine - Alcohol & Hangover:
Timestamps
00:00:00 Effects of Alcohol Consumption
00:02:25 Momentous Supplements
00:03:19 Low to Moderate Alcohol Consumption & Neurodegeneration
00:06:52 Levels, Eight Sleep, ROKA
00:10:46 Historical Context & Uses of Alcohol
00:13:28 Alcohol Metabolism, “Empty Calories”
00:18:23 Inebriation: Top-Down Inhibition, Impulsivity & Memory Formation
00:24:23 Long-Lasting Effects & Impulsivity, Neuroplasticity & Reversibility
00:27:55 Food & Alcohol Absorption
00:30:07 Alcohol & Serotonin, SSRIs & Depression, Risk for Alcoholism, Blackouts
00:37:39 Predisposition for Alcoholism; Chronic Consumption, Cortisol & Stress
00:44:53 AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:46:07 Genetic Predisposition for Alcoholism, Consuming Alcohol Too Young
00:52:27 Gut-Liver-Brain Axis: Alcohol, Gut Microbiome, Inflammation & Leaky Gut
00:59:46 Tool: Improving/Replenishing Gut Microbiome
01:02:44 Reducing Alcohol Consumption & Stress
01:04:25 Hangover: Alcohol & Sleep, Anxiety, Headache
01:12:11 Hangover Recovery, Adrenaline & Deliberate Cold Exposure
01:17:16 Hangover Recovery, Dehydration & Electrolytes
01:20:45 Types of Alcohol & Hangover Severity, Congeners
01:25:25 Alcohol Tolerance, Dopamine & Serotonin, Pleasure-Pain Balance
01:33:36 Are There Any Positive Effects of Alcohol?, Resveratrol
01:35:42 Alcohol & Brain Thickness
01:37:11 Alcohol & Cancer Risk: DNA Methylation, Breast Cancer Risk
01:44:31 Mitigating Cancer Risk, Folate, B Vitamins
01:46:54 Alcohol & Pregnancy, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
01:50:58 Hormones: Testosterone & Estrogen Balance
01:55:09 Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption
01:58:35 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Instagram, Twitter, Neural Network Newsletter, Huberman Lab Clips
The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
1 view
130
37
8 years ago 00:02:06 12
What Alcohol Does to Your Body
7 years ago 00:03:42 17
4 Intoxicating Alcohol Facts | What the Stuff?!
6 years ago 00:37:10 1
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU QUIT ALCOHOL &My relationship with alcohol
9 years ago 00:09:56 1
What is alcoholism - Alcohol Use Disorder / Kati Morton
2 years ago 00:17:46 1
“ THE ALCOHOL PROBLEM / WHAT DO YOU THINK? “ 1970s ALCOHOL & ALCOHOLISM EDUCATIONAL FILM XD81765
13 years ago 00:02:44 12
Alcohol as Art
7 years ago 00:03:48 31
What Happens If You Fill Up a Car with Alcohol?
4 years ago 00:03:04 13
Alcohol 101 | National Geographic
6 years ago 00:11:45 2
What You Need for Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper
7 years ago 00:09:51 1
What Does The Bible Say About Alcohol?
9 years ago 00:02:04 7
hide alcohol
12 years ago 00:08:38 13
Alcohol Inked
6 years ago 00:03:23 11
Essential/Intention Tremors with Alcohol
5 years ago 00:03:53 1
Health Tips | What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?
5 years ago 00:09:19 67
Does ALCOHOL help to speak DUTCH?
6 years ago 00:12:02 1
What if you could Forget to Want Alcohol?
5 years ago 00:04:51 20
Oasis - Cigarettes & Alcohol (Official Video)
5 years ago 00:14:09 16
A Man Drank 1 Bottle Rubbing Alcohol For COVID-19. This Is What Happened To His Brain.
4 years ago 00:15:00 1
Чем опасен алкоголь? / What is dangerous about alcohol?
11 years ago 00:03:49 18
Smoking Alcohol!
3 years ago 00:04:52 81
How does alcohol cause hangovers? - Judy Grisel
3 years ago 00:09:02 1
What Alcohol Does to Your Brain | Dr. Andrew Huberman
12 years ago 00:07:44 99
Alcohol and your Brain
7 years ago 00:04:43 11
A Scientist Explains What Alcohol Does to Your Brain | Inverse