Andrew Huberman explains the physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the brain and body, including its impact on sleep, hormones, and cancer risk.
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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.
Access the full show notes for this episode: hubermanlab.com/episode/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain…
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Timestamps
Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Momentous Supplements
Low to Moderate Alcohol Consumption & Neurodegeneration
Levels, Eight Sleep, ROKA
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
AG1 (Athletic Greens)
Genetic Predisposition for Alcoholism, Consuming Alcohol T
Why it's here
7 people recommend this
What people say. Recommended as a highly detailed and convincing explanation of the negative health effects of alcohol that motivated many viewers to reduce or stop drinking.
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guiambrosin Hacker News • Recommends
On “Ask HN: How did you stop drinking?”
What helped me eliminate almost entirely was understanding the impact it has on the body and the brain. More than " it's bad for your health ", it helped me understand why it's bad. Even the allegedly harmless " a glass of red wine a day is good for your health " (spoiler: no). There are many sources, but I recently saw this one from Dr. Andrew Huberman, which seemed more comprehensive than a lot of what I've read before. 1 What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health - link to this video
On “How I Felt After Binge-Drinking 'Hangover-Free' Alcohol”
It doesn't specify the actual ingredients. The "grapes" bit makes me think perhaps resveratrol? Dihydromyricetin is touted as being protective before and after drinking. It appears to have other benefits as well. I've now become a big fan and follower of Andrew Huberman and a recent podcast has helped sway me to effectively give up alcohol (I was already trending in that direction): link to this video My one remaining active vice is Kratom and I'm pretty comfortable with my relationship with it, considering the value it gives in managing chronic pain. Obviously different strokes for different folks.
On “Alcohol affects your body, from first flush of happiness to hangover”
This article's intended audience seems to be high school children. For a detailed take, listen / watch the Huberman Lab podcast: link to this video (What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #86)
Related: Andrew Huberman's 2-hour blog post on the negative effects of alcohol1 convinced me to stop drinking. Once you stop drinking, it becomes so easy to see just how much alcohol pervades popular culture. People drink constantly on TV. People pressure you to drink in social situations, too. Unfortunately, it often feels like you need a 'good reason' to stop drinking or alternatively admit you were an alcoholic. It's really unfortunate and ... silly? Reddit's "stopdrinking" subreddit is also really good2 if you are struggling with this. 1link to this video2link
On “SF's Anchor Brewing Company shutting down after 127 years”
…just deciding not to drink as much anymore. With this awareness, and the "modest amount of alcohol are actually healthy" claims debunked2, maybe the hipster / wealthy / yuppy crowd will turn more and more away from the many many microbreweries / wineries that have cropped up in the last few decades. 1 - link Huberman has a great episode too - link to this video 2 - linklink…
Listening to the huberman podcast about alcohol really hit home. I knew it was bad for me, just not as bad as he explains. It's a horrific drug that most people don't even see as a drug. I am a weekend drinker and I thought that was ok. It's not. I've decided to quit completely. Last drink was 12 days ago. Fuck alcohol. (I also used to take other drugs but that was many years ago). link to this video Oh and I just finished the book: alcohol explained, utterly fantastic.
It's Aug 2022 so a bit out of range for the OP, but his alcohol episode convinced me to really cut down on drinking, from about 2 beers (low variance/rarely drunk, just a homebrewer with a craft beer obsession) a day to a day to maximum 2 beers a week. I sleep better and lost 35 pounds in the last year. link to this video
On “41 states sue Meta, claiming Instagram, Facebook are addictive, harm kids”
Chronic (as in regular, not heavy) drinking causes changes in mood, increased stress and body function. A glass of wine a day for example. Reference: link to this video Alcohol is so ingrained in popular culture that criticising it is almost taboo. Culture will play a big part in what people under the legal age to buy consume with family. It can be a good think but I reckon once a month have a glass of wine.
