What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health

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.  For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman 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) AG1 (Athletic Greens), InsideTracker, Thesis (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 Absorpti