How Alcohol Affects Your Health: From Inflammation to Brain Damage
Through both personal experience and in-depth research, I’ve learned how profoundly alcohol consumption can affect your health. As someone who prioritizes an animal-based lifestyle for the past 4 years now, I’ve experienced the incredible benefits of living without bloating, inflammation or any chronic illnesses. This heightened sense of well-being makes it easy to recognize when something doesn’t sit right with my body—whether it’s food, drinks, or alcohol.
For me, the effects of alcohol (depending on quality) are almost immediate, stripping away the sense of freedom and vitality I’ve worked so hard to cultivate. Some might call this heightened awareness a blessing or a curse, but I see it as a gift—a clear signal from my body to prioritize what truly nourishes and supports me.
I won’t say I’m totally sober, but I rarely drink—and when I do, it’s far from routine. Sometimes it’s once every few months, and occasionally, I’ll enjoy a couple of glasses of wine or whiskey over the course of a few days. What I know for sure is that alcohol has no power over me and I consume it when I truly desire it based on the circumstances, and that is true freedom.
Since transitioning to sourcing quality foods, I’ve extended that mindset to everything I consume, including alcohol. When I do indulge, I make it an obvious choice to seek the best quality to minimize negative effects.
Inflammation: Alcohol is a major driver of inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including joint pain, digestive issues, and even autoimmune conditions.
Neurodegeneration: Over time, alcohol damages brain cells and can lead to cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired brain function. It reduces brain thickness and impairs your ability to focus, learn, and even regulate your emotions.
Cancer Risk: Alcohol is a known carcinogen, contributing to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including liver, mouth, throat, and breast cancer.
Gut Health: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall wellness, and alcohol can significantly disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to poor digestion, nutrient absorption, and even mood disorders.
Hormone Balance: Alcohol interferes with hormone production, particularly estrogen and testosterone, and can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, affecting your sleep, energy levels, and metabolism.
Mood and Motivation: If you’ve ever noticed that after a night of drinking, you feel low or even depressed, it’s because alcohol directly impacts your mood-regulating neurotransmitters. This can make it harder to stay motivated, pursue goals, or feel joy.
A Scientific Look: Huberman’s Research on Alcohol
For those who want to dive deeper into the science behind alcohol’s effects on the body and brain, I highly recommend listening to Dr. Andrew Huberman’s podcast. As a neuroscientist, Huberman does an excellent job of breaking down the complex research on alcohol and its effects on mental and physical health.
You can check out his full episode on alcohol and its impact on your body here: What Alcohol Does to Your Body and Brain Health – Huberman Lab
I’ve listened to it, and it’s eye-opening. Huberman emphasizes that while alcohol can provide short-term relief or pleasure, the long-term consequences are detrimental—especially when it comes to cognitive function, inflammation, and hormone balance. Once you understand the science behind it, making informed decisions about whether or not to drink becomes much clearer depending on your goals!
How You Can Come Back Stronger from Alcohol
Significantly Reduced Intake
Eliminating the culprit is often the biggest step toward recovery.Adopt an Animal-Based Lifestyle
Consistently fueling your body and brain with high-quality, nutrient-dense foods is key to feeling strong and resilient.Incorporate Hot and Cold Therapy
Incorporate cold exposure or cold plunges (code: BAE500) and sauna blanket sessions (code: BAE15) into your routine to reduce inflammation, detox your body, and improve overall well-being.Prioritize Sleep and Nourishing Foods
Quality sleep paired with nutrient-packed meals supports the body’s ability to repair and regenerate neurons.Focus on Gut Health
Embrace gut-friendly practices, including homemade kefir, bone broth, and gelatin-filled marshmallows, while grounding outdoors and soaking up vitamin D. Steer clear from probiotics and engage in more natural ways to improve gut health. Lean into nature—get outside, get dirty, and reconnect with the earth.Exercise
Staying active with a mix of strength training and movement will help your body stay strong and mind clear. Exercise is essential for boosting energy, improving mood, and supporting overall health while helping the recovery process from the effects of alcohol.
My Approach to Alcohol: Moderation and Awareness
While I don’t advocate for regular alcohol consumption, I do believe in balance and mindfulness. Listening to your body and making informed choices is key to aligning with your health goals. An animal-based diet is designed to nourish and support your body with nutrient-dense, whole foods, and unfortunately, alcohol doesn’t make that list.
The next time you’re at a celebration or feeling the pressure to indulge, take a moment to consider how alcohol might impact your body. But don’t stress if you decide to partake—balance is about living intentionally, not perfection. Do your research (Huberman’s podcast is a great resource) and weigh the risks based on your lifestyle.
For me, I’ve learned that the benefits of staying mostly alcohol-free far outweigh the fleeting pleasure it might provide. My rule of thumb? If it doesn’t rob me of a vibrant tomorrow and genuinely elevates the experience in the moment, I might choose to enjoy a drink. And if I do, I lean on biohacks like cold therapy, nourishing foods, and sleep to support my body’s recovery. It’s all about finding what works for you and protecting your long-term vitality.
Ready to Make Better Choices?
If you’re committed to living an animal-based lifestyle and optimizing your health, there tends to be less of a desire to consume alcohol and it’s toxic effects. Your journey to better mental health, stronger immunity, and a more vibrant life starts with the foods and beverages you choose to consume on a consistent basis. You can also get creative with mocktails!
Cheers to a healthier, more balanced approach to wellness!
Let me know your thoughts on alcohol in the comments below! How do you approach it in your lifestyle?
