Solo Episode
August 21, 2022

What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health

Listen or watch on your favorite platforms

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. 

Articles

Other Resources

No items found.
  • 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

Become a Huberman Lab Premium member to access full episode transcripts & more

Members also get to submit questions for AMA episodes, plus access to exclusive bonus content. A significant portion of proceeds are donated to fund human scientific research.

Become a Member

or sign in to view this Transcript

No items found.

Join 400,000+ subscribers to get regular emails on neuroscience, health, and science-related tools from Dr. Andrew Huberman.

Plus, you’ll also get Andrew’s exclusive Daily Blueprint, where Andrew shares his daily routine, and outlines practical protocols you can use to stay productive and maximize your health.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

By submitting your email to subscribe, you agree to Scicomm Media's Privacy Policy