The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Episode 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.
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For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com
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
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac