Huberman Lab 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

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.  Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman 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) 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 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 Disclaimer

What Alcohol Does to Your Body Brain & Health | Episode 86

Huberman Lab