What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #86

Biochemical Pathway

The biochemical pathway of alcohol metabolism reveals its toxic nature. Andrew Huberman explains that when alcohol is consumed, it is converted from ethanol to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound, before becoming acetate, which the body can use as fuel 1. This process occurs primarily in the liver, where cells are exposed to acetaldehyde, causing significant damage. Huberman notes that the feeling of inebriation is actually a result of this poison-induced disruption in neural circuits 2.

Acetaldehyde is poison. It will kill cells. It damages and kills cells and it is indiscriminate as to which cells it damages and kills.

--- Andrew Huberman

The effects of alcohol vary among individuals, with regular drinkers often experiencing prolonged periods of alertness and mood elevation, while occasional drinkers quickly transition to fatigue and impaired motor skills 2.

   

Impact on Liver

Alcohol metabolism significantly impacts liver health, leading to inflammation and gut microbiota disruption. Andrew Huberman describes how the conversion of alcohol in the liver releases proinflammatory cytokines, contributing to a condition known as "leaky gut," where harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream 3. This process exacerbates inflammation in the brain and body, increasing the desire to consume more alcohol.

The net effect of this is actually to disrupt the neural circuits that control regulation of alcohol intake, and the net effect of that is increased alcohol consumption.

--- Andrew Huberman

To counteract these effects, Huberman suggests replenishing the gut microbiota with fermented foods, which can help reduce inflammation and repair the gut-liver-brain axis 4.