There are a lot of mixed messages about alcohol - know what to do when you're wanting that beverage.
Evidence supports the theory that small amounts of alcohol can have some health benefits.
But, research has also shown that alcohol use and abuse could have serious implications for our health and gut microbiome.
What are we supposed to believe?
Let’s take a more in-depth look at what alcohol is and how it affects your health.
Anyone who’s had a few drinks knows that alcohol has a considerable effect on mood and mental state.
The chemical responsible for this effect is ethanol. Ethanol is produced by fermentation, a byproduct of yeast digesting sugar.
Moderate amounts of alcohol consumption are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and moderate consumption of wine may reduce weight gain.
The bad news is that alcohol use also has some known adverse outcomes.
Heavy drinking may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Alcohol also has addictive properties, can lead to unintentional weight gain, and exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Even if you’re a social drinker, alcohol increases blood sugar levels and slow the healing of the microbiome.
Alcohol may affect your intestinal microbiota composition and function, creating systemic inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body.
This inflammation alters the absorption of foods and nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract, interfering with its healthy function.
When the gut isn’t functioning correctly, small inflammatory particles build up. These particles further interfere with gut function and can cause inflammation in the gut and elsewhere in the body.
This inflammation is why Betr recommends abstaining from alcohol as much as possible during your Level 1 protocol.
It’s also important to remember that alcohol is primarily carbohydrates. Not only that, but this sugar is the kind that is easy for your body to absorb. High quantities of these sugars will cause unhealthy insulin levels, fat storage, slow weight loss, or weight gain.
While some research may identify the positive effects of moderate alcohol intake, we must consider the pros and cons, especially when we are trying to heal the gut.
If you decide to have a drink, reach for a glass of antioxidant-rich organic red wine. These antioxidants come from wine’s polyphenolic compounds; natural plant chemicals suggested to provide a protective effect against heart disease and other diseases.
The Betr lifestyle gives your body a chance to rest and heal with nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest, low inflammation foods.
So during your time with us on the program, go ahead and skip the cocktails, beer, and wine. Enjoy them once you have achieved Betr Health!
Key Point: When starting the Betr Protocol, try to avoid alcohol. If you decide to take a drink, try to pick something “top-shelf” that might provide other health benefits.
This Post Has 3 Comments
Thank you for information on alchol
I am most happy that I have not had any alcohol for a week. I had been trying to cut down on the one beer a day and sometimes adding a glass of wine at dinner a few times a week. It seemed I needed to be on this program to actually do this!
I really want to enjoy the freedoms of drinking when out with friends. But I know I should wait to do this until I’ve reached a few goals first. Thank you Betr Health for the hard truth reminder. I just make this another goal, lol.