Can’t Stop Overeating? THIS Could Be WHY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 7, 2024
A clever patient recently asked me, “We use rubbing alcohol to kill germs and clean surfaces. So, does drinking alcohol hurt the good bacteria living in my intestines?”
It might seem like an odd question, at first.
However, it reveals a remarkable intuition about how drinking alcohol and disinfecting alcohol could impact microscopic lifeforms.
And as it turns out, he was onto something.
When you drink adult beverages like wine, beer, or liquor, roughly 20 percent of that alcohol swiftly enters your bloodstream.
But the remaining 80 percent takes a journey through your digestive tract. The alcohol creates an acidic and inflammatory environment along the way, which is NOT good for your overall health.
And the damage doesn’t end there.
Our gastrointestinal tracts are filled with trillions of bacteria that play crucial roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. This community of microorganisms is called our gut microbiome.
When you drink alcohol, some bacteria thrive in this new acidic habitat, while others struggle to survive.
As a result, just a few days of heavy drinking can substantially ALTER your microbial makeup, leading to far less diversity (fewer species of bacteria).
One study found that just one week of excessive alcohol use drastically cut the number of different species by up to 40 percent!
This is bad news because a diverse microbiome is a healthy microbiome. And this loss of diversity impairs its abilities and allows HARMFUL bacteria to dominate.
Certain species tend to benefit from the boozy landscape in your intestines. For example, Akkermansia muciniphila levels rapidly increase with alcohol intake.
This bacterium specializes in consuming the vital mucus that protects your GI lining. And an overgrowth allows greater access to the intestinal wall, which can lead to inflammation or leakage.
But it gets worse. Gut microbes can trigger overeating and influence food cravings. In fact, booze-loving Akkermansia can stimulate cravings for MORE alcohol, creating a vicious cycle.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that your microbiome is more resilient than it’s often given credit for… and balance CAN be restored.
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of prebiotic and probiotic foods can help repopulate your gut with friendly bacteria.
- Get plenty of prebiotic-rich fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Eat more probiotic-rich fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, and kefir.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Stay hydrated to facilitate healing.
- Take a daily prebiotic and probiotic supplement.
My clever patient’s hunch highlighted something that some of us NEVER learn. While an occasional drink may not cause lasting damage, excessive alcohol is UNHEALTHY… and it definitely disturbs your gut bug balance.
P.S. The BIG prune benefit you should know about (it’s NOT what you think).
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...