Heard of an Alcohol Free Life Style?
Whether you are alcohol-free or not, this substance has affected many lives in many ways. How do you feel about alcohol? But alcohol is just part of life, right? If you’re alcohol-free now, do you miss it?
Did your parents drink? If so, was alcohol part of your best memories—or your worst?
Do the following comments about alcohol seem familiar?Three of the comments from clients, friends, and neighbors—all with serious gut issues are listed below:
“I try to keep my consumption to one glass. Anyway, I heard alcohol was good for digestion.”
“Oh, I love a shot of whiskey after a hard day. How can one shot hurt anything? Truth is, my grandpa drank whiskey for breakfast!”
“What’s summertime without a cold beer? I don’t chug a six-pack anymore, but one or two beers at sunset—that’s livin’, baby.”
Gut Health Relationship & Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
If your goal is optimal gut health, is alcohol safe to consume? And if so, what type is and what is not? Read on as this blog will answer those questions. Lately, I dived into learning the facts about alcohol and the gut. I am excited to share my findings — some of which could surprise you. In all fairness, I won’t sugarcoat it. My research, detailed below in the “7 Reasons” below, shows that alcohol is one of the most destructive substances for the gut. The more investigation I did, the more shocked I became over the numerous myths about the benefits of alcohol, which I knew to be untrue.
Alcohol Today Versus Alcohol in the Past
However, the 1950’s romanticization of cigarette smoking and the 1980’s mythology about the safety of painkillers gives us a clue why. And, add to those factors, the expansion and visibility of marketing—whether or not the product is healthy, helpful, or sustainable.
Yet, you may ask, didn’t our grandparents enjoy a reasonable amount of alcohol without their gut becoming inflamed? The way alcohol of all types is processed today has changed greatly in the last 75 years. Toxic chemicals, preservatives, food colors and other ingredients did not exist in our great grandparents’ favorite cocktails.
Is there any way to safely imbibe? If you are healthy and your gut has completely healed, the answer may be yes, in moderation—and we will get to just what moderation is, later.
7 Reasons to Avoid Alcohol to Speed Gut Healing
To begin, learn about these seven physiological reasons explained by medical professionals, exactly why you may choose to avoid alcohol, as your gut is healing.
REASON #1
Dr. Carrie Daniel-MacDougall of MD Anderson reports in an April 2024 study that alcohol completely destroys the gut microbiome. And, the gut microbiome is where the predominantly beneficial bacteria reside.
Thousands of strains and each organ and system uses specific ones. These disease-busters hold the keys to immunity, resilience, aging, mood and energy. Plus, more information is sent from the gut to the brain than from the brain to the gut.
Think of the gut microbiome as the pilot of your rocket ship. If the pilot is compromised, the entire rocket ship may also be compromised.
REASON #2
A study by Dr. (MD) Tanvir Haque concluded that alcohol inflames the stomach and gut lining, which may lead to GERD, ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, and leaky gut. Those currently battling these issues should consider drinking alcohol. Like coffee, alcohol is akin to pouring battery acid on a burn. Dr. Haque says, “Almost everyone experiences occasional acid reflux, and for most people it’s not a serious problem,”
Dr. Haque elaborates. “For people who frequently drink too much, acid reflux can become a chronic and serious problem.” Over time, repeated acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer. In some cases, people may need surgery.
And, about leaky gut. “To explain leaky gut, I tell patients to think of their intestinal lining as a brick wall. When cracks develop in the mortar between bricks, water can leak through. In leaky gut, alcohol causes cracks in the ‘mortar’ of the intestinal wall.” As for gastritis, Dr. Haque explains: “Repeated episodes of gastritis can lead to more serious conditions such as ulcers, anemia, or stomach cancer.”
REASON #3 & #4
3. Alcohol can either increase or decrease stomach acid. Of course, this imbalance can lead to bloating, and the inability of your body to assimilate food.. Alcohol slows digestion, which, in turn, can lead to a slower metabolism and weight gain. It can also cause damage to the liver.
4. Dr. Haque explains: “Heavy alcohol use can cause fat to build in your liver. This is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. People with alcoholic fatty liver disease usually don’t have symptoms, but over time it can lead to liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis. All of these are serious illnesses that can be life-threatening.”
He also comments, “The good news is that alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed if you catch it early enough,” with routine bloodwork, Dr. Haque says. I have had enormous success with clients reversing fatty liver disease through diet change, lifestyle modifications, and colon cleansing. If you or someone you love, is suffering with alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver, contact me on chat at Cleansing for Energy or purchase a private gut consultation with me, starting with a half hour.
REASON #5
Alcohol blocks absorption of precious nutrients. This means that even if you eat well, it is possible for blood tests to reveal a deficiency of vitamins (particularly Vitamin D), minerals (such as iron and magnesium)and enzymes. This malabsorption affects the pancreas, and can create blood sugar issues such as Type 2 Diabetes. After all, some types of alcohol have high levels of sugar, especially wine. And, anyone with histamine issues, allergies or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome can be triggered by the sulfites, chemicals and yeast in alcohol, wine and beer.
In addition, If you experience blood sugar issues, my new formula Sugar Flush is here to support you. A complete natural product, Sugar Flush traps sugar and fat and flushes it out of the body. Therefore, you absorb less. And, this can stop a blood sugar spike instantly.
REASON #6
Alcohol creates inflammation in the entire body–not only in the gut. Have you ever noticed that your eyes and ankles are swollen after you have had a drink or two? That’s whole body inflammation.
REASON #7
Alcohol in the system can overwhelm the detoxification pathways: particularly the liver and kidneys. For those who already are coping with allergies, autoimmune issues or chronic illness, consuming alcohol can trigger symptoms such asthma, fatigue, fibromyalgia-type joint pain, depression/anxiety, migraines and/or a flare-up of a previous condition, by blocking main detoxification pathways.
The New Sobriety Movement—Going Alcohol Free
I recently joined Hannah Turner on her Sober Living Podcast, and am thrilled to share it with you. We talked about the societal pressures to drink, no matter your age. We also talked about the high failure rate in rehabs, and what may be done to ensure success for anyone desiring sobriety. the experience of being fully awake and alive. Some people were not raised with skills for navigating life’s ups and downs, as well as today’s challenges of balancing relationships, raising children and a career. Regardless, alcohol in any amount, may be the crutch that has cushioned bumps and dips. So, sometimes being sober means learning new skills.
We redefined sobriety as “Sobriety” in not necessarily boring and dull. In fact, with healthy and buoyant energy, life can become even more fun. Have you enjoyed the heightened sensations a glass of wine or a cocktail? o By the way, there is no shame in that. It is natural to seek a relaxed, care-free state of being. In the podcast, we discussed how one might achieve that state of mind without alcohol.
Tools for Building Gut Health with Natural Detoxification Solutions
Julia’s most popular product, Happy Gut Cleanse is the perfect formula to support your liver and allow it to gently release. After all, the liver cannot purge toxins if the colon is not cleansed first. This “No-Bloat” formula is such an easy way to begin the cleansing process.
The Gut Fix Formula is the perfect step by step plan to detoxify your body and heal your gut. And, you will receive it complimentary ($89) when you register for my half hour personal consultation session. I want all my clients to enjoy affordable access to each educational tool in my toolbox.
5 Star Reviews of The Happy Gut Cleanse:
“Excellent quality! Very helpful product that has been effective for me in a way that many were not. Gentle and fast-acting! A GODSEND and a blessing!” —A. Watson“
So happy with both these products and even happier I found Julia! A WEALTH of preventative and therapeutic colon-gut health information that has literally changed my life with diverticulitis.
—Dianne M,
Support for Detoxification Protocols & Becoming Alcohol Free
And, in the videos above, I detail ways in which you can support your body in cleansing the effects of alcohol consumption. You can do all of these in the privacy of your own home. If you would like a guide to support your journey, I am here for you. Just book a coaching call.
Supporting clients to heal addiction has been a key focus since opening my clinic. I am happy to guide you in mapping out a plan to reclaim your stability, energy, optimism, and joy.
What About Celebrations—How do I go Alcohol Free?
Now to answer the $64,000 question: if you are invited to a celebration and wish to drink, what might be the safest choice? If your gut is healthy, and you have not had a flare in 90 days, the safest choice—according to Dr,.Julie Zompano of the Cleveland Clinic—is vodka or tequila. And, mezcal is even cleaner, as it does not contain sugar or preservatives. Dr. Zompano suggests that eating before-hand protects the stomach and gut lining. Drinks and cocktails made with juice and sugar are particularly harmful to the liver.
Alcohol Free Alternatives
I can recommend many alcohol free choices! I advise, however, to avoid hard Kombucha, due to the sugar and high levels of bacteria. Are you a fan of mocktails? If so, what is your favorite recipe? We would love to feature alcohol free drinks in my Happy Gut Tribe Facebook page, and of course, give you full credit.
I hope this blog has launched a curious inquiry for you into the subject of alcohol, sobriety, and being fully alive. My desire and intention is that you feel so high on life, naturally, that you do not need alcohol to achieve that feeling. If not, let’s talk. You are truly worth it.
Finally, I would like to invite you to my free ASK JULIA TikTok and YouTube live calls Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm PST. Plus, go to my Happy Gut Tribe FaceBook page for more products, brands, and recipes.
With love and gratitude,
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