🍺 Why Alcohol Is Killing Your Body & Brain (2026 update)

I find it interesting how people self-sabotage so much. For example, they want to make more money and yet, they spend their money on stupid stuff they don’t need. And waste time nights and weekends watching TV, when they could be learning and earning more money.

Or they say they want to be in a happy relationship and yet, they keep getting involved with toxic people who they allow to mistreat them.

And the same thing with health, people say they want to be healthier and they don’t do the basics – eat better, move more, manage their stress, and take essential supplements.

So today’s topic is about alcohol and how it’s killing your body and brain and how to reverse the damage.

Second to caffeine, alcohol is the most abused drug on the planet.

Alcohol is a Drug???

YES, alcohol is a drug.

People say they want more energy, better-functioning brains, they want to be happier, look younger, have better hormones, lose fat, gain muscle, live longer, sleep better, and so on and so forth, and yet, these same people drink alcohol … which causes negative effects in everything I just mentioned and more.

No matter how you look at it, or how you justify it – alcohol is a toxin that accelerates the aging process of your entire body.

Sure, you’ll find a study that says how alcohol is good for your health or some other bullshit… or drinking two glasses of wine daily is good for your heart.

Again, total crap.

If you want the benefits of red wine for example – go eat some organic red grapes. It’s the polyphenols, resveratrol, and similar compounds that are found in thin-skinned fruits, that are good for your body.

NOT the red wine which is basically, grape juice mixed with alcohol.

Or, you can have some organic extra virgin olive oil which is super high in polyphenols or even really good quality, caffeine-free coffee or best of all, green tea.

All have proven to be good for your health.

Anyway, I can go on and on with the negatives of alcohol. Not just in the short term, but for sure in the long run.

Negative Effects

For example, I get guys complaining about not gaining muscle, and yet, they’re drinking alcohol – beer of all things, which is the worst.

I hear women who are struggling to lose fat and you see them drinking wine and sugary cocktails.

Listen, alcohol decreases testosterone, lowers GH and thyroid, increases insulin, increases stress hormones and creates hormonal imbalances.

Plus, it creates negative changes in dopamine, serotonin, and other brain chemicals.

It’s also terrible for your gut health, which controls so many health factors in your entire body.

Not to mention, alcohol completely disrupts your sleep pattern and decreases REM and quality of sleep, which causes even more hormonal imbalances.

Give Up Alcohol for Good?

Of course, the best solution is to just stop drinking alcohol.

However, I know as I say this, many people are thinking “Umm… okay Dr. Sam, you’re nuts, ain’t no way that’s going to happen”

Okay, I get it.

So, try to reduce it as much as possible.

Don’t drink because you’re bored or lonely. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re doing something healthy by drinking your wine.

Maybe just save it for social events. So, that’s the first step.

Strengthen Your Liver

The next thing I want you to do is detoxify & strengthen your liver.

So take 600-1200 mg of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), with about 500-1,000 mg of Milk Thistle 80% extract, before you go drinking. And if you drink a lot, then take the same dose again, when you get home.

The stronger your liver is, the faster it’ll get the alcohol out of your system and reduce some of the damage.

Make sure you also hydrate your body by drinking more water. Add in some salt, potassium and magnesium as well for electrolyte balance.

Best Type Of Alcohol

Finally, the type of alcohol you drink is also a factor.

Avoid beer, it’s one of the worst. It’s horrible for your testosterone levels and it increases estrogen. It also causes inflammation and irritates the gut more than others. Here’s what it does to your hormones: why alcohol is killing your sex drive and testosterone.

Avoid sugary and fruity drinks. They taste good, but you do NOT need the extra sugar and increased blood sugar.

I know there are a lot of wine drinkers. Red wine is better than white, even though white has less sugar. Remember that most wines do NOT contain organic grapes, so you’re dealing with lots of pesticides, which is horrible for your health, especially your gut.

The best alcohol or the least damaging is probably Vodka and maybe Tequila. Straight up.

Social Anxiety

I’ve noticed a lot of people do during because of social anxiety. Alcohol helps you connect with people and lowers your inhibitions and relaxes you.

I get it… Especially since I’m an introvert.

You can help your body produce similar “feel good” chemicals naturally – such as GABA, Dopamine and serotonin, by taking specific herbs that help lower anxiety and increase confidence.

That’s what I do if I need to “take the edge off” at some social events.

Final Solution

As I’ve stated, alcohol has NO health benefits, no matter what anyone tells you or is “selling” you or trying to “justify” their position.

I guess there’s probably ONE benefit and that’s in social events and you having a good time with your friends.

Basically, my goal is to bring awareness to this topic since people never give it a second thought. Reduce alcohol as much as you can. Save it for “important” events.

At the end of the day, this is YOUR health.

I know a lot of long-time drinkers, not alcoholics. But people who have been drinking casually and socially for years and years… Now, in their 40s, 50s and beyond, they have health problems related to alcohol.

You can’t cheat nature. You will always pay the price, sooner or later.

I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help improve your health, fitness and longevity, and alcohol doesn’t fit into that formula.

Like I said earlier, you can always improve your mood and lower anxiety with specific herbs.