Thanks to everyone who participated in the questionnaire on alcohol in our Private Facebook Group.

I was just curious about this because, in another Ray Peat group, I saw a question from someone who said:

“I drink a Gin & Tonic every day. Is it ok? I feel ok.”

And most of the comments were just variations of “It’s fine.” Without any further helpful information from Ray Peat on alcohol or anyone.

So here’s a collection of bullet points about Ray Peat on Alcohol, so you have a better idea on the health ramifications.

Do what you want, but at least know the downside of what you are doing.

Alcohol is a toxin. It’s like saying – I’m just having a bit of rat poison, is that ok?

Alcohol disrupts blood sugar— causes a rise in insulin, so if you don’t have enough carbs with it, it will cause hypoglycaemia

Alcohol burdens the liver— it wants to detox it asap, which is why Ray had said to have fructose if you are going to have alcohol, so it helps the liver with this detoxification process.

Alcohol is estrogenic— while the liver is busy detoxing from alcohol it can’t detox estrogen properly. Estrogen dominance causes all kinds of issues, e.g. high cortisol— constant state of stress.

Alcohol affects the thyroid—again while your body is busy detoxing, it can’t turn it’s attention to T4 to T3 conversion which happens in the liver.

Alcohol is dehydrating

Alcohol inhibits the absorption of glucose, amino acids, lipids, water, vitamins & minerals. Vitamins specifically include Vitamin B1, B6, B7, B9, B12,  Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E & minerals including Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Calcium, Iron, Potassium.

Alcohol increases fat storage – Alcohol temporarily increases your metabolic rate. The body views it as a toxin and prioritizes burning it off for energy. However, this process alters how your body processes other macronutrients, pausing fat burning and redirecting calories into fat storage

Is there any upside at all?

Not really. Any antioxidant benefit is far outweighed by the negatives of alcohol. In any case, our heavy fruit diet has way more antioxidant benefit with no downside.

Ray Peat’s perspective

– It can be a metabolic stimulator & hormone disruptor. Nutritional support & dosage was key to minimising it’s toxicity.

– Lipofuscin & Cellular Cleaning: In moderate amounts, Peat suggested that alcohol might act as a solvent that can help dissolve lipofuscin (the “age pigment” associated with cellular debris and lipid peroxidation) and aid in tissue clearing

– Fructose is key to help the liver metabolize alcohol & clear it faster from the body

– Choose Clear Spirits: Opt for clear, high-quality liquors (like vodka or high-proof ethanol.) Mix it with fruit juice. This is better than beers or heavy wines, which carry higher estrogen loads and impurities

So bottom line…

Best to keep away from alcohol altogether, especially if you have any blood sugar, insulin resistance, thyroid, liver or estrogen issues.

If you are having it occasionally, make sure you have fruit juice as well to support the liver in the detox process.

Daily minimal consumption or even just every weekend moderate consumption, is not conducive to optimal health.

My history of drinking

I used to drink in my 20s & 30s. It was all around partying and going out. But one day in my mid 30s, the hang overs started to hit harder. I was looking 10 years older and I was sick of feeling like crap. So I just stopped & have never felt the need since.

As I said at the start, do whatever you want, but at least know what it is you are doing.

To our health,

Kristy