Issue #193: How Much Should We Drink?
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, May 30th.
Today’s Quick Win
From the Lab: Alcohol and the Brain
Speed Read: Bump for Parkinson’s
Tuesday QR: Egg Muffin Cups
“Drink never made a man better, but it made many a man think he was better.”
The percentage of Americans aged 18 and older living in households with incomes over $100K that drink alcohol. (Source)
From the Lab
We’ve all been effected by alcohol.
Whether it’s stupidly attempting 21 shots when we’re finally allowed to legally drink (fortunately my attempt was before smartphones and social media to capture my idiocy) or seeing it negatively impact the lives of people we love and care about.
From the time I went to college until my late 20’s drinking was a normal part of my life. As an introvert, this magical elixir brought me out of my shell when I otherwise would have been silently watching the game on the TV at the bar - not sweating in the middle of the dance floor.
Fortunately, I never had a problem with alcohol - never drank alone and never felt the need to drink unless the situation called for it. But in those years it seemed like the situation called for it…a lot.
Why does alcohol give us courage?
I’ve always been a curious person - wanting to know how everything works. But I never stopped to ask why my brain suddenly allowed me to feel more uninhibited.
Maybe I didn’t want to know the answer.
Well the truth is this: alcohol is a poison that’s able to infiltrate our blood-brain barrier and suppress our prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain that gives us logical reasoning and inhibits crazy behavior. Makes sense.
But at the same time - alcohol is also reducing our grey matter and white matter in our brain. Grey matter supports seeing, hearing, memory, emotions, speech, decision-making and self-control. White matter is how messages get passed between neurons in the brain.
So it’s not a surprise that drinking not only has a short-term effect on the brain, but also a long-term one.
One study of twins, showed a 3X increase in the risk for dementia among the twin that consumes at least 3 drinks per week. The disease also comes on 5 years earlier than the twin that drank less than this amount.
But some drinking is good, right?
Yes, some observational studies show that light-to-moderate drinking is common in those Blue Zones - like Sardinia, Italy.
But don’t go pounding the red wine. Resveratrol (if it’s actually an anti-aging tonic) is so low, that you’d need to consume cases at a time.
It’s probably the case that below a certain level our body can effectively metabolize the alcohol without too much of a problem. But more importantly, it’s the social connection that’s celebrated in these cultures - not the alcohol.
I don’t think future centenarians are frequently pounding 8 beers at a sports bar while watching Game 7 of the Heat-Celtics.
Also - this newsletter is all about longevity. So there’s something else to consider…
In 2020, car accidents represented 1 million life years lost and alcohol was reported (probably underreported) in 59 percent of fatal accidents. Please remember to always use Uber/Lyft when drinking.
So how much “should” we drink?
Who am I to say what to do? Drinking is a part of our culture - some of us love the taste, the smell, the experience, and others simply enjoy coming together with friends to let loose. Life should be fun and it’s completely up to you how to live.
I don’t drink as much now, but still enjoy tequila once in a while. It’s not like I made a hard and fast rule. (why I really enjoyed the book “Sober Curious”).
Here’s some ways to maybe keep it in that “low drinking” threshold so you can still get the social benefits without all the toxins:
🍷 If drinking is a part of your lifestyle, think of it like a sugary dessert - enjoy it, but not all the time. Research suggests to keep the quantity below 3-5 drinks per week
📆 Consider extended periods of not drinking. “Dry January” has become an increasingly popular trend - maybe try it again in Sober September (or sooner)?
🙆 Surround yourself with people that support whatever decision is best for you when it comes to drinking without judgment or resentment - hang out with people best for your future, not your past
🍹 Try one of the many new nonalcoholic drinks. We love Hiyo (see partner spotlight) and there are plenty of others like Kin Euphorics, Recess, and the fastest growing beer company, Athletic Brewing, doesn’t have alcohol.
BONUS: 10 Mocktail Recipes that are actually worth trying from Spartan Race.
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
I genuinely enjoy a Hiyo on a Friday night. Not going to say that it’s the same buzz as a couple of drinks - but their mix of adaptogens definitely creates a sense of positive calm. Even better - no hangover!
Hiyo is a non-alcoholic option that is inspiring more solace on the sofa, more happy hours without hangovers, more presence at parties, and ultimately, a happier, healthier you. All Thrive25 readers get 15% off - use code THRIVE at checkout - CLICK HERE!
Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Bump for Parkinson’s: Fresh off our inspirational story Friday (Issue #192), the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research provided a grant to Samsara Therapeutics. Their candidate SAM001 is focused on enhancing autophagy and mitigating damage to brain cells effected by Parkinson’s and MND (most notable disease is ALS). (Longevity Technology)
Science Says, F*** Paralysis: 12 years ago Gert-Jan Oskam was in a motorcycle accident leaving his lower body paralyzed. Now, after treatment using temporary implants in the brain and spine personalized by AI reading Gert-Jan’s thoughts, he is able to walk again. (NYTimes)
Learning - Essential Outdoor Knots: Ever wondered why your boat keeps sailing off to sea, or that tent keeps getting blown over by a 5mph wind gust? It’s probably your knot. Become the master of your rope. (Outside)
Tuesday QR | Egg Muffin Cups
I’m trying to boost my protein and eat more eggs. But every time I make an omelet it takes too much time. This is a great easy recipe to get in the eggs and veggies for a quick breakfast or snack during the day!
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