5 Things You Didn’t Know Alcohol Does to Your Body

Most people know alcohol isn’t exactly a health tonic – but what if the hangover is just scratching the surface?

Here are five lesser-known ways alcohol messes with your body (even after just a few drinks):

1. It Disrupts Your Gut Microbiome
Alcohol alters the balance of gut bacteria and increases gut permeability, a.k.a. "leaky gut." This can lead to inflammation, poor digestion, and immune dysfunction.

2. It Slows Down Mitochondrial Function
Alcohol taxes your energy production system – your mitochondria. You may feel foggy or exhausted because your cells are running on fumes.

3. It Hijacks Neurotransmitters
Alcohol boosts GABA while suppressing glutamate. The problem? The rebound effect. When the buzz wears off, anxiety often floods in (aka hangxiety).

4. It Depletes Essential Nutrients
Think B1, B6, magnesium, and zinc. These are vital for brain function, liver health, and energy levels.

5. It Elevates Cortisol
Alcohol can spike your stress hormone, making it harder to sleep, relax, and recover—even if you were just “unwinding.”

What You Can Do
Support your body with targeted nutrients that counteract these effects: adaptogens for stress, amino acids for neurotransmitter support, and antioxidants for cellular repair.

Conclusion
Alcohol doesn’t just cause hangovers – it impacts your gut, hormones, brain, and energy. Supporting your body with the right ingredients can make a huge difference.