Notes from Huberman Lab Podcast Drinking 1-2 drinks / day on average there is some degeneration of brain Chronic drinkers experience increase in alertness and mood when they drink. Not the same as tolerance. Who are predisposed to alcoholism and/or chronic drinkers based on timing of effects Alcohol passes the blood brain barrier. Pre-frontal cortex releases gabba to suppress impulses Impulse control is inhibited in regular drinkers that persists outside the time that they are drinking Increase in both habitual and impulsive behavior. Some people have an increase in energy after 3-4 drinks Alcohol changes relationship between [[hypothalamus]] and Ptuitary Gland, which release hormones that go to adrenals, which release adrenaline and cortisol. Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Regular drinkers, results in more cortisol being released at baseline. Gut Liver Brain axis Disruption in the gut biome. Leaky gut. Pro inflammatory cytokines released from liver. Causes neural circuits to increase drinking. Eat 2-4 servings of fermented foods to reduce inflammation and improve gut microbiome. Even one drink can disrupt sleep