Solosode 471: Why Ben Greenfield Drinks One Serving Of Alcohol Per Day, The Effects Of Alcohol On Longevity, How To Detox After Partying, The Best Supplements For Drinking & Much More

Ben Greenfield

Apr 20, 2024

Episode description

Alcohol and longevity — it's an extremely controversial topic that most health experts shy away from. 

But I'm not afraid of courting controversy when there's scientific evidence to consider.

Sure, you've heard the warnings about alcohol being a toxin that should be avoided at all costs — and in some cases this is true. But what if I told you that in moderate amounts (emphasis on moderate), alcohol can actually be beneficial for longevity and brain health?

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the latest research on alcohol's effects on your body, and why I choose to drink almost every single day.

First, I'll explain the concept of mitohormesis — how temporary stressors like alcohol can actually boost your mitochondrial function and resilience when consumed in the right amounts. Next, you'll gain insights into finding the "Goldilocks Zone" for your alcohol intake — the amount of alcohol consumption that provides health benefits without the notorious downsides of drinking too much booze. I'll also discuss supplements like dihydromyricetin (DHM) that can block alcohol's intoxicating effects while still allowing you to reap the rewards of moderate drinking.

Additionally, you'll hear about using binders like chlorella, charcoal, and fruit pectin to remove toxins like acetaldehyde from your body after drinking, my routine for enjoying a nightly glass of organic wine or a cocktail, and recommendations for healthier alcoholic beverage choices like Dry Farm Wines, shrubs, and even ketone "alcohol" alternatives.

Whether you're a teetotaler or a casual drinker, this episode might just reshape your thoughts around alcohol. By the end, if you choose to partake in this longevity strategy, you'll have a step-by-step game plan for your own conscientious alcohol consumption.

For the full show notes, visit: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/alcohol

Episode Sponsors: 

Kineon: Visit shop.kineon.io/bengreenfield  today and receive 10% off your purchase.

Timeline Nutrition: Go to timelinenutrition.com/BEN and use code BEN to get 10% off your order.

Jigsaw Health: Visit JigsawAC.com and use "Greenfield10" to get 10% off on yo

Episode description

Alcohol and longevity — it's an extremely controversial topic that most health experts shy away from. 

But I'm not afraid of courting controversy when there's scientific evidence to consider.

Sure, you've heard the warnings about alcohol being a toxin that should be avoided at all costs — and in some cases this is true. But what if I told you that in moderate amounts (emphasis on moderate), alcohol can actually be beneficial for longevity and brain health?

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the latest research on alcohol's effects on your body, and why I choose to drink almost every single day.

First, I'll explain the concept of mitohormesis — how temporary stressors like alcohol can actually boost your mitochondrial function and resilience when consumed in the right amounts. Next, you'll gain insights into finding the "Goldilocks Zone" for your alcohol intake — the amount of alcohol consumption that provides health benefits without the notorious downsides of drinking too much booze. I'll also discuss supplements like dihydromyricetin (DHM) that can block alcohol's intoxicating effects while still allowing you to reap the rewards of moderate drinking.

Additionally, you'll hear about using binders like chlorella, charcoal, and fruit pectin to remove toxins like acetaldehyde from your body after drinking, my routine for enjoying a nightly glass of organic wine or a cocktail, and recommendations for healthier alcoholic beverage choices like Dry Farm Wines, shrubs, and even ketone "alcohol" alternatives.

Whether you're a teetotaler or a casual drinker, this episode might just reshape your thoughts around alcohol. By the end, if you choose to partake in this longevity strategy, you'll have a step-by-step game plan for your own conscientious alcohol consumption.

For the full show notes, visit: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/alcohol

Episode Sponsors: 

Kineon: Visit shop.kineon.io/bengreenfield  today and receive 10% off your purchase.

Timeline Nutrition: Go to timelinenutrition.com/BEN and use code BEN to get 10% off your order.

Jigsaw Health: Visit JigsawAC.com and use "Greenfield10" to get 10% off on yo

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Limit alcohol consumption to one drink daily for lower mortality risk

Consumption of up to one drink per day is associated with a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

Recognize acetaldehyde levels in vegetables as potential toxins

Many vegetables and ciders naturally contain more of the toxin acetaldehyde than wine or vodka, highlighting that the dose, not the substance, is the poison.

Avoid pre-drinking DHM to enhance alcohol's relaxing effects

Taking the supplement DHM before drinking blocks alcohol's effect on GABA receptors, preventing you from feeling the relaxing effects and potentially causing you to drink more.

Time detox binder correctly to maximize supplement effectiveness

If you take a binder like charcoal, wait at least 30-60 minutes after other supplements like DHM, as the binder will absorb them and make them ineffective.

Utilize Zbiotics to combat hangovers effectively

Zbiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic that produces an enzyme in your gut to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol.

Create healthy cocktails with vinegar shrubs

You can create a healthy cocktail base called a vinegar shrub by fermenting a one-to-one ratio of fruit, sugar, and vinegar.

Experience social relaxation with alcohol-free ketone drinks

Ketone drinks containing 1,3-Butanediol, such as those from Ketone Aid, can offer similar socially lubricating and relaxing effects as alcohol without the toxicity.

Choose French, New Zealand, and Italian wines for safer dining

When dining out, wines from France, New Zealand, and Italy are generally safer choices as they often follow old-world organic and biodynamic methods.

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© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius