A HEALTHY DOSE

As we head into the racing season and enjoy spring festivities, we find that our alcohol consumption increases.

It is important to understand the relationship alcohol has on our microbiome.

Our microbiome plays a large role in our immune function and health, therefore ensure you are enjoying alcoholic beverages that are not compromising your health.

Alcohol impacts our gut microbiome and alters the bacteria we harbour, in addition adding to gut permeability issues such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Once we have a compromised gut wall our protection from toxins, food proteins and unfriendly bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammatory health issues, and increase toxicity in the body.

Studies suggest that a high consumption of alcohol changes the composition of the gut microbiome.

An altered gut flora can influence our mental health, resulting in anxiety and depression due to the interference with the brain’s communication pathway, the vagus nerve.

However, studies have also suggested that a reduction in alcohol consumption is a positive strategy to alter the environment of the gut to enhance good bacteria to thrive.

The best option for alcohol is a good glass of red wine, preferably organic that is preservative free!