June 15, 2026
Episode #8: Ask Doctor Jason FULL Episode 8 – Alt Alcohol
Jason and Brian kick off this episode with their Hot Topic: Alt Alcohol, breaking down why more people are rethinking the role of alcohol in their lives. They cover the rise of the sober curious movement, why Gen Z is drinking far less than previous generations, and what the latest health concerns around alcohol really mean. The focus is direct — alcohol may be deeply tied to social culture, but understanding what it does inside the body matters just as much as the drink in your hand.
🔥 Rapid Fire: Buy or Don’t Buy – A focused round on supplements and botanicals tied to relaxation, mood, stress support, and alcohol alternatives. They break down options like L-theanine, lion’s mane, ashwagandha, kava, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, magnesium, saffron, and kratom — covering what may support the body, what deserves caution, and why “natural” does not always mean risk-free.
🌿 Mind and Body Connection – The episode closes with an honest conversation about alcohol, stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being. From the desire to “take the edge off” to the deeper impact alcohol can have on mood and decision-making, the message is clear — healthier ways to relax, connect, and unwind are worth exploring. Grounded in decades of experience, this episode tackles one of the biggest wellness shifts happening today, with a practical look at alcohol alternatives, sober curiosity, and better ways to support the mind and body without relying on the bottle.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:23 Hot Topic: Alt-Alcohol
00:29:05 Rapid Fire: Buy or Don’t Buy
00:37:03 Mind and Spirit – Mental Health
Ask Doctor Jason:
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References
[0:24:45] Noble Kava part 2
Noble kava comes from three regions/strains: Tongan, Fijian, and Vanuatu.
Reference: Kavalactones — the six major compounds.[0:24:38] Noble Kava
Noble kava does not carry anywhere near the same liver toxicity risk and is the gold standard for safe regular use.
Reference: Kava for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (K-GAD)[0:24:08] Tudei Kava is More Intoxicating
Tudei kava is more intoxicating but has potential hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) concerns.
Reference: Biological Activity, Hepatotoxicity, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Kavalactones and Flavokavins, the Two Main Bioactive Components in Kava[0:25:30] Kava and GABA
Kava works by GABA enhancement – it increases the efficiency of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain.
Reference: Kavalactones[0:26:03] Kava & Neural Firing
Kava inhibits neural firing (reduces nerve impulse conduction), aiding muscle relaxation and social anxiety, and supports neurotransmitter regulation for better mood.
Reference: Kavalactones — the six major compounds.[0:28:07] Alcohol is #2 Most Toxic Substance
Besides refined sugar, alcohol is probably the #2 most toxic substance you could put in your body.
Reference: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health[0:29:48] Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms have neuroprotective benefits and support brain structure and function; some call it psychotropic.
Reference: Lion’s Mane[0:29:24] L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid from tea leaves (green and black tea); it increases alpha waves (a measure of relaxation) and raises dopamine, serotonin and GABA.
Reference: L-Theanine for Sleep[0:30:26] Kratom
Kratom works similarly to opioids; gained popularity for pain relief but is now used to get high. It is extremely addictive, dangerous and unregulated, sold at head shops/convenience stores.
Reference: FDA and Kratom[0:32:40] Kanna
Kanna is a botanical from South Africa derived from a succulent; it helps with stress, elevates mood, is not intoxicating, and reduces toxic effects of stress.
Reference: A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum[0:32:14] Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps with stress by reducing cortisol; can be taken daily.
Reference: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?[0:33:59] Chamomile
Chamomile (commonly as tea) provides relaxation and helps sleep; used in stress/sleep combination formulas.
Reference: The Effect of Oral Chamomile on Anxiety[0:34:53] Lemon Balm
Lemon balm helps with relaxation and stress.
Reference: Best Herbs for Sleep and Anxiety[0:34:23] Passion Flower
Passion flower helps with restlessness and relaxation; strong science; works well combined with ashwagandha.
Reference: Comparative effect of Chamomile flower (Matricaria chamomilla L.) andPassion flower (Passiflora incarnata L.) powder tea in patients suffering from primary insomnia[0:35:52] Saffron
Saffron contains compounds such as safranal that boost dopamine and serotonin and elevate mood; probiotics also help mood.
Reference: From Mood to Memory: Unlocking Saffron’s Potential in Brain Health[0:35:03] Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral the body cannot make; magnesium glycinate aids relaxation, acts as a gatekeeper to NMDA receptors, and supports sleep and brain function.
Reference: Magnesium in neuroses and neuroticism[0:37:46] Drinking Alcohol
The first drink excites you, then shortly after alcohol becomes a depressant.
Reference: Chapter 11: Alcohol[0:41:49] Milk Thistle
Milk thistle supports the liver and helps prevent alcohol-related liver damage; reasonable to take daily.
Reference: Milk thistle[0:42:28] Electrolytes
Electrolytes keep you hydrated; alcohol dehydrates the body (electrolytes don’t reduce the hangover, just hydration).
Reference:[0:45:04] Anabolic Resistance
After age 50 you develop anabolic resistance and need more protein. [AD: Transparent Labs – 28g protein]
Reference: Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging[2:15] Gen Z Drinking Habits
Gen Z is drinking 85% less alcohol than the previous generation.
Reference:[04:58 ] Global Burden of Disease Study
A 2018 Lancet Global Burden of Disease study analyzed data from 195 countries (1990-2016), 694 data sources and 592 studies.
Reference: Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2016[05:30] Alcohol Related Deaths
Alcohol was responsible for over 3 million deaths a year, primarily from disease (e.g. cancer), not drunk driving.
Reference: No safe level of alcohol, scientific study concludes[05:54] Digestive Cancers
Digestive cancers (pancreatic, gallbladder, bile duct, esophageal) are in some cases almost directly linked to alcohol consumption/overconsumption.
Reference: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health[06:05 ] Liver and Breast Cancer
Liver and breast cancer are on the rise for people who consume a lot of alcohol.
Reference: Alcohol metabolism causes DNA damage and triggers a breast cancer-related DNA damage respons[06:13] Alcohol in Moderation
New research contradicted older studies suggesting a little alcohol was good for you (e.g. a glass of wine with dinner).
Reference: No level of alcohol consumption improves health[06:35] Safe Alcohol Consumption
The WHO has determined the only safe level of alcohol consumption is zero.
Reference: Health and cancer risks associated with low levels of alcohol consumption[09:11] Alcohol Absorption
Alcohol absorption: about 20% in the stomach and 80% in the intestines.
Reference: Alcohol Absorption and Metabolism[09:20] Alcohol and Metabolization
95% of the alcohol you consume is metabolized in the liver.
Reference: Alcohol Absorption and Metabolism[09:30] Alcohol and the Liver
The liver uses the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase to process alcohol.
Reference: Alcohol Metabolism[09:44] Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Alcohol dehydrogenase converts alcohol into acetaldehyde.
Reference: Alcohol Metabolism[09:56] Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde is one carbon/one molecule different from formaldehyde; formaldehyde is used for embalming.
Reference: Alcohol metabolism causes DNA damage and triggers a breast cancer-related DNA damage response[10:15] Acetaldehyde's Toxicity
Acetaldehyde is extremely toxic, akin to formaldehyde – your body is literally being poisoned.
Reference: Alcohol Metabolism[10:31] Converting Acetaldehyde
The body rapidly converts acetaldehyde into a non-toxic substance eliminated via urine/fluid or as CO2 in breath.
Reference: Alcohol Metabolism[11:16 ] Converting Acetaldehyde part 2
The first drink is converted by the liver into acetaldehyde; this is the basis for the ‘only safe level is zero’ conclusion.
Reference: Health and cancer risks associated with low levels of alcohol consumption[12:07 ] Alcohol Metabolism
Alcohol metabolism / the toxic byproduct causes liver disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and cancer.
Reference: Alcohol Metabolism[12:14] Acetaldehyde & DNA
Acetaldehyde damages your DNA, which is the primary reason for increased cancer risk.
Reference: Alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase in malignant neoplasms[12:39] Alcohol & Brain Processing
Alcohol makes brain processing harder and makes you more vulnerable to dementia; it causes literal brain damage.
Reference: Alcohol and the brain[13:50] Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should not consume any alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome is a real thing.
Reference: Long-Term Consequences of Developmental Alcohol Exposure on Brain Structure and Function[14:03] Legal Drinking Age
The legal age limit for alcohol relates to brain development; alcohol can damage the developing teen brain.
Reference: Pathways to alcohol-induced brain impairment in young people[17:20] Kava Ceremonial Usage
Kava is found in Polynesian culture (Vanuatu, Fiji) and was used ceremonially.
Reference: Kava[18:14] Kava's Intoxicating Effect
Kava has a mildly intoxicating effect – slightly euphoric, relaxing and calming.
Reference: Kavalactones[18:40] Servings of Kava
You can have 2-3 shells/servings of kava, wake up feeling fine, and may even sleep better – unlike an alcohol hangover.
Reference: Kava[20:39] Why Alcohol Makes you Buzzed
The reason alcohol makes you buzzed is the toxicity of acetaldehyde robbing the body of oxygen.
Reference: Ethanol, not metabolized in brain, significantly reduces brain metabolism, probably via specific GABA(A) receptors[21:41] Kavalactones
Kavalactones are the active compounds in kava; a traditional shell delivers about 250-300 mg of kavalactones.
Reference: Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)[22:45] DWI
DWI (driving while intoxicated) has strict limits for listed substances; DUI (driving under the influence) has a looser definition based on impaired driving.
Reference: Legal Definitions Vary by State[23:48] Two Types of Kava
There are two primary types of kava: tudei (‘two-day’) and noble.
Reference: Kavalactones — the six major compounds.