In Episode 11 of our Balls Deep podcast, Dr. Joe Pazona and co-host Kat Williams take on a pressing issue that affects most people: drinking alcohol. As always, Dr. Pazona seamlessly combines comedy with striking medicine advice to improve your well-being — both while asleep and awake in bed. The main focus in this episode is alcohol: an everyday component within many social situations that poses serious health risks. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol consumption, the health effects of alcohol, and how much alcohol is safe to drink.
Alcohol: The Toxin in Disguise
There’s no need to use ambiguous language — alcohol is simply toxic. In the podcast, Dr. Joe Pazona refutes the misconception that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol has any benefits by quoting several studies and opinions, even from people like world-renowned longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia. Dr Attia further says that taking more than two drinks every day is quite insane, thus advising restricting alcohol consumption to seven drinks per week or less.
Hidden Health Issues
The conversation shifts to the hidden health issues caused by alcohol. Alcohol’s effects on physical well-being go beyond just high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia; they also include sleep disorders and hormone imbalances. According to Dr Pazona, alcohol is also a sneaky opponent in weight loss difficulties that offers empty calories as well as sugar through it, thus undermining efforts.
Sleep Disruption
Kat shares her personal experience with how even one drink can significantly disrupt her sleep, leading to a lack of restorative rest. This aligns with Dr. Pazona’s observations, further supported by his experience using a sleep tracker. Also, this is not good for the overall health and well-being at large, because sleeping after taking liquor is not actually considered “good” sleep.
The Cultural Perspective
The podcast also touches on the cultural differences in alcohol consumption, comparing American habits with those of Mediterranean countries like Italy and France. Europeans consume wine regularly but do so moderately alongside their active lifestyles, thereby keeping caloric intake low compared to Americans. Are these two different cultures’ contexts together with our habits among others best understood when considering this particular topic?
Medical Insights from a Urologist
Dr. Pazona ties the conversation back to his urology, explaining how alcohol affects the kidneys, bladder, and prostate gland. Dehydration resulting from the high use of alcoholic drinks can cause the formation of kidney stones, while its irritant properties may result in bladder problems as well as a heightened risk of getting prostate cancer. Such explanations confirm that drinking is not only harmless playfulness but there are reasons why laws are made against it.
Mindfulness is Needed
When it comes to alcohol consumption, the key is to be mindful about how much alcohol we take in. It does not mean to stop drinking completely, but it does mean reconsidering what normal and healthy drinking patterns consist of. We advise leading by example to children, as well as managing the underlying emotional or mental health conditions that may lead to excessive consumption.
Key Takeaways
Alcohol is a poison: It has an effect on various aspects of our health, and there exists no real safe level of its intake.
Unseen consequences for health: There is a link between alcohol and obesity, hypertension, and insomnia among other ailments.
Culture is important too: Understanding different cultural perspectives toward alcoholism can assist one’s comprehension, although this must be done moderately and within a lifestyle perspective.
Urologic Health: Alcohol-related diseases can affect the kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate gland etc.
This episode calls for introspection by listeners on their behaviors so that they make more informed choices about their overall state of well-being and good health. Learn more about Pazona MD and how our experts can help you live a healthier life.
Disclaimer: This podcast contains only general information and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding any medical condition you may have.
