We’re moving past the marketing and into the facts. Beyond the glamour, there’s a truth about the impact of alcohol on our bodies. This week, we explore why drinking less is the newest trend in wellness and how the $830 billion shift in the market is actually a win for public health. Be empowered so you can join the millions investing in their longevity.
In this Episode:
- 01:17 – How to See the New York City Subway’s Old City Hall Station
- 06:36 – Alcohol and Dementia Risk
- 11:08 – Alcohol Consumption – Understanding the Standard Drink
- 12:23 – The Reality of Modern Drinking Habits
- 15:22 – The Internal Impact of Alcohol: From Heart Health to Cancer
- 21:21 – Alcohol Policy, Politics, and the Shifting Market
- 24:20 – Charlie – Jokes Aside Moderation is Key, Often Using Alternatives
- 29:23 – How Alcohol Guidelines Have Changed Over Time
- 32:04 – Outro
Alcohol and the Body: What Does the Evidence Say?
Alcohol consumption is widespread, with nearly 70% of adults drinking, but risk is not evenly distributed. In this episode of Everyone Dies, we break down what a “standard drink” means, how binge and high-intensity drinking affect the body, and why age, sex, medications, and chronic conditions matter more than people realize.
We explore the growing body of evidence linking alcohol to cancer, including its classification as a Class 1 carcinogen, and explain why alcohol is now recognized as the third leading preventable cause of cancer death, behind only tobacco and obesity. Drinking one or two drinks per day has been shown to increase cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, liver, and head and neck cancers.
This episode also looks at shifting drinking trends, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, and why younger generations are choosing to drink less. Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or simply wanting evidence-based information, this conversation provides clear, practical insight without judgment.
The Reality of Modern Drinking Habits
- Did you know that middle-aged adults are now bingeing alcohol more than the younger generation? We’re breaking down why the ‘happy hour’ culture is shifting and what it means for your health after 50.
- Is your ‘standard drink’ actually two? We explore why your body composition and age might mean you’re reaching a dangerous Blood Alcohol Concentration much faster than you think.
The Impact of Alcohol on the Body
- Most of us know alcohol affects the liver—but did you know it’s the third leading preventable cause of cancer, right behind tobacco and obesity? We dive into the science of why even ‘light’ drinking increases your risk.
- Why is alcohol classified as a Class 1 carcinogen? We’re looking at the four specific ways ethanol damages your DNA and transforms healthy cells into cancer.
Alcohol Policy, Politics, and the Shifting Market
- Why has the alcohol industry lost $830 billion in market value since 2021? We investigate the ‘Great Alcohol Slump’ and why the newest health guidelines might be more political than medical.
- Is there really ‘nothing healthier than having a good time with friends’ if alcohol is involved? We’re questioning the advice of public figures and looking at why the world is moving toward a ‘mindful drinking’ revolution.
Related Episodes:
- S6E42: Sober Curious? Learn What a Break from Alcohol Can Do for You, and Tips for How to Do It
- S5E27: Preventable Death – Learn the Factors to Better Your Odds
- S5E4: Inflammation: What it is, How It Causes Disease, and How You Can Decrease It
- S5E45: Why Does Cancer Exist? Empower Yourself With Understanding
- S5E32: USA’s Falling Life Expectancy, and Deaths of Despair
- S5E16: Colorectal Cancer is Increasing in the Young: What You Need to Know
References:
- Recipe of the Week: Ham Delights Recipe
- Fokom Domgue, J., Yu, R., Hawk, E., & Shete, S. (2025). Public Awareness of the Association Between Alcohol and Cancer in the US. JAMA oncology, 11(7), 789–791. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.1146
- Topiwala, A., Levey, D. F., Zhou, H., Deak, J. D., Adhikari, K., Ebmeier, K. P., Bell, S., Burgess, S., Nichols, T. E., Gaziano, M., Stein, M., & Gelernter, J. (2025). Alcohol use and risk of dementia in diverse populations: evidence from cohort, case-control and Mendelian randomisation approaches. BMJ evidence-based medicine, bmjebm-2025-113913. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2025-113913
- WHO Global Information System on Alcohol and Health | Alcohol Consumption and Cancer
- Alcohol: Bad for Heart, Brain, and Cognition?
- New Dietary Guidelines Abandon Longstanding Advice on Alcohol – The New York Times
- Alcohol and Cancer Risk 2024
- Oncologists: Surgeon General’s ‘bold statement’ elevates conversation about alcohol, cancer
- How Much Alcohol Does it Take to Raise Your Cancer Risk? – The New York Times
- Detecting Alcohol’s Early Cardiac Effects in Primary Care
- What The Latest Research Tells Us About Alcohol And Health
- Final-Report-ICCPUD-Alcohol-Intake-Study-010726.pdf
- Major report on alcohol and health being downplayed under Kennedy | STAT
- Vox scoop: RFK Jr. and Trump silenced a groundbreaking report on cancer and alcohol | Vox
- High-Intensity Drinking (PDF): HID2022.pdf | University of Michigan
- High-Intensity Drinking Is Worse Than Binge Drinking – The New York Times
Resources
- Many Americans unaware of alcohol links to cancer risk
- Alcohol and Cancer Risk 2024
- 2025-draft-public-comment-alcohol-intake-health-study.pdf
- Big Alcohol Under Pressure: Falling Profits, Failing Strategies – Movendi International
- High-Intensity Drinking (PDF): HID2022.pdf | University of Michigan
- Alcohol Use and Your Health | Alcohol Use | CDC
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Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!
Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon
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