The Science of How Alcohol Affects What Yoga Builds Within Us
Here's a breakdown of how Alcohol affects the body. This is an age old topic, and one that has been played out so much.
It helps to understand the exact science. This has nothing to do with morals, or to drink or not to drink. These are just the facts, which can help us make educated decisions.
We all know, and have experienced how alcohol affects our sleep. One drink reduces REM sleep by up to 24% in the first 1/2 of your sleep time. REM sleep is important because its the part of sleep where emotional processing, memory consolidation and NERVOUS SYSTEM repair occurs. Pranayama and Yogic relaxation techniques, like Yoga Nidra, are designed to induce restorative sleep. So in other words, one glass of wine can undo, what 20 minutes of Yoga breathing and relaxation does.
Alcohol also affects GABA.
What is GABA?
GABA is the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter. Yoga has been clinically proven to naturally elevate GABA. Initially, alcohol mimics GABA at its receptor sites, so what happens is that the brain, in efforts to compensate for the increase of GABA, reduces its own GABA production. So, this leaves us with an after affect of lasting 36-72 hours after our last drink. This leaves GABA lower than before we drank the alcohol. The reason why this is helpful to know is that this can increase anxiety and make the nervous system more reactive, not less. In other words, increase, "Fight or Flight," instead of decrease it.
Alcohol also affects Cortisol and our Gut.
It disrupts the gut microbiome within 24 hours, reducing the bacterial diversity that yoga and pranayama are designed to support. Gentle Yoga, with twisting motions is especially effective at supporting the Gut microbiome. Adding Pranayama is like the, "Cherry on top." It's super effective.
Alcohol spikes cortisol for up to 36 hours after the last drink. This keeps the nervous system in low-grade stress mode, "Fight or Flight" long after the alcohol has worn off. The question becomes, what type of relationship do I want to have with this?
We all need to live and have fun! No question.
This is not about never drinking. This is about understanding what you are trading in when you do. It's helpful to understand this from the body chemistry perspective.
Just something to Chew on....🥂