August 25, 2025

How Caffeine and Alcohol Affect the Brain

38 minutes

During this episode you’ll learn about:

This week’s guest: Carly Duffy, RD, Medical Education Specialist at Thorne [0:58]

Harmful or harmless? How caffeine and alcohol affect the brain [3:15]

Caffeine’s stimulant role in the brain [5:26]

Alcohol as a depressant and how it impacts the sleep cycle [6:51]

Health benefits of caffeine and best time to have caffeine [8:36]

Is there any way to consume alcohol in a heathy, mindful way? [11:28]

Tips to maintain a balanced lifestyle when trying to change habits around alcohol and caffeine consumption [14:31]

Caffeine alternatives: Supplements that provide mental clarity and focus [19:10]

How to support liver and gut health when consuming alcohol [20:43]

Ways to build a healthful relationship with caffeine and alcohol [23:12]

Questions from the community

I’m trying to cut back on caffeine. What can I do about the afternoon energy crash? [27:04]

I’m always feeling tired. How do I know if the fatigue is from too much caffeine or not enough? [30:31]

What supplements help with focus and energy without leaving me feeling jittery? [31:52]

How can I mimic the calming effects of alcohol in social settings when I’m feeling anxious? [33:09]

I use wine to relax at night. What else could I try to maintain my nightcap ritual without interfering with sleep? [33:19]

Resources to topics mentioned in this episode:

Caffeine and Cortisol: What are the Effects?

Caffeine and Heart Health: A Benefit or a Risk?

Know Your Biotics: Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics

The Science Behind A Hangover

What is Dry January? Your 5 Questions, Answered

Common Hydration Mistakes You Might Be Making

Thorne Hosts First-Ever Mocktail Club

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Alcohol After a Workout

Products related to this episode: Memoractiv™, Brain Factors, Complete Biotic, Collagen Plus, Daily Greens Plus, Amino Complex – Berry, Basic B Complex, ResveraCel®, Creatine, PharmaGABA, Theanine, Rhodiola

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