Today's guest is Dr. Joseph Mosquera, an integrative medical expert with extensive experience in general practice, who also happens to be Elara's dad. We cover various aspects of alcohol use, including alcohol use disorder, its impact on health, and approaches to moderation.

Dr. Mosquera begins by highlighting the significance of discussing alcohol, especially in the post-pandemic era where alcohol abuse and dependence have become prevalent issues. He emphasizes the importance of using the term "alcohol use disorder" instead of stigmatizing terms like "alcoholism" or "alcoholics."

A key topic discussed was the concept of moderation in alcohol consumption. Dr. Mosquera clarified that mild or social drinking does not significantly increase health risks, barring exceptions like pregnancy. However, people often underestimate their alcohol intake, which can lead to abuse and dependence. This leads to a discussion about what constitutes excessive drinking.

Elara and Dr. Mosquera explore the potential health impacts of regular drinking, like effects on the liver, gastrointestinal system, and mental health. We look at cultural differences in drinking habits, like the "French Paradox" and the practice of drinking wine in Mediterranean cultures. Dr. Mosquera shared personal anecdotes about his upbringing in Spain, illustrating cultural attitudes towards alcohol.

Next, we cover hangovers, their physiological basis, and ways to mitigate them. They discussed practical tips like hydration, anti-inflammatory medications, and specific foods to ease hangover symptoms. Elara shared her college experiences with hangovers and remedies like Pedialyte, highlighting the dangers of binge drinking.

We spend a fair amount of time on the risks of drinking during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Mosquera firmly advises against alcohol consumption during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. For breastfeeding mothers, moderation was deemed acceptable, but caution is advised, especially regarding binge drinking.

Dr. Mosquera notes an increase in infertility rates linked to alcohol abuse. He emphasized the need for moderation and the potential long-term health risks, including increased cancer risk associated with excessive drinking.

Advice for replacing alcohol with healthier alternatives includes engaging in regular exercise, adopting good sleep patterns, and following a nutritious diet. He stressed the importance of an integrative health approach, tailored to individual lifestyles.

We'd be remiss if we didn't cover sugar intake in alcoholic beverages. Diana and Dr. Mosquera mention the often-overlooked high-caloric content in alcoholic drinks, particularly sugary cocktails and mixed drinks. They pointed out how these additional calories could contribute to health issues like obesity.

Listeners who might be concerned about their drinking habits can journal their consumption and seek help if necessary. Alcohol use disorder is treatable; it's important to recognize its severity and seeking appropriate help, which could range from behavioral therapy to more intensive medical interventions.

Finally, Dr. Mosquera underscores the importance of community and peer support in addressing alcohol use disorders. Listeners should reach out to friends and family members who might be struggling with alcohol dependency.

More:

Dr. Mosquera's Website: https://drmosquera.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spontaneoushealing/

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!