Weeks two to four: brain, gut, inflammation repair

Mark Hyman describes week two microbiome and neurotransmitter recovery, week three inflammation and skin improvements, week four metabolic gains.

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Most of us don’t realize how much alcohol affects our bodies until we take a break. In this first episode of Office Hours, I break down what really happens when you give up alcohol for 30 days. Alcohol impacts nearly every system—from your brain and hormones to your gut, liver, and immune system—but the good news is your body begins repairing itself far faster than most people expect.

I discuss:

• What alcohol really is—and why the “buzz” is actually your brain slowing down

• How alcohol affects neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and glutamate

• Why even moderate drinking disrupts sleep, mood, hormones, and metabolism

• How alcohol impacts the liver, gut microbiome, immune system, and cancer risk

• Why hangovers feel like the flu—and what’s actually happening in your body

• What happens when you stop drinking, week by week, from detox to deep repair

• The surprising benefits to energy, focus, skin, sleep, and emotional resilience

• Practical tools to manage cravings, social pressure, and sleep disruption

• Why community support makes behavior change easier and more sustainable

Your body has an incredible ability to heal and often, it just needs you to take your foot off the gas. Try it for 30 days. You may be amazed by how different you feel.

If you want extra support, join us for the Hive January Challenge, where we’ll guide you through the process, track progress, and share experiences together.

Visit functionhealth.com for 160+ lab tests at just $365 a year.

Helpful Resources:

Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health

https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox

Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results

https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive

Have a question you’d love answered on the podcast? Submit it here 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNF2y4lFWEOMLlzVNlFDpJ4xl7oOpH9NlImMoHr5mHggL_Ww/viewform?usp=header

(0:12) Introduction and the power of personal health agency

(0:51) Joining the Hyman Hive community and dry January benefits

(2:07) Understanding the broad effects of alcohol on health

(7:27) Long-term health consequences of alcohol use

(13:13) Alcohol's link to hangovers and cancer risk