Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

BONUS: Impact of Alcohol and Our Health with Dr. Brooke Scheller

Nov 3, 2025

Dr. Brooke Scheller, a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and founder of Functional Sobriety, engages in an enlightening discussion about alcohol's impact on health. She unpacks the stigma surrounding alcohol use and how emerging research dispels myths of its health benefits. The conversation covers the detrimental effects of alcohol on the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, and fertility. Brooke shares strategies for reducing cravings and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in assessing drinking habits. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on sobriety and health.

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INSIGHT

Alcohol Is A Toxin With Wide Systemic Effects

Alcohol is a toxic substance that affects gut, hormones, blood sugar, metabolism, and brain neurotransmitters.
You can choose to change your relationship with alcohol without labeling yourself as having a disorder.

INSIGHT

New Research Undermines 'Healthy' Drinking Myth

Recent research refutes cardiovascular benefits of low-level alcohol and shows brain structure decline even at moderate intake.
Emerging data link alcohol to decreased gray and white matter, cancer risk, hormonal and metabolic disruption.

ADVICE

Reassess 'Moderation' Relative To Your Health Goals

Recognize that US guidelines (1 drink/day women) differ from newer guidance suggesting under two drinks/week to reduce harm.
If you have health goals, limit alcohol to near zero to improve outcomes.

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Today, I am honored to be in conversation with Dr. Brooke Scheller. She is a doctor of Clinical Nutrition, a nationally recognized health expert, and the founder of Functional Sobriety, a nutrition-based program for alcohol reduction. She also wrote How to Eat to Change How You Drink.

In our conversation today, we discussed the stigmatization of alcohol use and explored the nuances of curiosity and sobriety. We dispel common misconceptions, examine the research on alcohol consumption, tackle the definition of moderation, scrutinize the influence of industry ties, and unravel the issues linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Scheller also sheds light on how poor absorption affects the gut microbiome and contributes to a leaky gut, providing insightful nutritional strategies to address these concerns. Our conversation also extends to fertility, blood sugar, and the challenges posed by initiatives like Dry January and sober challenges.

Stay tuned for today’s comprehensive exploration of the relationship between nutrition and alcohol use.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How the stigma surrounding alcohol use is changing
How does alcohol affect the brain and body?
How alcohol impacts the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, and nutrient absorption
Dr. Scheller shares her personal experience with alcohol
How alcohol consumption in middle-aged women could increase inflammation and oxidative stress
How alcohol impacts blood sugar
The link between alcohol consumption and male infertility
Some suggestions for navigating a Dry January
How alcohol use impacts mental health
Overcoming alcohol addiction through self-awareness and wellness

Bio: Dr. Brooke Scheller DCN, CNS

Dr. Brooke Scheller is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, the founder of Functional Sobriety, and the author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink.

After finding freedom from alcohol in 2021, Dr. Brooke took her experience in sobriety and applied her expertise in nutrition and functional medicine to help others change their relationship with alcohol. Her approach results in improved brain health, mood, energy, focus, gut health, and hormone balance.

Her launch of Functional Sobriety led to the development of her online community, the Functional Sobriety Network, and several online programs with members across the globe. Functional Sobriety offers the first-ever custom supplement program for the sober and sober-curious. As a motivational speaker, Dr. Brooke helps to spread the word about functional nutrition, alcohol-free wellness, and the power of sobriety.

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