Episode 19: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Alcohol Alcohol is everywhere — in our celebrations, our stress relief rituals, even our “self-care” nights with a glass of wine. But is it really serving us, or quietly sabotaging our hormones, gut, and stress response? In this eye-opening episode of Gut Feelings: Life Unfiltered, we’re pulling back the curtain on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly sides of alcohol. Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Melissa as we get real about: The Good – How a mindful approach to alcohol can fit into a balanced lifestyle (and why context matters). The Bad – The sneaky ways alcohol disrupts your cortisol rhythm, gut health, thyroid function, and hormone balance, especially for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. The Ugly – What happens when drinking becomes a coping mechanism for stress, perfectionism, or people-pleasing, and how to break the cycle without feeling deprived or judged. We’ll share personal stories, functional medicine insights, and actionable tips to help you decide what role alcohol should (or shouldn’t) play in your life — from supporting your nervous system to boosting metabolic and hormonal health. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is that nightly glass of wine really harmless?” or “How do I drink without wrecking my health?”, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make choices that feel aligned — no shame, no fear, just science and soul. Links and Resources: 📱 Dr. Mel's Social Media Instagram: @blossom_integrativeFacebook: Blossom Integrative HealthYouTube: Blossom Integrative Health 📱 Dr. Jen's Social Media Instagram: @healthinmotionwellnessFacebook: Health in Motion Wellness Websites: www.drauchter.com www.healthinmotion-wellness.com   💬 Enjoying the podcast? Follow, rate, and share to support our mission of whole-person healing!