Can alcohol kill healthy bacteria?

Yes, according to Andrew Huberman , alcohol can kill healthy bacteria in the gut. When people ingest alcohol, it disrupts the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in supporting the immune system and regulating mood through chemical signaling. Alcohol is known for its antibacterial properties and is often used to sterilize wounds, making it effective in killing bacteria indiscriminately. This means that when alcohol enters the digestive system, it can destroy beneficial bacteria in the gut 1.

Further disruption occurs as the metabolism of alcohol in the liver releases proinflammatory cytokines, contributing to a so-called "leaky gut." This condition allows harmful bacteria to escape into the bloodstream, exacerbating the problem 2.