Alcohol and pain don’t mix—literally. In this episode, Stacey gets real about how even moderate alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on your joints, muscles, hormones, gut, and sleep. 

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, perimenopause, or post-workout recovery struggles, this episode breaks down exactly how alcohol derails healing and what to drink instead if you still want to indulge occasionally. It’s the conversation your doctor probably isn’t having with you, but should.

Timestamped Highlights

• [00:01:10 ] Why alcohol and joint pain is a touchy topic (especially in Wisconsin)
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• [00:02:00 ] The #1 reason alcohol worsens joint and muscle pain: inflammation
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• [00:03:15 ] Alcohol raises inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP) and oxidative stress
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• [00:04:47 ] Fascia, cartilage, and hydration—how alcohol dehydrates key tissues
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• [00:05:41 ] Gut damage, leaky gut, and lipopolysaccharides that attack your joints
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• [00:07:15 ] Histamines in alcohol: why wine, beer, and champagne can trigger joint flares
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• [00:08:00 ] Women in perimenopause/postmenopause are especially sensitive to alcohol
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• [00:10:00 ] The rebound estrogen crash: why one drink can worsen menopause symptoms
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• [00:11:22 ] How alcohol affects men: testosterone suppression and man boobs
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• [00:12:33 ] Alcohol + workouts = sabotage: it blocks muscle recovery and increases belly fat
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• [00:14:35 ] Poor sleep, increased pain sensitivity, and blood sugar crashes
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• [00:15:54 ] What to avoid: beer, red wine, sugary cocktails
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• [00:17:28 ] Better options: gluten-free vodka, seltzer with citrus, dry white wine or champagne
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• [00:19:07 ] How much is okay? Best practices for alcohol timing and pain management
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• [00:21:22 ] Avoid alcohol 2 days before/after SoftWave or intense training
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• [00:22:32 ] Why alcohol actually worsens the symptoms it’s often used to cope with
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• [00:23:48 ] The bottom line: inflammation, gut damage, hormones, and hydration matter
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Safety Reminders:

If you’re dealing with joint pain, gut issues, or hormone imbalances, alcohol can make your symptoms worse—even if you drink moderately. Talk to your provider about how alcohol affects your specific pain condition, and consider taking breaks during flares or treatment periods.

Call us for personalized support and testing

📞 414-299-8121

📧 info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

Important Links

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
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• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
• Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
• Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
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• Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717 
• New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com

About the Host

Stacey Roberts, PT, MBA, MSN, RN, is an Amazon bestselling author, physical therapist, registered nurse, and functional medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. She founded and runs New You Health and Wellness in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Her program, detailed in her book, The Pain-Free Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.

The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Medical Disclaimer

Information in this program, as well as any information provided by New You Health and Wellness and its subsidiaries, is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a licensed physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging that we supply. Do not use the information on this website or podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard in this program. Information provided in this program and any other presented by New You Health and Wellness LLC, and the use of any products or services purchased from New You Health and Wellness LLC by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship or healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the health professionals affiliated with our website or clinic. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing stated or posted on this site or in this podcast or available through any services is intended to be and must not be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitations, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or providing healthcare, treatment instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.