Vodka to Gin – How to Choose the Best Alcohol for Your Hormones
Written by: Allie Egan, Veracity Founder, Certified Health Coach
The approaching holiday season means more indulging, more celebrating, and more imbibing are likely on the horizon. We know booze can be a bit of a setback when you’re trying to balance your hormones and improve your skin, but sometimes you just gotta live a little. If you make better choices about what alcohol does not increase estrogen and which drinks best support your hormones, you can find a happy medium between fun and health without being struck by guilt every time you enjoy a happy hour drink or two.
Not all alcohol is created equal. The biochemistry of how your body metabolizes alcohol is complex, causing a variety of hormonal and health impacts that extend beyond the calorie count. Alcohols like bourbon, wine, and beer contain phytoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking substances), which can raise estrogen levels and worsen conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroid symptoms. Wine and beer also contain more sugar and carbohydrates than, say, rum, tequila, and vodka, causing your body to handle them in the same way it does pure sugar, resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels and cortisol.
So, what alcohol does not raise estrogen? The answer is distilled alcohol. Distilled alcohol is alcohol that has been processed after fermenting to separate it from the water and additional substances, making it even more concentrated. Liquors and spirits are distilled alcohols, whereas wine and beer are just fermented.
VODKA
Science says if taken in moderate amounts, vodka can help induce sleep and help you stay asleep. And we all know how important sleep is for your hormones! Vodka is one of the best alcohol choices for hormone balance because it contains no sugar or carbohydrates and does not increase estrogen. Tonic water can negatively affect your glucose, however, so in the name of balanced hormones, take the shot!
GIN
Gin is made from juniper berries which are high in antioxidants and have been used for centuries as medicine. When consumed lightly (as in 1 drink/day), gin has been shown to have positive impacts on blood pressure and heart health. As a distilled spirit, gin is also a lower-estrogen-impact alcohol compared to beer or wine. Skip the tonic and opt for soda water, high quality gin, and a splash of bitters for some added digestive benefits.
WHISKEY
Some studies have found whisky aged for over 10 years contains about as much polyphenols as red wine. However, whisky can still contain small amounts of phytoestrogens, so it may not be the best option if your goal is to avoid alcohol that raises estrogen. If you happen to have lower estrogen levels and don’t mind a small dose of phytoestrogens, invest in a higher quality, longer aged whisky on the rocks—it’s for your health.
TEQUILA / MEZCAL
Many dietitians and doctors recommend tequila, which is a type of mezcal, as the healthiest alcoholic choice—here’s why. High-quality tequila (made from 100% agave) contains no sugar, so it won’t spike your blood sugar levels and is even safe for people with type 2 Diabetes to drink. Tequila is also a distilled alcohol, meaning it does not significantly increase estrogen and is more hormone-friendly. Tequila also contains probiotics (although not enough to make it your main supplement) and dietary fiber, making it more gut-friendly than other alcohols.
RUM
Rum contains antibacterial properties and has been used to help cure strep throat and in moderate amounts, may help protect brain cells. Opt for dark rum, as it ages longer in wood barrels than white rum and contains more healthy antioxidants. While rum is distilled and does not directly raise estrogen, it is made from sugar cane juice or molasses, making it less ideal for blood sugar balance.
BRANDY
Brandy contains vitamin C and polyphenols which can help keep inflammation at bay and prevent heart disease and strokes. One shot of brandy contains your daily recommended vitamin C intake, so keep that in mind the next time you’re ordering a drink! Like other distilled spirits, brandy is lower in estrogenic compounds than wine or beer.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING A HANGOVER
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Eat a meal with a little fat before you begin imbibing – this will slow down your body’s glucose uptake to prevent fainting, alcohol poisoning, and feeling ill the next day
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Drink water – ok we’ve all heard this before but it’s true. Most hangovers are partly a result of dehydration because alcohol is a diuretic.
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Take a daily Multivitamin – a daily multivitamin can support your body’s overall health, and replenish stores of vitamins and minerals that become depleted from drinking. Metabolic Multivitamin contains full-spectrum support, including B vitamins which can help boost your energy.
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Boost your body's detoxification pathways – this ensures your body is in good shape to process the alcohol you add to your system. Metabolism Cleanse supports healthy liver detoxification, reduces bloating, and improves liver health.