About this episode

The episode explores the relationship between alcohol and the nervous system, focusing on GABA and its depletion in modern life.

What if that evening glass of wine isn't just a habit, but your body reaching for balance it's missing elsewhere? Anna Donaghey is joined by certified clinical nutritionist Beverly Meyer to decode the neuroscience behind our relationship with alcohol, specifically GABA, the nervous system's key calming neurotransmitter, and why modern life is quietly depleting it. Beverly shares practical, food-first strategies to genuinely restore GABA levels and explains why your body is always trying to help you, never sabotage you. If you've ever wondered, "Why can't I just say no to that drink?", this episode is for you. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Alcohol and why nervous system regulation matters 01:06 Meet Beverly Meyer: clinical nutrition and the missing GABA link 05:14 GABA 101: The neurotransmitter explained in plain English 10:05 Does alcohol “pretend” to be GABA? 12:22 Are you GABA deficient before you ever pick up a drink? 16:24 When alcohol “parks” on GABA receptors and why that matters 18:13 Alcohol as a solution, not the problem- the real story about depletion 20:00 Changing the drinking conversation 21:09 Why food matters most 25:00 Paleo eating and asking “What did…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Donaghey

Guest: Beverly Meyer

Topics covered

• alcohol
• nervous system
• nutrition
• GABA
• mental health
• wellness

Keywords

• alcohol
• GABA
• nutrition
• nervous system
• mental health
• wellness
• Beverly Meyer

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and The Life You Want

More episodes of The Big Drink Rethink

• Ep 125: Breaking The 'Wine O'clock' Habit | Alcohol Coaching | · June 3, 2026 · 25 min
• Ep 123: How Big Is Your World? | Rethinking Alcohol | · May 20, 2026 · 20 min
• Ep 122: Building a Life You Don't Want to Escape From | Rethinking Alcohol | · May 13, 2026 · 46 min

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