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Alcohol & Menopause: The Truth No One Told You (But You Need to Hear!) · My Sexy Menopause Body

• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to MySexy Metaposs Body, where we're flipping the script on what it means to feel strong, sexy, and empowered in midlife and real.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Join your host, Ken Nicholson, and she gets real about the changes we face body, mind, and spirit.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: And why this phase of life is an opportunity to redefine what sexy means on your terms.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: This is a phase for honest conversations, expert advice, and stories from women just like you.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, let's go.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_01: So have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with your heart pounding or racing, drenched in sweat, um, can't sleep, going to the bathroom a million times each night, and regretting that glass of wine that you had from dinner.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_01: Well, in our younger years, maybe it was fine to drink like we did when we were in our 20s and 30s and 40s, but now our body is saying, uh-uh, nope, not anymore.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_01: So if you've been wondering why alcohol affects you differently now, you are not alone.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_01: I have seen a huge increase, and it's not just because of dry January, a huge increase of my friends alone and my clients who want to step away from all alcohol, and this includes wine, beer, even those wonderful margarita and espresso martinis.
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_01: So more and more women are cutting back and drinking from drinking and for so many good reasons.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_01: Just recently, the Surgeon General posted that by eliminating alcohol from our diets, from our life, um, we'll uh increase our health benefits tremendously.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_01: We'll get into that in just a little bit.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_01: So here's the truth when you do have those symptoms when you wake up in the middle of the night, that's your body talking to you.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_01: You just need to be ready to listen.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_01: So let's talk about this.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_01: So why are so many people going alcohol free?
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I don't know about you, but on my social media posts, I am now getting all these dry wines, alcohol-free wines, and I've tried a few of them, and I'll be quite honest, they're good.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_01: And the beer, oh my gosh, the beer is incredible.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_01: I tried the Heineken Zero the other day, and I swear it tasted just like a regular Heineken.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_01: So loving that.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_01: All right, so but there are many, many, many people right now rethinking alcohol.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_01: You know, you see mocktails are trending, of course, like I just said, the alcohol-free wines are, and they even have bars that are sober bars now, which are popping up.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_01: And I I love that.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_01: So a 2024 survey found out that 41% of Americans plan to drink less this year in 2025.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_01: And this includes the younger generations as well.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_01: 49% of the millennial millennials and 61% of Gen Z are cutting back, largely for mental health reasons, is what they're stating.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_01: But here's what's really interesting: women in midlife are leading this charge because let's face it, our bodies are different now, and alcohol isn't just a casual indulgence anymore, it's actually a barrier to how we really want to feel, and we want to feel good about ourselves and our bodies.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_01: But what's interesting is that um uh our body does react to alcohol even in just one six-ounce glass of wine.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_01: So let's talk about what the Surgeon General's cancer warning that came out uh in January stated.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_01: So for the first time ever, the Surgeon General is calling for cancer warning labels on alcohol.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_01: Why?
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_01: Because even one drink a day increases our risk of breast cancer, liver disease, and get this dementia.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_01: That's powerful.
• 4:28
  SPEAKER_01: That is powerful.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_01: So, why does this matter to us who are in any stage of menopause, whether again, peri, you're in full menopause or like me, postmenopause?
• 4:40
  SPEAKER_01: Because it matters because things like breast cancer risk skyrockets with regular alcohol consumption.
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_01: Our liver function slows with age, making alcohol harder to metabolize.
• 4:55
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, you probably have experienced brain fog and memory issues.
• 4:59
  SPEAKER_01: Well, alcohol makes this worse.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_01: And here's something else bone density declines because alcohol accelerates that loss.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_01: So if you've been wondering why alcohol suddenly feels different, this is why.
• 5:13
  SPEAKER_01: Your body is changing and it's asking for something new.
• 5:17
  SPEAKER_01: So, what does alcohol do to your body during menopause or postmenopause?
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_01: Well, again, the some of the short-term effects that we kind of talked about already is poor sleep and night sweats.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_01: Alcohol disrupts deep sleep.
• 5:30
  SPEAKER_01: Alcohol also increases belly fat and bloating because it slows your metabolism.
• 5:37
  SPEAKER_01: And and and and listen to this, spikes blood sugar.
• 5:42
  SPEAKER_01: Mm-hmm.
• 5:43
  SPEAKER_01: Talk about, remember that's one of the reasons why some women experience that menopause belly.
• 5:51
  SPEAKER_01: You know what?
• 5:52
  SPEAKER_01: Check the amount of alcohol you're drinking and how often.
• 5:56
  SPEAKER_01: That is one of the reasons that I look at as a board certified health coach is how much alcohol are you consuming?
• 6:03
  SPEAKER_01: So we want to decrease that belly fat and bloating.
• 6:07
  SPEAKER_01: Um, another one is anxiety and depression, and of course, mood swings.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_01: We know that alcohol is a depressant.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_01: So you may find that those may be magnified during the times that you have a glass of wine or a couple glasses of wine.
• 6:21
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, joint pain, headaches, and inflammation have also been linked to alcohol.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_01: Some of the long-term effects, um, according to the Surgeon General, of course, are higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, increased risk of osteoporosis, and of course, weakened immune system and inflammation.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_01: So let's be real.
• 6:42
  SPEAKER_01: When you already are dealing with things like hot flashes, brain fog, and exhaustion, alcohol just adds fuel to the fire.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's like throwing a party for all the symptoms you've been trying to get rid of.
• 6:56
  SPEAKER_01: So one of the programs that I have written in my books, I can tell you all my books and all my programs are based upon my 30 years of teaching people health and wellness.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_01: And mine are not cookie cutter uh courses, and uh this is kind of a cheap plug, but it works, and I use them myself.
• 7:15
  SPEAKER_01: So my online course, the Power of Paws, um is available to you anytime if you go to chimnik.com and I have it at a really super inexpensive price right now, too.
• 7:27
  SPEAKER_01: So please check it out.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, like I said, I'm actually going through it right now, even though I wrote it.
• 7:32
  SPEAKER_01: It's always great to it kind of remind myself of things that I need to do or changes that I need to make in my day, and it works.
• 7:41
  SPEAKER_01: It's absolutely incredible.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_01: All right, done with my cheap plug.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_01: All right, so here, let's flip this script on alcohol.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_01: So, what happens when you pause alcohol for just a few weeks?
• 7:53
  SPEAKER_01: I will tell you from experience, the results are instant.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_01: So in your first week, you will find yourself in better sleep.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_01: You'll have deeper REM cycles and fewer wake-ups throughout the night.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_01: Wouldn't that be great?
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_01: There is less bloating and puffiness.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_01: You'll notice it in your midsection, and of course, you're gonna notice it with a lack of puffiness in your face.
• 8:21
  SPEAKER_01: You're gonna notice clearer skin as well.
• 8:24
  SPEAKER_01: Now, by continuing on to this alcohol-free time or power of pause, you will notice by week four, you're gonna see some weight loss, especially belly fat.
• 8:36
  SPEAKER_01: You will also experience more energy and better digesti digestion.
• 8:41
  SPEAKER_01: You'll also experience balance a more balanced mood and less anxiety and less brain fog.
• 8:48
  SPEAKER_01: So let's talk about the long-term benefits.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_01: We want to lower our cancer and heart rate, heart disease risks, right?
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_01: So those are some of the benefits for long-term, as well as uh stronger bones and healthier metabolism.
• 9:03
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, with that, you're going to find yourself with more confidence, uh, better mental clarity, and overall vitality.
• 9:12
  SPEAKER_01: So, ladies, this is not about restriction.
• 9:16
  SPEAKER_01: It's actually about freedom.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_01: It's about giving your body what it actually needs to thrive, to live.
• 9:25
  SPEAKER_01: And isn't that what life is all about at this phase in our lives?
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_01: Is just to thrive.
• 9:31
  SPEAKER_01: So now I always like to, you know, tell you some really constructive steps that you can do with any in any of my podcasts.
• 9:39
  SPEAKER_01: I want you to walk away going, ah, I want to do that, I want to do that.
• 9:43
  SPEAKER_01: So here's are some of my suggestions from the PowerPause um on how to build healthier habits around alcohol.
• 9:50
  SPEAKER_01: So, because maybe you're thinking, well, I'm not ready to quit completely, but I want to drink less.
• 9:56
  SPEAKER_01: So here's where to start.
• 9:58
  SPEAKER_01: Um again, download the PowerPause on my online course that helps you take a step back and helps you rethink your uh relationship with alcohol and of course and how incredible you can feel without it.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_01: But here's some of my suggestions.
• 10:13
  SPEAKER_01: Swap it out, like I've already said.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_01: There are so many good non-alcoholic beverages on the market right now.
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_01: I'm blown away.
• 10:22
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, mocktails, there's non-alcoholic wines or sparkling waters uh with Lye will help.
• 10:29
  SPEAKER_01: There's incredible zero alcohol beers.
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, the the the choices that we have now is incredible.
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_01: Um, one other thing that helped me, of course, at the end of the day, I always like that glass of wine, but I'm changing my wind-down routine.
• 10:45
  SPEAKER_01: During when I to end my day, what I do is I journal, uh, I practice some of my uh breath work.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um, I will have one of the mocktails or a non-alcoholic glass of wine stretch.
• 10:58
  SPEAKER_01: I've kind of flipped my exercise routine to be at the end of the day, so I immediately jump on a treadmill or go for a walk.
• 11:06
  SPEAKER_01: So changing up your routine will help.
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_01: And then, of course, creating new rituals like socializing without alcohol.
• 11:14
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it is awkward at first, I will be honest, but like I said, there's so many uh beverages you can choose from.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_01: I just got back from a um a sales conference, and I did not think they were gonna have any alcohol-free uh products, but to my surprise, they did.
• 11:31
  SPEAKER_01: So I was able to carry around a zero alcohol glass of wine and a beer.
• 11:37
  SPEAKER_01: Zero alcohol.
• 11:38
  SPEAKER_01: So there are other ways to uh find ways to celebrate.
• 11:42
  SPEAKER_01: And instead of you know, meeting your friends at the bar for a drink, you know, if you don't want to do that, go get a manny, a petty, whatever.
• 11:49
  SPEAKER_01: Do you can change up your routines, change up your rituals.
• 11:53
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, if you're wondering where to start, just start small.
• 11:56
  SPEAKER_01: One week, try it, see how you feel.
• 11:58
  SPEAKER_01: It's not about perfection, it's about paying attention to what your body is telling you.
• 12:02
  SPEAKER_01: So your challenge for this week is going to be either try check out my book, The Power of Pause.
• 12:09
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and in just you know, just seven days without alcohol, you're gonna notice your sleep will improve, your energy, and your mood.
• 12:16
  SPEAKER_01: So let's see what shifts for you.
• 12:17
  SPEAKER_01: And if you love the results, maybe you'll keep going.
• 12:21
  SPEAKER_01: And if you need support, let's do this together.
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_01: You can follow me on Instagram or direct message me if you want to.
• 12:27
  SPEAKER_01: Um, or join my dry January book.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_01: But it could be not only just dry January, dry February, it could be dry July.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_01: It does not matter when you do this.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_01: The important thing is just to take a pause, a step back.
• 12:42
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and now I really would love to ha hear from you and and see what your results are.
• 12:49
  SPEAKER_01: So if you will, just give me a call or contact me, uh direct message me, add messages to this podcast here.
• 12:57
  SPEAKER_01: Uh just let me know how it's going for you.
• 13:01
  SPEAKER_01: And I really think that you're gonna find how beautiful and resilient our bodies are when we just give it what it truly needs.
• 13:10
  SPEAKER_01: So, well, that's it for today's epis episode of My Sexy Menopause Body.
• 13:15
  SPEAKER_01: So if this resonated with you, just like again, be sure to subscribe, hit that subscribe button, share it with a friend, and you know, leave a review because it helps, you know, us reach more women who are ready to step into their strongest and healthiest period of their life.
• 13:32
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, don't forget to check out another cheap plug for my PowerPause, my online course designed to help you reset your relationship with alcohol and feel your absolute best.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_01: So until next time, remember menopause is not the end.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_01: It's your time to rise.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_01: So own it, love it, and let's keep thriving together.
• 13:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um, see you next week, but I want to make sure, I also want to tell you that next week I've got this most incredible guest speaker.
• 13:59
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, she is one of the most impressive, inspirational people I have ever met.
• 14:04
  SPEAKER_01: And you will not want to miss that episode with my new friend, Marilyn Larkin.
• 14:10
  SPEAKER_01: All right, until next week, take care of yourself.
• 14:18
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks for being here with us on MySexy Menopause Body.
• 14:23
  SPEAKER_00: Remember, this is your journey.
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_00: Your chance to own your body, mind, and spirit.
• 14:29
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm sexy on your turn.
• 14:32
  SPEAKER_00: If today's episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
• 14:38
  SPEAKER_00: Let's keep building this conversation and this community together.
• 14:43
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, take care of yourself and keep showing up.