The True Detriments and Benefits of Red Wine for Your Microbiome

The benefits and trade-offs of enjoying that glass of red wine

Red wine is consistently touted for its potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, red wine is often praised for supporting heart health, healthy cholesterol levels, and possibly enhancing longevity.¹²³⁴⁵ For many, a nightly glass of red wine is more than just a relaxing ritual that could also boost overall well-being. 

However, the amount of healthy compounds like resveratrol in a single glass of wine is relatively low. It's important to consider whether this regular ritual might conflict with your personalized wellness goals and health journey.

Will drinking red wine disrupt your progress with Viome?

You may enjoy an occasional glass of red wine, possibly every day with dinner. But if you're on a journey to optimize your health with Viome, you might wonder: could this nightly indulgence hinder your progress? Dr. Grant Antoine, Viome Precision Nutrition Team member, gave us the answer: yes. And here's why you might want to reconsider your wine habit.

Hidden (and completely legal) additives in wine

In the United States, winemaking involves more than just grapes. The FDA has approved 76 additives for wine production, including potentially harmful substances like dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC).⁶ These additives can include Mega Purple, a grape concentrate containing 68% sugar, used to enhance the color and body of the wine. Preservatives and defoaming agents are often added to control the production process. 

Unfortunately, wine companies aren't required to disclose these ingredients, making it difficult for consumers who wish to drink wine for health benefits to know precisely what they're drinking. These hidden ingredients can counteract your progress with Viome's personalized health recommendations.

The Impact of Alcohol on Your Gut Microbiome

The state of your gut microbiome is crucial to the health of your whole body, and alcohol can disrupt its delicate balance. Red wine, like other alcoholic beverages, can lead to opportunistic bacteria overpopulating and a decrease in beneficial bacteria.⁷⁸ This imbalance can negatively affect your digestive health, immune system, and mental well-being. Since Viome's recommendations are designed to optimize your gut microbiome, drinking wine could be counterproductive to your health goals.

Depletion of Nutrient Levels

Alcohol consumption depletes essential nutrients in your body, including vitamins and minerals that are vital for maintaining a healthy microbiome.⁹ Moreover, alcohol is dehydrating, which can further exacerbate nutrient loss and lead to imbalances that hinder your progress with Viome.

Impact on Sleep Quality

Good quality sleep is foundational to good health, and alcohol is known to disrupt sleep patterns.¹⁰ Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce the quality of your sleep, which in turn can affect your body's ability to repair and regenerate. Poor sleep can have a cascading effect on your circadian rhythms and overall health–including cognitive function and metabolic health–both of which are areas Viome focuses on supporting with your recommendations.

Empty Calories and Weight Management

Red wine contains about 125 calories per serving, often referred to as "empty calories" as they come from sugar and sugar alcohol and provide little to no nutritional value. If healthy weight management is part of your health goals, these extra calories can add up quickly, potentially derailing your progress.

Gut-Friendly Alternatives to Red Wine

If you're looking to support your gut health and stay on track with your Viome recommendations, consider swapping your glass of wine for one of these gut-friendly alternatives:

1. Kombucha: This fermented tea is rich in probiotics and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for supporting gut health. Try DIYing this deliciously healthy drink!

2. Herbal Teas: Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger offer various health benefits without alcohol. Sip a few of these recipes.

3. Infused Water: Hydrate with water infused with fruits or herbs for a refreshing, alcohol-free option. Drink up with some hydrating electrolyte spa waters.

4. Pomegranate, Concord Grape, or Cherry Juice: These juices provide some of the antioxidants found in red wine without the alcohol. However, be mindful of their sugar content.

5. Mocktails: Get creative and mix up some alcohol-free versions of your favorite drinks for a fun, guilt-free alternative. Pour this delightfully bubbly recipe into your coupe glass.

Small Changes, Big Impact

By choosing these alternatives, you'll be supporting your gut health and optimizing your results with Viome. Remember, small changes in your daily habits, compounding over time, can significantly improve your overall well-being and microbiome health. So, while it might be tempting to pour that glass of red wine, opting for a healthier alternative could be one key to achieving your health goals with Viome.

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