#127 How to Eat to Change How You Drink: A Coffee with Dr. Brooke Scheller#127 How to Eat to Change How You Drink: A Coffee with Dr. Brooke Scheller
Happiest Sober Podcast
Join Madeline as she chats with Dr. Brooke Scheller about using nutrition to boost sobriety and mental health. Learn how simple dietary changes can make a big impact.
59:17•22 Apr 2025
Nutrition & Sobriety: Dr. Brooke's Functional Approach
Episode Overview
- Dr. Brooke Scheller discusses the concept of functional sobriety.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing alcohol cravings.
- Gut health significantly impacts mood and brain function.
- Simple dietary changes can support an alcohol-free lifestyle.
- Research challenges previous assumptions about alcohol's health benefits.
“It's almost this vicious cycle where, for example, if we drink and we deplete out many of our nutrients like the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron, all of these also help to produce dopamine and serotonin.”
In this episode of the Happiest Sober Podcast, Madeline brings on Dr. Brooke Scheller, a doctor of clinical nutrition, to discuss the innovative concept of functional sobriety. As someone who embraced sobriety in 2021, Dr. Brooke has developed a unique approach to alcohol-free living that emphasizes the importance of nutrition in supporting mental health and overall well-being. Dr.
Brooke shares insights from her book, 'How to Eat to Change How You Drink,' detailing how nutrition can be used as a powerful tool to ease the transition into sobriety. She explains how alcohol consumption depletes essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, which are critical for producing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. By focusing on replenishing these nutrients, individuals can better manage cravings and improve mood regulation. Throughout the conversation, Dr.
Brooke highlights the significance of gut health, noting its profound impact on mood and brain function. She introduces the concept of the Functional Sobriety Academy, an online program designed to help individuals recover from long-term alcohol use through nutritional education and supplementation. Furthermore, Dr. Brooke addresses the common misconception that alcohol has health benefits, citing recent research that challenges earlier studies, some of which were funded by the alcohol industry.
She advocates for simple dietary changes, such as avoiding prolonged periods without eating, to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of reaching for a drink. Madeline and Dr. Brooke's discussion is not only informative but also encouraging, offering listeners hope and practical strategies for living their best sober lives. Dr. Brooke invites listeners to explore her work further by visiting her website and following her on social media for ongoing tips and insights.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of nutrition and sobriety, providing a wealth of knowledge to support a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

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