EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 27 MIN
#105 The Truth About Alcohol, Inflammation & Headaches (Part 2)
from PCOS Unfiltered: Nourish, Heal, Thrive · host Paul Lagerstedt
Connect with Paul: ALKAA website instagram In this episode, we discuss: Why Lindsie largely stopped drinking alcohol after experiencing unwanted side effects The inspiration behind ALKAA and how Paul and his wife Sarah developed the product Paul's frightening experience with Bell's palsy and neurological Lyme disease What alpha-gal syndrome is and how it caused severe reactions to hidden mammal proteins Histamine overload and unexpected triggers in foods and everyday products Why healing journeys are rarely simple and often involve setbacks Learning to adapt to chronic illness and still find joy in life The importance of self-advocacy and listening to your body How ALKAA differs from traditional hangover remedies Why reducing toxin load before drinking may support better recovery Anecdotal experiences with sleep quality and wearable data How inflammation, histamines, sulfites, tannins, and acetaldehyde may contribute to symptoms Why mindful drinking is about enjoying special occasions rather than overconsumption Building a business rooted in personal experience and helping others Mentioned in this episode: ALKAA™ Paul Lagersted and Sarah Lagersted Alpha-gal syndrome Lyme disease Histamine reactions Wearable sleep tracking (Apple Watch and Oura Ring) Mindful drinking and reducing toxin load If you enjoyed this episode: Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who struggles with headaches, inflammation, or feeling awful after alcohol. Understanding your body is often the first step toward feeling better. ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. 📘 Healthy for a Reason: 12 Practical Guidelines to Feel Like Yourself AgainIf you're tired of starting over, trying harder, and wondering why nothing seems to work, Healthy for a Reason was written for you.For years, we've been told the answer is more willpower, more restriction, and more rules. But if you've struggled with cravings, fatigue, emotional eating, poor sleep, or stubborn weight despite doing everything "right," you know it's not that simple.What if those struggles weren't signs that you've failed?What if they were your body's way of asking for something different?In Healthy for a Reason, Lindsie combines nearly two decades of nursing experience with practical health coaching strategies to help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you all along. You'll learn how to calm your nervous system, recognize your body's signals, build sustainable habits, and create lasting health by working with your body instead of constantly fighting against it.This isn't another diet book or a collection of quick fixes. It's a practical, compassionate guide to helping you reconnect with your body, rebuild trust in yourself, and finally understand why you're healthy for a reason.✨ Available now in paperback and Kindle.👉 Grab your copy HERE, available in paperback or on kindle 📝 Free Download: The Food Timeline TrackerUnlock the clues your body is already giving you.This simple worksheet helps you connect your meals to your hunger, cravings, and energy—so you can start spotting patterns, identifying insulin resistance symptoms, and making empowered food choices (no calorie counting required). Use it for just 2-3 days and prepare to be amazed at what you discover!✅ What's included:Meal tracking prompts (before, during, after, and long after)Space to note physical, emotional, and energy changesBonus reflection questions to guide your next steps📥 Grab it HERE!
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What this episode covers
Why do some people feel terrible after just one drink while others seem unaffected? In the second part of this episode of PCOS Unfiltered, Lindsie continues the conversation with Paul Lagerstedt, co-founder of ALKAA, to discuss alcohol sensitivity, inflammation, headaches, histamine reactions, and the personal health journey that inspired the first patented in-glass sachet designed to reduce trace compounds in alcoholic beverages. Paul shares his remarkable story of neurological Lyme disease, Bell's palsy, and alpha-gal syndrome—a tick-borne condition that led to severe food sensitivities and life-changing health challenges. Through years of trial and error, he learned firsthand how toxin load, inflammation, and hidden triggers can dramatically affect quality of life. Together, Lindsie and Paul discuss why healing is rarely a straight line, the emotional realities of chronic illness, and how many people simply want to enjoy an occasional glass of wine or cocktail without feeling miserable afterward. They also explore ALKAA's approach to mindful drinking and why supporting your body before drinking may be different from trying to recover afterward. If you've ever struggled with headaches after alcohol, inflammation, poor sleep, histamine sensitivity, or simply wondered why alcohol affects you differently than others, this conversation offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on listening to your body and reducing toxin load.
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#105 The Truth About Alcohol, Inflammation & Headaches (Part 2)
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