52. The Truth About Alcohol Nobody Wants to Hear | Sam Lander

Can you be Healthy AF if you still drink alcohol? In this episode of Healthy AF (Healthy After 50), I sit down with functional diagnostic nutritionist, peptide educator, and My Peptide University faculty member Sam Lander for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the podcast. Sam opens up about her incredible journey—from addiction, prison, and rebuilding her life—to becoming one of the most respected educators in functional medicine and peptide therapy. We dive into why so many people are doing everything "right" but still don't feel well, how functional lab testing uncovers hidden problems, and why alcohol may be the single biggest obstacle standing between you and optimal health. If you're focused on building muscle after 40, increasing energy, improving your gut, optimizing hormones, or extending your healthspan, this is an episode you don't want to miss. In this episode we discuss: • Sam's journey from addiction and prison to functional medicine • Why functional lab testing changes everything • The hidden connection between gut health and chronic symptoms • Why peptides require individualized protocols • The truth about "mommy wine culture" • How alcohol affects metabolism, inflammation and longevity • Why quitting alcohol is the biggest health hack most people ignore • Building resilience physically and mentally • Creating lasting health after 40 Connect with Sam Lander https://seefitliving.com https://www.instagram.com/seefitliving 0:00 Introduction: Meet functional diagnostic nutritionist Sam Lander 1:25 What functional diagnostic nutrition really is 2:05 Sam's childhood health struggles 3:20 Addiction begins at a young age 6:10 Prison, rock bottom, and rebuilding her life 10:45 Becoming a personal trainer after prison 15:30 Why doing "everything right" still wasn't enough 16:40 Discovering functional medicine through gut health 18:00 Why alcohol is the biggest health hack people ignore 22:30 The truth about mommy wine culture 27:40 How alcohol affects hormones, weight loss, and longevity 33:15 Peptides: why certification and protocols matter 38:20 Creating personalized health strategies instead of one-size-fits-all advice 43:10 Recovery, resilience, and building a healthier future 48:10 Final thoughts and where to connect with Sam