For decades, alcohol has been deeply woven into social culture — celebrations, stress relief, connection, and even relaxation. But a growing number of people are beginning to ask a different question: Is this actually making me feel better?
In Episode 32 of the Gut Check Podcast, we sit down with Taylor Grasso, RD, and Zack Grasso, husband and wife founders of Pesche, a functional mocktail brand designed for people who want the experience of drinking — without the physical cost.
This conversation goes far beyond mocktails. It’s about gut health, sleep, stress, hormones, blood sugar, and a generational shift toward conscious consumption.
From Personal Health Wake-Ups to a Business Idea
Pesche wasn’t created as a trend-chasing beverage brand. It was born from personal experience.
Taylor, a registered dietitian, stopped drinking alcohol after realizing that even small amounts consistently caused next-day anxiety, disrupted sleep, and left her feeling worse — not better. Zack, meanwhile, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which made alcohol not just unpleasant, but dangerous due to blood sugar crashes.
Despite cutting back or eliminating alcohol, both of them ran into the same issue:
Non-alcoholic options were either boring, loaded with sugar, or completely non-functional.
What started as a simple idea — “Why isn’t there a better option?” — became Pesche.
Why Fewer People Are Drinking (and It’s Not Just a Fad)
One of the most compelling parts of this conversation is the broader context. This isn’t just about individual preference — it’s about a cultural shift.
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Gen Z is drinking significantly less than previous generations
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More Americans are choosing not to drink at all
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Alcohol sales are declining while functional beverages are growing
This shift isn’t rooted in judgment or restriction. It’s rooted in data and lived experience. Wearables like Oura and Whoop make it impossible to ignore how alcohol impacts sleep, recovery, and stress. Social media has accelerated access to health education. And people simply don’t want to feel bad anymore.
As Taylor puts it: people are choosing how they feel tomorrow over what’s normalized today.
What Alcohol Actually Does to the Gut
A major focus of this episode is the gut-level impact of alcohol, which often gets overlooked.
Taylor explains that alcohol increases a protein called zonulin, which loosens the tight junctions in the gut lining. This leads to increased gut permeability (often referred to as “leaky gut”), allowing inflammatory compounds to enter circulation.
Alcohol also:
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Reduces digestive enzyme production
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Impairs nutrient absorption (especially B vitamins, zinc, magnesium)
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Disrupts blood sugar regulation
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Increases inflammation
The result? Poor digestion, increased cravings, worse sleep, hormone disruption, and systemic stress.
In short: alcohol calories come without nutrients — and the body responds accordingly.
Why Sleep Suffers (Even If Alcohol Helps You Fall Asleep)
One of the most common misconceptions is that alcohol improves sleep. While it may help people fall asleep faster, it significantly reduces sleep quality, particularly deep and REM sleep.
This has downstream effects on:
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Hunger and fullness hormones (ghrelin and leptin)
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Insulin sensitivity
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Stress hormones like cortisol
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Mood, focus, and recovery
Taylor notes that many people feel hungrier, more anxious, and more fatigued not because they lack discipline — but because their sleep architecture has been disrupted.
Adaptogens Explained (Without the Hype)
Pesche is built around adaptogens, particularly functional mushrooms — but not the psychedelic kind.
Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress, supporting balance rather than forcing stimulation or sedation. Pesce uses different adaptogens for different “need states”:
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Lift → Lion’s Mane for focus and light energy
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Kickback → Cordyceps for stress resilience and recovery
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Unwind → Reishi + tart cherry to support relaxation and sleep
Unlike alcohol or THC, these ingredients don’t override the nervous system. They support it — especially when used consistently.
Real Results: Sleep, Stress, and Resilience
One of the most compelling pieces of feedback the Grasso’s shared came from wearable data.
Customers using Pesche — especially Unwind — reported:
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Improved sleep scores
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Higher resilience and readiness metrics
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Reduced stress markers
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Better next-day energy and mood
Even small swaps — like replacing the last drink of the night — made measurable differences within weeks.
Practical Advice for Cutting Back on Alcohol
Taylor emphasizes sustainability over extremes.
Instead of “all or nothing,” she suggests:
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Identify your tipping point (the drink that makes you feel worse)
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Swap your last drink for Pesce or sparkling water
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Reduce gradually if quitting cold turkey feels overwhelming
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Focus on addition (sleep, nutrients, movement) rather than restriction
The goal isn’t perfection, but rather to feel better consistently.
Where to Find Pesche
Pesche is currently available online and in select Midwest locations, with broader retail expansion planned.
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Website: www.drinkpesche.com
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Instagram & TikTok: @drinkpesche
Final Thought
This episode isn’t about demonizing alcohol. It’s about empowering people with information, options, and better alternatives.
When people understand how alcohol impacts their gut, hormones, sleep, and stress — many naturally choose differently.
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