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FitTips for One and All - Vol. XXIII, No. 4
FitTips for One and All
Volume XXIII, Number 4
2025
Presented by
Fitness for One and All
Director: Gary F. Zeolla
In This Issue
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New Autobiography!
The Lord Stood By Me and Gave Me Strength
The Life and Legacy of Gary F.
Zeolla;
Author, Bible Translator, Champion Powerlifter
From powerlifting world records to forty books and a pioneering Bible translation, from battling chronic illnesses to weathering financial storms and singleness struggles, my life has been an unlikely testament to God’s sustaining grace. In this raw, revelatory autobiography, I pull back the curtain on:
✓ The Making of a Bible Translator – How I created the Analytical-Literal Translation despite health and financial obstacles
✓ Strength Through Struggle – My journey to 15 powerlifting all-time world records amid debilitating conditions
✓ Faith Under Fire – Spiritual practices that sustained me through singleness, dating disasters, and isolation
✓ Body as Temple – An overview of my diet and training regimen that keeps me productive against all odds
✓ Politics & Principles – Why I published controversial writings on fitness, politics, and Covid
More than a memoir, this is a survival manual proving Paul’s words: “for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor 12:10). Whether you’re wrestling with health limitations, vocational calling, or relational loneliness, my story shouts: God’s power thrives in broken vessels.
I have only accomplished so much in my life despite the struggles because, “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength” (2Tim 4:17a). To Him be all the glory!
Available from Amazon in multiple formats for as little as $3.50.
In the last issue of FitTips for One and All (V23N3), I ran an article titled Cancer Warning on Alcoholic Drinks? It concluded that the risks of alcohol consumption far outweigh any possible benefits. That conclusion was buttressed when I asked Gab AI some pertinent questions in regard to the issues raised in that article. In this article, I will reproduce my “conversation” with Gab AI on this topic.
Gab AI’s responses are not put in block quotes for the sake of space. But I have indicated when I am talking and when Gab AI is responding. Also, all bolding is in the original Gab AI responses.
“Does alcohol reduce heart disease risk?”
Me:
The first question I asked Gab was “Does alcohol reduce heart disease risk?” I got the following response:
Gab AI:
The relationship between alcohol and heart disease is complex and heavily debated. Here’s the evidence:
Claim: "Moderate Alcohol Protects the Heart"
· Observational studies (e.g., the “French Paradox”) suggest moderate drinkers (1-2 drinks/day) have 10-20% lower coronary artery disease (CAD) risk than abstainers.
· Proposed mechanisms:
o ↑ HDL (“good” cholesterol).
o Mild anti-inflammatory effects (e.g., red wine polyphenols).
Reality: Flawed Science & Confounding Factors
1. Abstainer Bias – Many “non-drinkers” in studies are former heavy drinkers (quit due to health problems), skewing results.
2. Lifestyle Confounders – Moderate drinkers tend to be wealthier, exercise more, and eat better.
3. No Randomized Trials – No proof of causation, only weak correlations.
Recent Research (2023+) Debunks Benefits
· Large genetic studies (Mendelian randomization) show no cardiovascular benefit from alcohol.
· WHO (2023): “No safe level for health” – even small amounts harm the heart long-term (e.g., atrial fibrillation risk ↑ 8% per drink/day).
· Cardiomyopathy & Hypertension – Heavy drinking directly weakens heart muscle and raises BP.
Bottom Line
· If you don’t drink, don’t start for “heart health” (cancer risks outweigh any unproven benefits).
· If you drink lightly (≤1/day), risks are low but not zero—prioritize other heart-healthy habits (exercise, Mediterranean diet).
· **Heavy drinking (≥3/day) is always net harmful for heart and cancer risk.
Safer Alternatives for Heart Health:
· Exercise (30 min/day ↓ CAD risk 50%).
· Omega-3s (fish oil) – Proven anti-arrhythmic effects.
· Polyphenols (dark chocolate, berries) – Mimic wine benefits without ethanol.
Me:
Note that line, “Moderate drinkers tend to be wealthier, exercise more, and eat better.” That could explain the claim in the National Academies’ report that, “moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower all-cause mortality.” That result could very well not be due to alcohol but to these other lifestyle differences.
“Does alcohol increase cancer risk?”
Me:
Then I asked Gab AI, “Does alcohol increase cancer risk?” I got the following response:
Gab AI:
Yes, alcohol consumption directly increases cancer risk—even in moderate amounts. Here’s the breakdown:
Cancers Linked to Alcohol (NIH/WHO Data)
1. Strongest Evidence (Dose-Dependent):
o Head & Neck (Oral, Pharyngeal, Laryngeal) – 5x higher risk for heavy drinkers.
o Esophageal (Squamous Cell) – 4x higher risk, synergizes with smoking.
o Liver – Cirrhosis → Hepatocellular Carcinoma (3x risk at 50g/day).
o Colorectal – 1.5x risk at ≥50g/day (≈4 drinks).
o Breast – No safe threshold; 10g/day (1 drink) raises risk 7-10%.
2. Mechanisms:
o Acetaldehyde (alcohol metabolite) damages DNA.
o Ethanol increases estrogen (fuels breast cancer).
o Chronic inflammation (liver, gut).
Dose Matters (WHO Classifies Alcohol as Group 1 Carcinogen)
· Low Risk: <14g/day (≈1 drink) – still elevates breast/colorectal risk.
· High Risk: >50g/day (≈4 drinks) – exponential risk increase.
· No “Safe” Level – Any alcohol raises cancer odds, but heavy use is catastrophic.
Mitigation (If You Drink):
· Avoid Binge Drinking (5+ drinks/session spikes acetaldehyde).
· Take Folate (reduces alcohol-induced DNA damage).
· Never Combine with Smoking (synergistic carcinogenesis).
Bottom Line: Alcohol is a confirmed carcinogen. The more you drink, the higher the risk—but zero alcohol = lowest cancer risk.
“What are the other risks of alcohol consumption?”
Me:
Thus, Gab AI seems to strongly advise against any alcohol consumption due to it increasing the risk of cancer and the lack of evidence of reduction of heart disease risk. And that does not even consider its many other risks. To get those, I then ask it, “What are the other risks of alcohol consumption?” It replied:
Gab AI:
Here’s a comprehensive, unfiltered breakdown of the risks tied to alcohol consumption—backed by science, stripped of propaganda:
1. Physical Health Risks
· Liver Destruction
o Cirrhosis (10+ years heavy drinking → irreversible scarring).
o Hepatitis (acute alcohol-induced liver inflammation).
· Brain Damage
o Shrinks prefrontal cortex (impairs judgment, impulse control).
o Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (thiamine deficiency → memory loss, psychosis).
· Heart & Blood Vessels
o Atrial Fibrillation (“Holiday Heart Syndrome” from bingeing).
o Hypertension (boosts stroke risk).
o Cardiomyopathy (stretches, weakens heart muscle).
· Pancreatitis (chronic inflammation → diabetes risk).
· Immune System Suppression (↑ pneumonia, TB, sepsis).
2. Mental Health & Neurological Risks
· Depression & Anxiety (alcohol disrupts serotonin/GABA → worse long-term mental health).
· Addiction (Alcohol Use Disorder)
o 4.6% global prevalence (WHO); 15% of drinkers develop dependence.
· Dementia (↑ risk 3x in heavy drinkers).
· Suicide (alcohol involved in ~25% of suicides).
3. Social & Behavioral Risks
· Violence & Crime
o 40% of violent crimes involve alcohol (US DOJ data).
o Domestic abuse ↑ 500% when alcohol is involved.
· Accidents
o 30% of traffic deaths alcohol-related (NHTSA).
o Drowning, burns, falls (50%+ linked to drinking).
· Financial Ruin
o Lost productivity costs the US $249B/year (CDC).
4. Reproductive & Developmental Damage
· Infertility (↓ sperm count, ↑ miscarriage risk).
· Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
o 1 in 9 pregnant drinkers delivers a child with FASD (CDC).
o Symptoms: Mental retardation, facial deformities, behavioral disorders.
5. Accelerated Aging
· Telomere Shortening (heavy drinkers biologically older by 5-10 years).
· Skin Damage (dehydration, rosacea, premature wrinkles).
6. Interactions & Overdose
· Deadly Mixes (Alcohol + opioids/benzos → respiratory failure).
· Alcohol Poisoning (Binge drinking → coma/death; kills 2,200 Americans/year).
The Hard Truth
· No “safe” dose—every drink carries some risk (cancer, brain/heart damage).
· Benefits are overstated (e.g., “red wine for heart health” is mostly industry propaganda).
· If you choose to drink, keep it rare & minimal (≤1/day for women, ≤2/day for men—but ZERO is safest).
“What are the benefits of alcohol consumption?”
Me:
To get the full picture, I then asked Gab AI, “What are the benefits of alcohol consumption?” It replied:
Gab AI:
Here’s the raw, evidence-based truth about alcohol’s purported benefits—no propaganda, no sugarcoating:
1. Cardiovascular Claims (Mostly Overhyped)
· Moderate Red Wine (1 glass/day)
o May ↑ HDL (“good cholesterol”) by ~12% (short-term, but exercise does this better).
o Polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin) – Weak antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects (but supplements are more efficient).
o J-Curve Hypothesis – Some studies show 10-20% lower CAD risk vs. abstainers, but confounded by wealth/health habits (not causation).
Reality Check:
· Genetic studies prove no heart benefit (Mendelian randomization).
· Atrial fibrillation risk ↑ 8% per drink/day (negates any coronary “protection”).
2. Social & Psychological Perks (Real but Fleeting)
· Stress Relief – GABA boost → temporary relaxation (but long-term worsens anxiety).
· Social Bonding – Lowers inhibitions, eases interactions (but can become dependency).
· Mood Lift – Dopamine spike (lasts 1-2 hours, then crashes).
Reality Check:
· Alcohol is a depressant—chronic use worsens mental health.
3. Digestive & Appetite Stimulation
· Aperitifs (e.g., vermouth, bitters) – Stimulate stomach acid (helps some with digestion).
· Increased Enjoyment of Food – Enhances flavor perception (used in culinary culture).
Reality Check:
· Irritates gut lining → long-term leaky gut, dysbiosis.
4. Longevity Claims (Debunked)
· Blue Zones Myth – Centenarians in Sardinia/Ikaria don’t drink daily (media cherry-picks).
· Confounding Factors – Social cohesion, diet, and activity matter far more.
The Bottom Line
· Any “benefit” can be achieved safer elsewhere (e.g., exercise for HDL, nuts for polyphenols).
· Cancer/heart risks outweigh perks (WHO: No safe dose).
· If you drink, keep it minimal (≤1/day) and intentional—not for “health.”
Want the least harmful way to drink?
· Choose dry red wine (lower sugar, more polyphenols).
· Never binge (≥4 drinks/session spikes acetaldehyde).
· Take NAC (N-acetylcysteine) pre-drinking to blunt toxicity.
Otherwise, save your liver and skip it.
Me:
It is possible to find some supposed benefits. But they are minor and mostly fleeting.
My Conclusion
It is for all of these reasons that this writer has not had an alcoholic beverage in over 40 years. There are just too many potential problems with it with very little beneficial returns. For more on my drinking experiences when I did drink alcohol and why I stopped, see my new autobiography, The Lord Stood By Me and Gave Me Strength.
Note:
Some might say I “cheated” by using Gab AI to write the bulk of the preceding article. But rather than cheating, I think this article demonstrates how to go about using AI for doing research on a particular topic. It is a matter of asking the correct questions and a sufficient number of questions to get a full orbed perspective on an issue. It is also important that I did not depend solely on AI. I did my own research first and only used AI to verify my research.
Starting and
Progressing in Powerlifting
A Comprehensive Guide to the World’s Strongest Sport
Now available in audiobook format from Amazon and Audible!
Also available in ebook and hardback formats.
New on My Fitness for One and All Website
Below are new articles on my fitness website that have been posted since the last issue of this newsletter was published.
Powerlifting Workout Posts and Videos: April to June 2025 (Q2) has been completed with all of my workouts for this time period.
Powerlifting Workout Posts and Videos: July to September 2025 (Q3) will
record my workouts for the next quarter of 2025.
6/29/25
New on My Christian Darkness to Light Website
Below are new articles on my Christian website that have been posted since the last issue of this newsletter was published.
ol. XXIII, No. 4 is a new issue of Darkness to Light Newsletter.
Holy Saturday: What Was Jesus Doing? Part Two is new article. What
was Jesus doing between His death and resurrection?
7/23/25
June
2025 Christian Commentaries is a new page with a commentary about modesty in
dress.
6/19/25
New on My Biblical and Constitutional Politics Website
Below are new articles on my politics website that have been posted since the last issue of this newsletter was published.
Political Commentaries for Q2 of 2025 is a new three-part article. It covers
important political happenings in April, May, June, and early July 2025, with a
focus on the many distortions of the media and Dems about the many good things
Trump has been doing in his second term in office.
7/20/25
The prices for all fourteen of my politics books sold on Amazon have been reduced. The price reductions are for the Kindle, paperback, and hardback formats of the books. The prices on Lulu have not changed, as Lulu’s system makes it too difficult to make a simple price change, so get the books on Amazon.
#Politics #Trump
#Biden #BidenCorruption #BidenFailure #Impeach #Impeachment #2020Election #ElectionFraud
#2020ElectionFraud #Insurrection #J6 #January6th #CapitolRiot #Kavanaugh #MediaBias
#BigTechBias #J6SelectCommittee
6/11/25
New on My Covid Fearmongering and Lies Website
Below are new articles on my Covid website that have been posted since the last issue of this newsletter was published.
Covid Quarterly Commentaries for Q2 2025 is a new two-part article. RFK Jr. has shaken things up at HHS and the CDC. His changes will probably lead to more vaccine hesitancy, leading to even more needless suffering. Changes in Covid vaccine recommendations. Covid vaccine approvals. Also, four possible causes of heart problems among seemingly young and healthy people other than the Covid vaccines. A look back and pastors and Covid. A new Covid variant.New Autobiography!
The Lord Stood By Me and Gave Me Strength
The Life and Legacy of Gary F.
Zeolla;
Author, Bible Translator, Champion Powerlifter
From powerlifting world records to forty books and a pioneering Bible translation, from battling chronic illnesses to weathering financial storms and singleness struggles, my life has been an unlikely testament to God’s sustaining grace. In this raw, revelatory autobiography, I pull back the curtain on:
✓ The Making of a Bible Translator – How I created the Analytical-Literal Translation despite health and financial obstacles
✓ Strength Through Struggle – My journey to 15 powerlifting all-time world records amid debilitating conditions
✓ Faith Under Fire – Spiritual practices that sustained me through singleness, dating disasters, and isolation
✓ Body as Temple – An overview of my diet and training regimen that keeps me productive against all odds
✓ Politics & Principles – Why I published controversial writings on fitness, politics, and Covid
More than a memoir, this is a survival manual proving Paul’s words: “for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor 12:10). Whether you’re wrestling with health limitations, vocational calling, or relational loneliness, my story shouts: God’s power thrives in broken vessels.
I have only accomplished so much in my life despite the struggles because, “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength” (2Tim 4:17a). To Him be all the glory!
Available from Amazon in multiple formats for as little as $3.50.
Also by Gary F. Zeolla:
Zeolla.org
is the personal website for Gary F. Zeolla.
Author of Christian and of fitness books, Web sites, and
newsletters,
and a top ranked and multi-record holding powerlifter.
Darkness to Light website and
Darkness to Light newsletter.
“Explaining and defending the Christian faith”
Christian Theology, Apologetics, Cults, Ethics, Bible Versions, and much more.
Biblical and Constitutional Politics
“Political articles and commentary from a conservative Christian and politically
conservative perspective”
Covid Fearmongering and
Lies
“Coronavirus
Fearmongering on the Left, Covid-19 Lies on the Right”
A Layman's View of What the Authorities Got Correct and Incorrect about
SARS-CoV-2
All material in this newsletter is copyrighted © 2025 by Gary F. Zeolla or as indicated otherwise.
The links to Amazon are advertising links, for which I receive a commission in addition to my royalty if a product is purchased after following the link.
8/1/25