One thing that can be seen over and over again is that changing the way you incorporate alcohol into your life, whether that means quitting drinking entirely or simply becoming more mindful about when and where you choose to drink, can have a big positive impact on your overall health. People often describe feeling more energetic and clear-headed when they give up alcohol. But why stop there? Changing your diet can also have a big impact on your health. Today’s guest has expert information on the benefits of switching to a whole food plant-based diet.  Dr. Alan Desmond is a Consultant Gastroenterologist certified in Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine. For years, Dr. Desmond has helped patients with a variety of digestive problems, including coeliac disease, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.  “All of the medical evidence is really pointing us toward the fact that the more whole foods and plant-based foods you consume on a daily basis, the better. It’s a win-win.”  Additionally, Dr. Desmond is an Advisory Board Member of Plant-based Health Professionals UK, a charity that educated doctors, Health Professionals and members of the public on the health benefits of a plant-based diet. He can often be found on Instagram, answering questions and sharing pictures of delicious plant-based meals, complete with cooking instructions and interesting scientific information about the food.  In today’s interview, Dr. Desmond talks about how the body is affected by diet and why medical science suggests that a whole food plant-based diet is the best choice for the body. He explains how this type of diet helps to maintain the gut microbiome, and how beneficial gut bacteria can help keep the body healthy and aid digestion.  Dr. Desmond also talks about his new venture, the Happy Gut Course. This is a project that was launched in January 2019 in partnership with dietician Rosie Martin and plant-based chefs Stephen and David Flynn of The Happy Pear. The Happy Gut is a 6-week online course that teaches students about the gut health benefits of a whole food plant-based diet. Students will have access to recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, educational modules, live Q&A's and online support. Listen to the episode to hear more about Dr. Desmond’s work. ONYB members who want to enroll in The Happy Gut Course can use a special coupon code, ONYB20, for 20% off.  LINKS & RESOURCES  OYNB Website: https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/ OYNB Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Oneyearnobeer/ OYNB Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199505820380513/ OYNB Twitter: https://twitter.com/oynbuk/ OYNB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneyearnobeer/  ALAN DESMOND’S LINKS & RESOURCES  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devongutdoctor/?hl=en The Happy Gut Course: https://courses.thehappypear.ie/happy-gut/ Free Happy Gut Guide: https://thehappypear.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/THE-HAPPY-GUT-GUIDE.pdf