5 ways your brain and body benefit when you opt for ‘Dry January’
Experts say that giving up alcohol can lead to significant health improvements. Ditching it may be challenging at first, but the perks extend far beyond avoiding hangovers.
The much-touted "31-day challenge" suggests that many people find it increasingly manageable over time to embrace a lifestyle with little or no alcohol.
The motivation for reducing alcohol intake can range from saving money and dodging headaches the morning after to a general boost in well-being. But there are additional advantages that could prompt a more permanent shift.
"If you're considering cutting down on alcohol or eliminating it from your diet entirely, you're opening the door to a host of positive health outcomes. The benefits of a month-long pause from alcohol encompass potential weight loss, liver health improvement, enhanced skin appearance, better sleep quality, and a host of other advantages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of the long-term risks associated with regular heavy drinking, citing an increased likelihood of developing diseases including dementia, Alzheimer's and various cancers.
"Even modest drinking isn't without risks," warns the CDC, pointing out that one drink a day can still elevate the chance of certain cancers.
In addition to these risks, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 200 diseases that can affect organs like the liver, pancreas and heart.
You may improve your fertility
Regular heavy drinking can affect both male and female fertility: In men, excessive alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause impotence and affect sperm production. In women, it can affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation and hormone levels.
New findings have suggested that adopting a sober lifestyle, even for a relatively short period, can yield substantial improvements in both physical and mental health.
Several studies have indicated that a three-month hiatus from alcohol consumption may lead to significant benefits.
Weight management
It's highlighted that parting ways with alcohol can result in shedding extra weight for many individuals. Eliminating the empty calories typically consumed from drinking can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake, possibly contributing to weight loss.
Furthermore, alcohol's high sugar content may lead to unwanted weight gain and is often associated with the accumulation of belly fat, a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
Liver health
A Healthline article underlines the positive impact of abstaining from alcohol on liver health. It emphasizes that with the cessation of excessive alcohol consumption, the reversible fatty changes in the liver can be restored, potentially restoring the organ to normal functioning.
The liver's remarkable capacity for recovery can lead to observable improvements in just weeks after ending alcohol intake.
Skin health
Deprivation from alcohol can also lead to improvement in skin health. As alcohol can act as a diuretic, leading to dehydration, cutting ties with alcohol can help the skin retain its natural moisture and elasticity, often resulting in a more radiant and supple appearance.
Brain well-being
Research has highlighted several positive outcomes for brain health when individuals forgo alcohol. Alcohol can make depression and anxiety worse. Excessive alcohol drinking, in particular, has a net negative impact on emotional regulation.
Findings from studies have suggested that abstaining from alcohol can lead to better brain structure, potentially contributing to enhanced memory and thinking skills.
Memory and concentration
In addition, findings from a 2015 study published in "The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs" revealed that older adults who reduced alcohol consumption demonstrated improved memory retention.
Furthermore, a 2019 article in "Neuropsychology Review" highlighted that stopping alcohol intake can lead to enhanced focus and clearer thinking, based on a review of multiple studies.