LIFESTYLE
The benefits of quitting alcohol
With Brits drinking 400 pints or 120 bottles of wine every year, alcohol has become a big part of our daily lives…but what happens if you quit?
Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner, a cold beer to celebrate the match or maybe even some egg nog at Christmas, most of us like a drink every now and then.
But the occasional tipple sometimes becomes a habit and excessive alcohol consumption can have a serious impact on your health and wellbeing.
In addition to addiction and accidents, too much booze can cause organ damage, a weakened immune system and increased risk of certain cancers.
So, while we’re not demanding you completely cut alcohol out of your diet, here we highlight just some of the benefits you’ll experience if you do.
Liver Health
When it comes to drinking, the liver – which is responsible for breaking-down alcohol – will typically take a lot of the damage.
Excessive drinking overtime can saturate the organ with toxins and fat, leading to a host of complications and diseases.
And while some negative health effects can’t be reversed, research shows that avoiding alcohol can have a noticeable improvement on your liver.
Better Skin
Responsible for inflammation, dehydration and a lack of nutrients, alcohol can have a disastrous impact on your skin.
But if you stop drinking and consume more water, experts say you will start to see some major improvements.
Even after just a short period, your skin could have a more youthful glow, appear less red and feel more rejuvenated and hydrated.
Brain Boost
Binge drinking can have a significant effect on your cognitive ability, leading to mood swings, memory loss and lack of concentration.
Some evidence suggests that alcohol can cause a chemical imbalance in our brains, having impacting feelings of happiness and pleasure.
However, not all is lost, as researchers say it only takes a few months of sobriety for the brain to start to return to normal.
Weight Loss
What we drink plays a big part in our diets and excessive alcohol consumption can spell doom for a healthy lifestyle.
Booze is often packed with sugar and calories, which can result in noticeable weight gain over time.
So, if you quit drinking – or at least reduce your alcohol intake – you can start to see some real changes to your physical fitness and appearance.
