Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
If you are serious about obtaining better health, there are certain life changes that would help you get closer to your goals. Though there are many positive actions to take, today we want to talk about some of the health benefits you likely would notice when eliminating alcohol for a short period of time or completely.
Greater Happiness and Mental Health
The bottom line, alcohol is basically poison to our bodies and, therefore, alters our cognitive and physical abilities. When it is consumed in moderation, most people can process it without too much consequence. However, when used frequently or in higher amounts, the body and mind are stressed, trying to get rid of it quickly. This is where the “drunk” feelings come in. Fatigue, depression, and slowed reflexes are also common side effects of drinking alcohol. It can also become addictive if consumed regularly.
Alcohol can take over your life if drinking gets out of control. This is when change is necessary in order to regain stability. Finding living accommodations to help with sobriety is an option if things are bad, or seeking family support can help to build confidence and security. Even if you don’t have a problem with alcohol, cutting down or eliminating it can certainly help your body and mind function better.
Higher Quality Sleep
One issue that can happen with frequent alcohol use is poor quality sleep. The reason for this is that when alcohol is in your system, the priority is to flush the toxin out as quickly as possible. This process is disruptive since the body can’t completely relax. It’s like trying to fall asleep while working out. There has been some evidence, however, that consuming a small amount of wine before bed can actually help induce a deeper sleep. This theory is intriguing but everyone is different.
Better Hydration
The fact that most people don’t drink enough pure water becomes even more of an issue if alcohol is consumed. In fact, when you drink alcohol your body flushes out four times more liquid than it takes in (remember that “poison” thing). This means dehydration sets in more quickly, as your body and brain desperately need to purify the internal environment. The skin, organs, and all body systems need to maintain hydration for optimal health. Try taking a break from alcohol to see just how much more hydrated you feel.
Lower Blood Pressure
Alcohol breaks down as sugar in the body. So, when you consume it, blood sugar spikes and blood pressure raises as a result. Again, we are back to the fact that alcohol is treated like a toxic substance entering the body. This can be concerning, especially if you already have high blood pressure or are considered borderline. This is really a #1 reason to think about ending a relationship with alcohol. At least, reduce the frequency and amount if you experience a blood pressure spike.
Easier Weight Loss
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, it is generally quite high in calories. Drinking a couple of cocktails before dinner can add hundreds of calories that basically have zero nutritional value. Think about how often you might do that, then do the math. Though there are lower-calorie drinks, consider abstaining if you are actively trying to lose weight. It’s also likely that doing so will give you more energy to exercise.
Choosing to eliminate alcohol from your life might be a no-brainer, but, for some, it might also be a challenge. This is a topic that can get ignored easily if someone believes there are more benefits to drinking than there is to quit. This is why self-awareness and knowing your body are so important. I recommend considering any lifestyle change that brings better health- eliminating alcohol is just one of those things.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
