Did you know that almost 90% of excessive drinkers are not dependent on alcohol?
Most people don’t think that their social drinking or nightly cocktail hour could damage their health.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped drinking? How does cutting back on alcohol change the body?
Keep reading to learn about five amazing benefits of drinking less alcohol.
Benefits of Cutting Back on Alcohol
You may have heard that a glass of wine at night is good for your health. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, alcohol will never be “good for you.” Our bodies view alcohol as a poison; it must be processed out of our bloodstream before anything else can happen.
Giving up alcohol completely is the best thing for your body, but you don’t have to go cold turkey to experience health benefits. Try limiting your alcohol consumption to one day per week or taking a 30-day challenge!
1. You’ll Lose Belly Fat
The “beer belly” stereotype is based on some truth. A single beer can have up to 150 calories, and alcohol can lead to water retention and bloating. You’re also more likely to snack on unhealthy, high-calorie foods when you’re drinking.
When you stop drinking, you’ll likely see a significant decrease in abdominal and facial bloating. Cutting the excess calories will trim your waistline over time, too.
2. Your Skin Will Clear Up
Along with a slimmer jawline, your face will likely clear up when you stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body, leading to redness, dryness, and oily skin problems. If you have a known condition like rosacea or eczema, alcohol can make your symptoms much worse.
3. Your Workouts Will Count
Have you been working tirelessly at the gym but seeing few results? It may be time to rethink that evening wine.
The problem with alcohol isn’t necessarily the extra calories. Your body sees alcohol as a poison, prioritizing the poison over anything else. This means muscle-building and fat-burning get put on hold until your body processes the alcohol, which can take at least 24 hours!
To heal your liver, cutting alcohol is essential. Once your body has detoxed from the alcohol, you’ll see immense improvements in your fitness and physical appearance!
4. You’ll Sleep Better
Having a nightcap or two before bed is a long-standing tradition for some people. Although alcohol can make you feel more relaxed and sleepy, it significantly reduces your sleep quality.
Alcohol is a stimulant that prevents your body from entering the REM sleep cycle. When you stop drinking alcohol, you’ll have better, deeper sleep and wake up with more energy. You may also experience more vivid dreams!
5. You’ll Feel Happier
Some people think that alcohol makes you more creative. In reality, it stunts creativity. Alcohol floods your body with the stimulant dopamine, and your brain reacts by releasing depressants.
These depressants can remain in the body for days after alcohol consumption. If you’ve ever experienced hang-xiety, you know the intense, guilty feeling that comes after a night of binge drinking.
When you consume less alcohol, your body’s hormones return to their natural balance. You’re more likely to fill your free time with hobbies you enjoy. If sobriety is your goal, sobriety coins can also be a huge mood-booster!
Other Benefits to Consider
These five benefits are some of the most immediate effects of drinking less alcohol. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. When you slow or stop your drinking, you’ll also have:
- More money saved
- Fewer arguments
- Stronger relationships
- More (and better) sex
- Improved mental health
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of cancer
Cut Back and Feel Better
A glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve won’t have a lasting impact on your health, but regular drinking could be holding you back in life. Try cutting back on alcohol for just a few weeks to see how you feel!
Did you enjoy reading this article? Are you looking for more hot health and lifestyle tips? Check out Dawn Magazine’s other awesome articles!
