For many, Dry July means a month without alcohol. It’s also the perfect time to hit reboot on you health and make a commitment to eating well and reducing alcohol long-term.
The beginning of July marks the middle of year – often a time when motivation is lacking. Throw lockdown in the mix and it’s safe to say many of us have lost our way when it comes to eating well and reducing our booze.
If you’re nodding your head, now’s the time to start looking after your body. Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive, difficult or tasteless – and drinking should be a pleasure in life – not something we rely on to relax at the end of a long and stressful day.
There are many benefits to limiting the number of wines or beers you have each week. Switching to just a couple of glasses of alcohol on the weekends and giving your body extra liver support with a few key foods and supplements can work wonders. Here are a few reasons to cut down on alcohol:
- You lower your risk of cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis is a type of permanent liver damage where healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue. It can happen after years of excessive drinking.
We need to take care of the liver. After all, it’s the largest solid organ and the largest gland in the human body. It’s also a crucial part of our digestive system. Look after your liver with foods such as lemon, coriander, fennel and beetroot, and consider a milk thistle supplement.
One study published in BioMed Research International in April 2017 uncovered that lemon juice may help prevent liver injury related to chronic alcohol consumption (it was conducted in mice).
- You will likely lose weight
It’s no secret that alcohol is high in kilojoules, but some drinks are also high in sugar. Even if you drink in moderation, the extra kilojoules and sugar intake can really add up, leading to weight gain. When you drink alcohol you’re also more likely to snack or overeat. In fact, a study in the Nature journal found that alcohol can trigger cravings.
- You’ll sleep better
If you’re one to toss and turn during the night after a few drinks, you’re not alone. Studies show that alcohol interferes with sleeping patterns and actually suppresses melatonin, which helps you have a good night’s sleep. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish in the morning, now’s the time to cut down on your drinking!
- You’ll stay more hydrated and your skin will look healthier
Yes, you may be drinking, but alcohol is a diuretic so your body will lose water at a faster rate. Going to the toilet more often means that you expel more electrolytes and water. This can lead to a lack of energy and your skin may look more dry and wrinkled.
Ready to cut your alcohol intake? Start your healthy life today.
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