Thought it can be a challenge to quit, giving up alcohol can do wonders for your mind and body. Here’s a list of 4 major health benefits from cutting the booze.
What’s it really like to give up alcohol?
In a 2012 interview, Bradley Cooper said he became sober at 29 years old. He credits giving up alcohol for changing his life and also salvaging his career. In another interview, he said that if he didn’t quit drinking, he would never have been able to take care of his sick father or have the relationships that he had.
But it’s not just Bradley Cooper who’s been open about his recovery journey. Kristin Davis, Russell Brand, Colin Farrell, and Jada Pinkett Smith are just some of the celebrities who have talked about why they became sober.
Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to give up alcohol. As Russell Brand puts it, “Anyone can get clean, one day at a time.” Plus, there are major health benefits that come with being sober including:
1. A Healthy Weight
Alcoholic drinks are chock-full of sugar and empty calories. When there’s excess sugar, our bodies just store it as fat. If you have weight issues or you have weight goals you want to achieve, giving up alcohol will help you stay on track.
For one thing, even if you work out a lot, it’s hard to see results if you continue drinking. If there are substances that boost one’s metabolism, alcohol does the exact opposite. It puts a major dent in your ability to convert calories into usable energy.
2. A Lowered Risk of Heart Disease
It’s no secret that overconsumption of alcohol or drinking a lot over a long time can cause heart problems. And we’re not just talking about broken families and ruined marriages.
Alcohol addiction has been linked to heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke, and high blood pressure. It has to do with those extra sugars in the body. High sugar leads to bad cholesterol buildup in the vessels, which increases the risks of blockages and clots.
The good news is if you stop drinking, your bad cholesterol levels will also drop. Pair this with a good diet and exercise and you’re on your way to a heart-healthier you.
3. A Healthier Liver
Alcohol doesn’t just affect the heart. It also takes a toll on the liver, which is responsible detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs.
That means it’s also the one that breaks down alcohol in our bodies. But it can get overloaded with toxins if we drink too much. When that happens, fat accumulates around it leading to a condition known as “fatty liver.”
This is an early sign of liver disease and it can lead to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatitis. The good news is, fatty liver can resolve completely within 6 weeks.
4. A Better Mood
One of the benefits of giving up alcohol is it can give you maximum emotional stability. Drinking has a depressive effect not just on higher cognition but also on one’s moods and emotions.
But it’s also deceptive in that it can amplify other things. Anger for one is a dangerous emotion to hold onto. This is why some heavy drinkers are also prone to bouts of violence.
Staying sober gives you a much better hold on your emotions. You’ll find that it’s easier to contain and control what you’re feeling when you’re not under the influence of alcohol.
Need Help Giving Up Alcohol?
Are you ready to change your lifestyle in 2018? Do you want to cut out alcohol on your journey toward better health? If so, we are ready to listen. Contact us today if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction.
