Australians love a drink or two. Nothing wrong with that, right? In fact, 31% of us are drinking at risky levels, with around one in four people saying they’d had more than the maximum 10 standard drinks per week on average, reports the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Whether you drink a lot or occasionally, even a short-term break from alcohol can yield significant health benefits. Taking a month off alcohol allows your body to begin repairing and regenerating, setting the stage for long-term health improvements.
Renowned dietitian Chloe McLeod explains seven incredible ways your body benefits from abstaining from alcohol.
1. A clearer head
By going alcohol-free, you can improve your mental performance with enhanced clarity, improved focus and better memory. Alcohol impairs brain function, affecting concentration and decision-making. Once you stop drinking, you'll notice improvements in these areas, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in daily tasks.
2. Better sleep quality
While alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts your sleep cycle, particularly the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.
By eliminating alcohol, you allow your body to experience more restorative sleep cycles, resulting in better overall sleep quality. You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and energised, which can improve your mood and brain function throughout the day.
3. Improved digestion
Alcohol can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux and discomfort. By quitting alcohol, you give your digestive system a chance to heal and function properly. This can result in fewer gastrointestinal problems and improved nutrient absorption. A healthy digestive system also contributes to better overall health and physical wellbeing.
4. Enhanced liver function
The liver is responsible for processing and detoxifying alcohol, which can be taxing and lead to liver damage over time. When you stop drinking, your liver gets a much-needed break and can start to repair itself.
Improved liver function supports better overall health, as the liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification and nutrient storage. Notably, 32-45% of liver cancers are caused by alcohol consumption. Protecting your liver from alcohol damage can also prevent serious conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
5. You’ll feel better about yourself
While alcohol may initially feel good, over time, alcohol use can lead to the depletion of chemicals that have an important role in maintaining our mental health and help to reduce anxiety naturally, reports Alcohol Think Again. And that's even without the downer effects of a hangover. So reducing alcohol consumption may improve your mental health.
You'll also find that quitting alcohol may improve how you feel about yourself. The journey can be challenging, requiring you to develop new, healthier habits and coping skills. You may also realise that some of your old friends or activities are no longer appealing without the influence of alcohol. However, if you persevere, you'll discover a whole new world of opportunities and experiences.
The decision to quit alcohol can lead to numerous positive changes in your body. Embracing a life without alcohol allows you to experience these incredible transformations, leading to a healthier, happier, and more vibrant you.
Added bonus: financial savings
In addition to health benefits, opting to go alcohol-free for one month (or more) can also lead to significant financial savings. The money saved from not buying alcoholic drinks can add up quickly. People often find they save enough to invest in other health-promoting activities like a gym membership or healthy food.
On average, those reducing their alcohol budget save about $43 per week according to new research commissioned by the Dry July Foundation.
The Dry July Challenge is an annual fundraising campaign encouraging Australians to go alcohol-free for the month, promoting better health and raising funds for cancer support.
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