Why a Break from Booze Benefits Womens Health

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, alcohol should be consumed in moderation — up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Cutting out alcohol for 30 days can have benefits for those who drink more than the recommended limit of two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. In addition to the health benefits, when you stop drinking for any amount of time it automatically saves you money. “I would suggest cutting how to take a break from drinking back on several things rather than completely eliminating to avoid feeling deprived, which can lead to rebound eating/drinking and weight regain,” she said. However, if you’re banking on a month-long break from alcohol to help you lose weight, Kumar said it’s not your best bet. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that alcohol should be consumed in moderation — up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Of course, the new year is also a popular time to take stock of your health and lifestyle choices, press the reset button, and dive into resolutions such as Dry January. About 41% of U.S. adults surveyed said they intended to give https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Dry January a try in 2023. If you want to reduce your alcohol use and stop drinking, there is help and support for you. Behavioral interventions, medications, and social support can all play a role in your alcohol recovery.

Your Health

In order to moderate use, temporary abstinence is the best way to get there. Many people, from occasional drinkers to daily drinkers, are exploring the benefits that come from giving up alcohol. Millions of people get started during the Dry January challenge each year. People give up alcohol use for the month to welcome the new year with a focus on improving their health and life. If you notice physical withdrawal symptoms—nausea, headaches, chills—seek immediate medical attention. Alcohol withdrawal for those with a history of heavy drinking can cause seizures and be fatal if not properly managed by medical staff.

“The simple act of taking a month off alcohol helps people drink less in the long term; by August, people are reporting one extra dry day per week,” notes Dr. de Visser. Aside from weight concerns, alcohol is also a known carcinogen, according to the U.S. When we drink, according to the CDC, our body breaks down alcohol “into a chemical called acetaldehyde.” Acetaldehyde damages our DNA, which interferes with normal cell growth and function. This can increase risk for certain kinds of cancers, according to the CDC.

Lower Cancer Risk

Consuming on average more than two standard drinks a day can increase your risk of developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and interfere with antidepressant medication. Drinking may seem to help you unwind after a stressful day, but there are some suggestions that drinking regularly can make it more difficult to cope with stress. Alcohol can mask stress in the short term, but it does not treat the underlying causes of psychological distress and mental health conditions. In the long run, it can actually make them worse, and there is a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and depression. Research from 2018 showed that a month-long break from alcohol was enough for moderate-heavy drinkers to see improvements in insulin resistance, blood pressure, body weight, and cancer-related growth factors.

• While alcohol is high in calories, and wine, beer, and mixed drinks add sugar to one’s diet, cutting it out may or may not help you lose weight depending on how much alcohol you consume regularly.
• If you are making drinks at home, you likely aren’t measuring each pour.
• If you have decided that it is time to stop or reduce your alcohol consumption, knowing what happens to your body when you stop drinking can give you a better idea of what to expect.
• So, now is as good a time as any to try the sober-curious lifestyle.
• “Interestingly, these changes in alcohol consumption have also been seen in the participants who didn’t manage to stay alcohol-free for the whole month — although they are a bit smaller.
• Long-term alcohol consumption leads to chronic memory issues and decreased memory capacity, as well as dementia.