A doctor shares the benefits of quitting alcohol, from weight loss to improved mental health.
A short break from drinking can have huge benefits for those who take part.
Excessive alcohol consumption, considered more than 14 units per week, can put stress on the liver, which can affect a person's metabolism.
Drinkers may find it difficult to lose weight, so taking a break from drinking may help people shed a few pounds . Alcohol is classified as “empty calories” because it is rich in calories but contains little or no nutrients.
“Removing these unnecessary calories from your diet can help speed up weight loss,” says Dr. nutritionist Nikita Kotelnitsky specially for MedicForum.
Alcohol is also associated with hunger and cravings, so people are more likely to eat fatty foods if they drink. According to the doctor, taking a break from drinking can also improve a person's mental health.
“Alcohol can slow down your brain's processing of information, often creating false emotions and reactions that can later lead to negative thoughts and feelings. The way alcohol causes chemical changes in the brain can lead to increased periods of anxiety and low mood.”
Quitting alcohol will likely help lift your mood in the long run. It may take you a few weeks to feel the effects.
“But once your mind and body get used to being free from alcohol, you will feel these positive changes.”
Quitting alcohol may have other benefits, such as like clear skin and improved motivation.
Alcohol can cause blood flow to the tissues, leading to skin inflammation and blemishes. This, coupled with dehydration caused by drinking alcohol, can lead to dry, blotchy skin with an increased likelihood of acne as the body tries to cleanse itself of chemicals.
“Quitting alcohol will likely make your skin clearer.”
Abstaining from alcohol can also improve productivity, since a hangover can prevent people from doing what they want the next day.
Four benefits of abstaining from alcohol:
- Weight loss
- Improved mental health
- Clear skin
- More motivation
Earlier, MedicForum wrote about how eggs help you lose extra pounds.
Important !The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.