Alcohol is a known human carcinogen, and reducing or eliminating it from your diet can have a range of positive effects on your health. From reducing the risk of developing seven types of cancer to improving existing conditions such as depression, high blood pressure, and skin conditions, cutting out alcohol can have a profound impact on your wellbeing. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of cutting out alcohol, the risks associated with drinking, and how to stay sober for the long term.
The Benefits of Cutting Out Alcohol
Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can have a range of positive effects on your health. It can reduce the risk of developing seven types of cancer, in addition to reducing the risk of liver or heart disease.It could even lower your blood pressure.6 You may not see the difference you're making, but if you drink according to the low-risk drinking guidelines of the United Kingdom's chief medical officers (CMOs), you can be sure that you're improving your health in the long term. Cutting out alcohol can also improve your mood, anxiety and stress levels, help you sleep better and feel more rested, and reduce fat accumulation around the liver. It can also reduce the likelihood of developing acid reflux and gastritis, or stomach inflammation. Additionally, it can help you maintain a healthier weight and diet, which can improve your self-image and self-esteem.
The Risks Associated With Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can cause many stomach and digestive system problems, including heartburn, IBS, and gastritis. It can also lead to fewer alcohol-related symptoms such as headaches, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach disorders.Additionally, it has been linked to an increased risk of developing seven types of cancer. Heavy drinkers and people with alcohol use disorders can experience uncomfortable mental and physical health effects when they cut back on alcohol or stop drinking abruptly. A study sponsored by the BBC found that heavy drinkers who quit alcohol for a month were more likely to reduce their consumption when the month ended.
How To Stay Sober For The Long Term
If you tend to drink in the same place, at the same time, or with the same people, reducing your consumption may mean changing your routine. Additionally, according to Niket Sonpal, adjunct professor of clinical medicine at the Touro School of Osteopathic Medicine, alcohol can alter the balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestine and cause diseases such as thyroid disease and immunity problems. By eliminating alcohol from your diet, you can reduce the likelihood of developing acid reflux and gastritis, or stomach inflammation.It's true that some studies show possible heart health benefits of drinking a certain level of alcohol. If you have fatty liver or alcoholic hepatitis, your liver can repair itself and you could reduce the damage. If you've ever stopped drinking alcohol, you've probably felt differently; research has shown that organs such as the skin and liver become healthier when you stop drinking. What's not so clear is whether quitting alcohol reduces the chances of developing cancer and if so how long it might take.
