After a cocktail-filled holiday season, is it a good idea to stop drinking alcohol the following month?
Did you know that the liver has the best regenerative capacity of any organ in the body? When you stop drinking alcohol, hepatic markers begin to improve within two to three weeks. There’s an important difference to note here: moderate alcohol consumption doesn’t lead to liver damage. But taking a break can still be beneficial. Here are a few advantages of cutting back!
Breaking the habit
Are you in the habit of pouring yourself a glass of wine when making dinner or heading out for drinks as of Thursday? Cutting back may draw attention to the fact that alcohol has become a part of your daily routine. You could choose to break the habit and drink more moderately.
Restorative sleep
Although it’s considered a depressant, alcohol affects sleep quality. While you may doze off easily after a few drinks, the last hours of sleep are likely to be more restless. Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles and affects its quality! And don’t forget that people who sleep poorly often have sugar cravings!
Fewer calories
The average drink contains 90 to 200 calories (depending on the type). Some people will definitely lose weight by cutting down on this type of caloric intake. What’s more, studies have shown that cocktails stimulate the appetite. My advice: avoid systematically replacing alcoholic drinks with the non-alcoholic equivalent, which could also be high in sugar and calories.
When you start drinking again, moderation will likely be on your mind and you’ll be more mindful of your beer or wine (to better savour it).
