Introduction
Alcohol is a widely consumed substance, but it can have serious health consequences if abused. Giving up alcohol can be a difficult process, but it can also have positive effects on your health. In this article, we will discuss the side effects of giving up alcohol, according to physicians. We will look at the physical and mental health benefits of quitting drinking, as well as the potential risks associated with it. We will also provide tips on how to make the transition easier and how to stay sober. Finally, we will discuss the importance of seeking professional help if needed.
Side Effects of Giving Up Alcohol, According to Physicians
Giving up alcohol can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a beneficial one. Not only can it help you save money, but it can also improve your overall health. But what are the side effects of giving up alcohol? Here’s what physicians have to say.
1. Improved Sleep Quality
One of the most common side effects of giving up alcohol is improved sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to poor quality sleep. When you give up alcohol, your body is able to get the rest it needs, leading to improved sleep quality.
2. Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases
Giving up alcohol can also reduce your risk of certain diseases. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke. By giving up alcohol, you can reduce your risk of these diseases.
3. Improved Mental Health
Alcohol can also have a negative effect on your mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. When you give up alcohol, you can improve your mental health and reduce your risk of developing mental health issues.
4. Weight Loss
Alcohol is high in calories, so giving it up can lead to weight loss. Alcohol can also lead to increased appetite, so giving it up can help you control your cravings and eat healthier.
5. Improved Liver Health
Alcohol can damage your liver, leading to a variety of health issues. When you give up alcohol, you can improve your liver health and reduce your risk of developing liver disease.
Conclusion
Giving up alcohol can have a variety of positive side effects, including improved sleep quality, reduced risk of certain diseases, improved mental health, weight loss, and improved liver health. If you’re considering giving up alcohol, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s the right decision for you.
If you’re considering cutting down on alcohol or giving it up completely, it’s helpful to know what to expect—especially if you’ve been drinking regularly for a long time. “Being sober curious is a new variation on an old theme,” says chemical dependency counselor Rudy Kump. “Decades ago, brewers created nonalcoholic beers to cater to people who sought a healthier lifestyle. The idea of cutting out alcohol in the name of good health is having a resurgence.” Here are five side effects of giving up alcohol, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
One of the positive side effects of not drinking is better sleep, as even a small amount of alcohol can disrupt sleep quality. “While it’s true that alcohol is a sedative, both having it in your system as well as the process of it wearing off can cause a variety of different problems,” says neurologist and sleep expert Jessica Vensel Rundo, MD. “You’re likely to experience fragmented sleep, insomnia or possibly more serious sleep issues.”
Calories in alcohol are considered “empty” calories, so you will be taking in less calories just by not drinking—alcohol has seven calories per gram, compared to four calories in protein/carbs and nine calories in a gram of fat. “Drinking presses ‘pause’ on your metabolism, shoves away the other calories, and says, ‘Break me down first!’ says Dr. Pamela Peeke. “Research has uncovered that alcohol especially decreases fat burn in the belly. That’s why you never hear about ‘beer hips’ — you hear about a ‘beer belly.’”
This might seem obvious but not experiencing hangovers is a tremendous bonus to not drinking. “The nausea, headaches, or tiredness you may have felt the morning after drinking could be replaced with improved mood as well as feelings of productivity,” says DrinkAware UK.
Improved blood pressure is a common side effect of giving up alcohol, especially for people who were heavy drinkers. “Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure,” says the American Heart Association. “If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Limiting alcohol consumption can also help to prevent high blood pressure.”
Long-term or heavy drinkers should always talk to their healthcare provider before giving up alcohol, as the withdrawals can be very dangerous. “Withdrawal-associated seizures are generalized tonic-clonic convulsions that usually occur within 12 to 48 hours after the last alcoholic drink but reportedly sometimes occur after as few as two hours of abstinence,” say Robert S Hoffman, MD, and Gerald L Weinhouse, MD. “The seizures occur predominantly in patients with a long history of chronic alcoholism, as evidenced by their typical onset during the fourth and fifth decades of life.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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