In the UK, a 2016 survey showed that 56.9% of people aged 16 and over drank alcohol. What’s shocking is the survey also showed that 7.8million people from this percentage ‘binged’ on alcohol - showing less people are drinking within moderation and are instead drinking a large amount in single sessions – a practice which can result in short and long-term health implications.
It’s for this reason, as well as people raising money for charities that a substantial amount of us partake in ‘Dry January’– this involves many of us giving up alcoholic beverages during the month of January. But what health improvements can we take away from this non-drinking experience?
According to Alcohol Concern, the main health (and financial) benefits that came from the month long campaign include weight loss, improved sleep, the ability to save money and 65% of participants had sustained reduced levels of drinking six months after completing Dry January.
How much weight you lose during a spell of non-drinking depends upon a number of factors, including your overall dietary intake and how much you’re exercising. Of course, if you’re cutting alcohol out and sticking to your regular routine, you’re bound to lose weight just from losing the extra alcohol calories, but if you’re keen on jumping on the fitness and healthy eating regime, as well as ditching the booze – you’re set to shed a few pound.
Want to know more about alcohol and its effects on our bodies? Read our ‘5 Alcohol Myths – BUSTED!’ blog post…
It’s proven that giving up alcohol can assist in the growth of new brain cells, since large amounts of alcohol can slow or completely halt the growth of new brain cells. It’s for this reason that your focus and work performance is enhanced when drinking is put aside. No hangovers and improved brain function - what could be better!?
Although alcohol usually enhances drowsiness and, in some cases, ‘helps’ you fall asleep, the quality of sleep received will leave you feeling even more tired the next day, this is because alcohol interrupts your cardiac rhythm, it blocks REM sleep (the most restorative type of sleep), and is linked with a battle of sleep rhythms. Do you take the amount of quality sleep you get seriously? We do too... no alcohol – no problem!
Take part in dry January or give up alcohol for good and you’ll obtain the benefits of beautiful skin. Drinking alcohol leaves a huge amount of damage to the skin; alcohol affects any mucous membrane from the pancreas and liver to the skin. The first negative effect is dehydration – which takes all fluid out of the; allowing wrinkles and deep lines to develop. Inflammation comes next – alcohol inflames the skin tissue and systemic inflammation to the skin’s surface creates a histamine reaction, which comes with redness and flushing of the skin. Avoid that glass of bubbly to get flawless skin…
Continuous use of alcohol in large quantities can cause numerous liver implications – the liver is our largest internal organ and it has 500 different roles, including the breakdown of food into energy and helping the body get rid of waste products / fight infection. It’s incredibly important that we keep not just our mental health intact, but also our significant body parts that keep us alive. Cut alcohol out for January and let your liver restore.
Remember - we should all always try to drink in moderation. Not only will doing this help you avoid the dreaded hangover, but your body will thank you for it. Health insurance is a safety net when it comes to your health, if you want to learn more about how it works take a look at our blog post which outlines the benefits of private health insurance.
If you’re taking part in Dry January or just looking to improve your health and wellbeing in 2018, give us a call on 0808 10 18 999. We can help you find the best health insurance cover, for the right price – guaranteed!
