3 things that happen when you stop drinking alcohol

How cutting down alcohol benefits your health

Cutting down on alcohol can improve your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re considering cutting back on alcohol for weight loss, to improve your relationships, or to cleanse your liver, there are numerous benefits to be gained from reducing your alcohol intake. 

So, let’s dive into the science behind the benefits of cutting down on alcohol and what happens to your body when you stop drinking.

Weight Loss

One of the most common reasons people choose to cut down on alcohol is for weight loss. Alcohol is high in calories, and consuming it regularly can lead to weight gain. It's well-established that alcohol is calorie-dense, with drinks varying widely in their calorie content. From beer to wine to spirits, each serving adds calories to your daily intake. Over time, consistent alcohol consumption can contribute to excess calorie consumption, leading to weight gain and potentially obesity.

Alcohol can also disrupt your body’s metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. When consumed, alcohol becomes a priority for metabolism, often leading to the storage of dietary fat rather than its breakdown for energy. This metabolic shift can affect weight loss and promote fat accumulation. Cutting back on alcohol can help improve your metabolism and make it easier to shed those extra pounds. It may also lead to better food choices and decreased consumption of high-calorie snacks.

In essence, minimising alcohol intake not only reduces caloric intake directly but also indirectly promotes healthier eating habits, facilitating weight loss and maintenance. So, if you're looking to slim down, swapping out those cocktails for some H2O might be the way to go.

Better Relationships

We've all been there – a few too many drinks, and suddenly we're picking fights with our partner or saying things we regret. Alcohol can seriously mess with our judgement and make it tough to communicate effectively.. By reducing alcohol intake, it’s possible to foster healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Increased sobriety allows for clearer communication, better conflict resolution, and improved emotional connection with loved ones. This allows for us to improve our relationships and create a more positive and harmonious environment at home. You’ll be more present and engaged with your loved ones, and you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and on a deeper level without the influence of alcohol.

Liver Cleansing

The liver is responsible for processing alcohol and removing it from the body. When you drink alcohol, your liver works overtime to break it down and eliminate it from your system. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver's capacity to process alcohol, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. Over time, prolonged alcohol exposure can result in liver disease.
By cutting back on alcohol, you're giving your liver a much-needed break. This means less stress on your liver, allowing it to repair, recover and regenerate. This process, known as liver cleansing or detoxification. And as your liver gets a chance to heal, you'll notice improvements in your overall health and energy levels. Those who moderate their alcohol consumption can experience long-term benefits for liver health and overall well-being.

What Happens in Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Now let’s talk about what happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol. Transitioning to sobriety triggers a cascade of physiological changes in the body, each with its own timeline and implications for health and well-being.

One Week After Quitting Alcohol

Within just one week of abstaining from alcohol, you may begin to experience a range of positive changes in your physical and mental health. Improved sleep quality is often one of the first benefits observed, as alcohol disrupts normal sleep patterns and can lead to sleep disturbances.

With alcohol out of the system, you may find it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed and rested. Improved digestion is also a benefit of abstaining from alcohol. Alcohol consumption can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. By eliminating alcohol from the diet, there may be a relief from these digestive issues, resulting in improved comfort and overall gastrointestinal health.

Your skin may also start to look healthier and more radiant, as alcohol can dehydrate the skin. If you want to know the science behind it, it’s that alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Dehydrated skin can appear dry, dull, and tired, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By avoiding alcohol, individuals can maintain better hydration levels, leading to healthier, more radiant skin.

One Month After Quitting Alcohol

After one month of not drinking alcohol, you may start to see even more significant improvements in your health. One of the most notable changes is often weight loss. By reducing calorie intake from alcohol and making healthier lifestyle choices, you may start to notice that you’ve lost weight. You may also notice your blood pressure has decreased,  leading to improved cardiovascular health and decreased risk of related complications.. Alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 

Additionally, you may start to notice improvements in mental clarity and mood after one month of sobriety. Alcohol consumption can impair cognitive function and mood regulation, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, irritability, and anxiety. By abstaining from alcohol, you will give your brain the opportunity to heal and rebalance neurotransmitter levels, resulting in improved cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall mental well-being. You may also experience better mental clarity and improved mood, as alcohol can have a negative impact on your brain function and mood regulation. Mentally, you'll feel sharper and more clear-headed, without the foggy effects of alcohol weighing you down.

One Year Alcohol-Free

After one year of being alcohol-free, your body will have undergone significant changes. Your liver will have had time to repair and regenerate, and your risk of liver disease will have decreased. Your overall health and well-being will have improved, and you’ll likely feel happier and more energetic. Cutting down on alcohol can have a positive impact on your health in the long term, so it’s important to stick with it and continue to make healthy choices.

How long to aim for?

In conclusion, there are numerous benefits to be gained from cutting down on alcohol. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your relationships, or cleanse your liver, reducing your alcohol intake can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Remember, there’s no pressure to completely cut out alcohol – even reducing your intake to drinking once a week can have health benefits. Aim for what feels right for you, and you’ll still be able to reap the rewards of cutting down on alcohol. Cheers to a healthier you!