What happens to your body when you reduce alcohol?
Sober October is here, so it’s time to ditch the alcohol - and pick up a kombucha instead!
Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on our health. If you are considering reducing your alcohol intake, you're also on the right path to improving your well-being.
In this blog post we'll explore what happens to your body when you make the decision to cut back on alcohol.
Better Sleep
Alcohol is known to disrupt the body’s natural sleep pattern. While most people will say it helps them fall asleep faster, it also reduces the quality of sleep (and you may not even realise it). When you reduce your alcohol intake, you're likely to therefore experience improved sleep. You'll wake up feeling more refreshed and energised, as your body can enter into the naturally deeper and more restorative sleep cycles.
Weight Management
Whilst we believe in moderation here at Gather Brewing, we do know alcohol is calorie-dense and often accompanied by unhealthy snacks or late night munchies (it’s always chocolate for us). By consuming less alcohol, you will likely be reducing your overall calorie intake, and perhaps help lead you to better food choices.
Improved Mental Health
Excessive alcohol consumption can take a toll on your mental health, whether its from the day after drinking scaries, ‘hangxiety’ or perhaps a result of some poor decision making the night of. Reducing alcohol intake can lead to improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Over time, you may find that your overall sense of well-being and mental clarity improve too!
Enhanced Liver Function
Incase you didn’t know, the liver is responsible for processing and detoxifying alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. When you reduce your alcohol intake, your liver has a chance to recover and repair itself. This can lead to improved liver function and a decreased risk of liver-related diseases. This way we’re looking after ourselves from the inside, out!
Lower Blood Pressure
Another body focused point: alcohol can increase blood pressure, which, over time, can lead to hypertension and an increased risk of heart disease. By cutting back on alcohol, you can lower your blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for various types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver cancer. When you reduce your alcohol intake, you lower your risk of developing these cancers and other alcohol-related health issues - such as those mentioned above!
Stronger Immune System
Something you may not have thought of, is the effect alcohol can have on the immune system. Alcohol weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, and illnesses going around! When you drink less, your immune system can function more effectively, helping your body fight off illnesses and recover faster (very important point for us with two little bubbas running around)!
Healthier Skin
Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can lead to dry, dull, and prematurely aged skin. Reducing alcohol intake can help your skin look healthier and more vibrant! Kombucha can actually aid in skin health as it is brimming with essential nutrients and probiotics. You can read more on the benefits of kombucha for skin health here.
Better Digestion
Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Cutting back on alcohol can lead to improved digestion and a healthier gut microbiome. Funnily enough, better digestion is something that can be aided by drinking kombucha - so instead of irritating your gut with alcohol, why not aid it with some ‘booch!
Reducing alcohol intake is a big positive step towards improving your overall health and well-being. Remember that moderation and balance are key to enjoying the occasional drink while safeguarding your health. Your body is a remarkable machine that can heal and rejuvenate when you make conscious choices to support it. So, here's to a healthier, happier you!
Kombucha— the non-alcoholic option for wherever you gather.
Click below to get your kombucha for Sober October, 2023!