Why I Opted for a Healthier Lifestyle by Giving up Alcohol:

If you knew what alcohol was doing to your body, you may want to think twice about that next drink? 

In a world where social gatherings often revolve around alcohol, and a glass of wine with dinner seems commonplace, here's what I discovered about alcohol consumption, its effects on my older body and why I made this choice.

GLOBAL TRENDS TOWARDS ABSTINENCE

Every year, millions of individuals embark on the journey of going alcohol-free, be it for a month-long challenge like Dry July or Sober October, or a personal commitment to a lifetime without alcohol. As this trend gains momentum, it raised intriguing questions about the transformative effects of abstaining from alcohol, especially as we age. 

This blog is NOT meant to be an anti-alcohol campaign.  I wanted to highlight the positive aspects of taking a break, whether for a month or longer, to promote overall well-being, however the choice is entirely yours to make.

What role does your liver play in this?

The primary function of the liver is to process and detoxify substances in the blood. It plays a crucial role in metabolising carbs, proteins, and fats, producing bile to aid in digestion, storing glycogen for energy, and filtering harmful substances from the bloodstream. The liver also contributes to the regulation of blood clotting, cholesterol levels, and hormone levels. 

When alcohol is introduced into the body, the liver's primary function shifts to metabolising and breaking down the alcohol, which is eventually converted into carbon dioxide and water for elimination from the body.   When it doesn't have to process alcohol, within weeks, the liver begins to repair damage. Clever liver!!

OTHER BENEFITS TO YOUR HEALTH

Cutting back on alcohol has a lot of other health benefits that you may not realise. Beyond liver health, giving up alcohol for even a month leads to various other positive outcomes. A study tracking moderate-heavy drinkers who abstained for a month revealed improvements in insulin resistance, blood pressure, and weight compared to those who continued drinking. Other benefits include enhanced sleep, mood improvements, healthier skin, and a more balanced gut microbiome.

Longer term health benefits (for me)

For me, this processing of my modest alcohol intake was hijacking my normal metabolic processes and the fat was being “stored” for me around my middle.  Unfortunately an evolutionary hangover from our ancestors when our bodies were designed to efficiently store fat as a survival strategy for dealing with unpredictable food availability.  We haven’t evolved much at all in that sense.

By eliminating regular alcohol intake from my system, my liver can get on with what it is supposed to do.

I certainly feel much more energetic for my 77 years. To complement this initiative, I have made some lifestyle decisions about what I eat, and when I eat, and I don't have to spend hours at the gym. Even at my age, I realise hormone balance is imperative. I do a hormone body reset a couple of times a year to make sure my cortisol levels are good, and I am not becoming insulin resistant. So many people of my generation who are carrying excess weight around their middle are suffering insulin resistance, and doesn't need to be that way.

Conclusion:

As we navigate a world where alcohol is deeply ingrained in social norms, it becomes crucial to unravel the impact it has on our bodies. The question posed at the beginning remains: if you knew what alcohol was doing to your body, would you abstain? This blog encourages readers to explore the intricacies of this relationship, consider the potential benefits of a break, and make informed choices that contribute to a healthier and more mindful lifestyle. Whether it's a month-long hiatus or a lifelong commitment to moderation, the power lies in understanding and consciously choosing what's best for your well-being.

🥂 Here's to health!!

ALCOHOL FREE CHOICES TODAY ARE MANY. ZERO ALCOHOL BEER AND WINE, AND SOME WONDERFUL MOCKTAIL RECIPES - EVEN REPLICATING MY FAVOURITE MARGARITA ROCKS (ALMOST).

GET MOCKTAIL RECIPES, AND OTHER HEALTH RELATED RESOURCES HERE

LINKS : https://linktr.ee/Wendyhora

MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS WARRIOR MISSION

"My mission is for everyone over 60 to experience the freedom of realising the best part of life is ahead of you, not behind you"

They say life begins at 40 - start planning!!

LINKS : https://linktr.ee/Wendyhora

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