Dry January is an annual tradition, or attempt, for many people as they hope for a detox after a festive season filled with mulled wine and eggnog. However, going sober for the first month of the year can have more health benefits than people might expect as health experts as Universal Drugstore delved into the 10 biggest impacts Dry January has on your body.
One of the more obvious effects is improving your liver health. Without facing the arduous task of constantly processing alcohol, reducing your risk of liver damage or disease and as the only internal organ that can regenerate, this break could potentially even undo the damage you’ve already inflicted on your liver.
Ditching alcohol can also mean ditching a variety of serious health issues, ranging from heart conditions to cancers and mental health problems, all associated with drinking. While Dry January likely won’t eradicate any of these existing problems, it can help lower your risk of developing them and aid your recovery.
Another benefit people are likely to experience early on in Dry January, according to the experts, is more restful, deeper sleep as well as better hydration because alcohol disrupts both of these processes in the body. Additionally, people already working on their new year’s resolutions to lose weight may be better off joining Dry January too.
Alcoholic beverages pack a surprising amount of calories per glass, particularly with heavy beers and sugary cocktails, so cutting these out of your diet can be a simple kickstart for your weight loss journey. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation across the body so Dry January could lead to less bloating, swelling and general puffiness while also allowing the body to recover faster from exercise without the extra interference.
Avoiding alcohol can also help re-regulate your moods and emotions which can help you work towards a number of other new year’s resolutions or take the month to help you decipher the obstacles in your way. The experts added: “Step away for a month and you could welcome improved mental clarity, better focus, and heightened productivity.”
Finally, one of the more unexpected benefits of Dry January is a new glowing complexion. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, causing premature ageing or making any fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. Ditching the drinks and having more water can help reduce these effects and boost your skin health.
Doctor Jamie Winn warned that while Dry January has a number of health benefits, these will also depend on your other lifestyle choices and he warned people who have a particular dependency on alcohol to try an easier route to ditching their addiction.
He shared: “Quitting alcohol ‘cold turkey’ is also not advised for those who may be suffering from alcohol dependency. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, health complications, and psychological distress. In these cases, alcohol reduction should take place gradually under medical care. If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption’s impact on your health, seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional who can guide you through your options.”