The world is not new to challenges, especially with the ones trending on social media. Social media knows no boundaries and what gets popular in a region no longer stays confined to that region alone. One such trend or challenge that has been steadily growing is the ‘Dry January’ challenge. Dry January, also called the ‘dryanuary’ started in the United Kingdom in 2013 as a campaign where people pledged to abstain from alcohol for a month in January. A decade later, Dry January has grown in popularity and many countries are now taking up the challenge of ‘No alcohol for a month’. 

If you are someone who is aware of the concept and is considering taking up the challenge, this health article will motivate you to go ahead with the challenge. Here, we bring forward to you the 7 compelling health reasons or the benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month.

A better metabolic health

Many studies have shown that people who stopped alcohol consumption for one month showed significant improvements in their metabolic health and other medical conditions. Cessation of alcohol consumption reduces insulin resistance and thereby reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, helps maintain healthy sugar levels in diabetic patients, reduces blood pressure, and a sharp reduction in cancer-related growth factors.

Decreased bloating and improved gut health

Chronic consumption of more than recommended amounts of alcohol may cause bloating and inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Refraining from alcohol reduces the inflammation of the GI tract, reduces bloating, and improves gut health. Studies also state that not drinking alcohol for a month can significantly reduce acidity and gastritis.

Improved sleep

Although a glass of alcohol may put you to sleep immediately, but not for long hours. Alcohol interferes with sleep and wakes you up just a few hours later or makes you wake up groggy and feeling tired and unrested. This happens because alcohol interferes with the actions of adenosine, which is responsible for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Moreover, studies state that moderate or high amounts of alcohol decreases REM sleep, decreases sleep efficiency, and decreases sleep time. Not drinking alcohol for a month may improve your sleep quality, make your body well rested, and keep you energized throughout the day.

A better mood

A glass of wine or your favorite cocktail might temporarily make you feel better by making the day’s worries slip out of your mind. However, studies say that over time alcohol causes impairment in the neurotransmitter called GABA anc causes its rapid rise and fall. The fluctuation in the GABA neurotransmitter is associated with emotional slump, mood changes, anxiety, chronic pains, and disturbed sleep. Abstaining from alcohol helps stabilize GABA neurotransmitters and thereby prevents any emotional slump or negative mood changes and relieves you greatly from anxiety.

Weight loss

Alcohol is loaded with liquid calories, and if your cocktail is too sugary then that means extra empty calories. Moreover, people who drink often nibble on some unhealthy snacks. When you refrain from alcohol, without much of a hard work you automatically cut down on all those liquid calories and empty calories and that may help you lose some weight. 

A better skin

Alcohol induces a diuretic effect on your body, and causes frequent urination. You pee more than you would otherwise with just drinking water. Hence, your body may get dehydrated resulting in a dry and dull looking skin. Moreover, the toxins in alcohol can also cause premature skin aging and make you look older than your age. Stopping alcohol consumption will leave your body hydrated and your skin glowing and rejuvenated.

Reduce or stop alcohol dependency

Putting a pause on your regular alcohol consumption by abstaining from alcohol for a month makes you realize that you don’t have to reach out to the glass of wine to bury your everyday worries and manage stress. You may also realize that you don’t need alcohol in your life.

A word of caution - It is advisable that people who have been chronic consumers of heavy or more than recommended amounts of alcohol, or people with severe alcohol dependence, should consult their doctors before taking up the dry January challenge. People who experience any alcohol withdrawal symptoms should also promptly report to their doctors for better guidance on abstaining from alcohol.

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