Dry New Year: What are the Health Benefits?

Whether you’re hitting the gym harder at the beginning of the year or focusing on better overall health, taking 30 days off alcohol can create measurable improvements that help you reach your goals faster.

Here’s what the research shows:

• Better Muscle Recovery
  Alcohol interferes with protein synthesis which is the process your muscles need to repair and grow. Research shows that post-exercise alcohol consumption can reduce muscle recovery by up to 37% compared with optimal nutrition alone.
• Better Sleep = Better Gains
  Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles and decreases REM sleep, which the body needs to build muscle, regulate hormones and fight infection.
• Stronger Immunity
  Excessive drinking weakens immune cells, making it harder for the body to fight colds, flu and respiratory illnesses. A month off gives your immune system a chance to rebound.
• Reduced Liver Stress
  Taking a break gives the liver time to repair inflammation and reduce fat buildup, which lowers long-term risks associated with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C complications, cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases.
• Better Hydration + Performance
  Alcohol is a diuretic that leads to dehydration which is one of the biggest factors in decreased strength, endurance and energy.

If you’re ready to drink less, here’s how to start

Find what works for you. A small change can make a big difference. Whatever strategies you choose, give them a chance. If one approach doesn’t work, try something else.

If you drink alcohol and want to cut back on your drinking, these four tips can help:

• Set limits.
  • Know how much alcohol you drink now and whether it is considered excessive and harmful for your health.
  • Decide how many days a week you plan to drink and how many drinks you plan to have. For instance, you might decide to only drink on one evening and have one drink.
  • Schedule alcohol-free days every week.

• Count your drinks.
  • Understanding how much alcohol counts as a “standard” drink may also help.

• Manage your “triggers.”
  • If certain people, places, or activities tempt you to drink more than you plan, you can limit your time with those people, in those places, or doing those activities. For example, instead of a happy hour event with coworkers, suggest catching up at lunch instead.
  • Plan for social situations and have a simple response ready: “I’m doing a 30-day reset.”
  • Change your routine, so, if you usually drink after work or on weekends, replace that habit with something else like a gym session, a walk, tea, or sparkling water.
  • You may also want to remove alcohol from your home or places where you spend a lot of time.

• Find support. Ask for support from a friend, family member, health care provider, or someone else who will support your choice to drink less.
  • Take it one day at a time. Don’t focus on 30 days. Focus on the day and one decision at a time.
  • Know your “Why.” Write down why you’re doing this. Better muscle gains? More energy? Clearer focus? Keep your reason somewhere you can see it. And if you noticed changes, track those.Seeing improvement keeps motivation strong.

Resources

• Alcohol Use and Your Health
• Check Your Drinking. Make a Plan to Drink Less.