Reducing your alcohol intake can lead to multiple side effects. This article looks at the benefits of cutting back on how much you drink.
Effects of Reducing Your Alcohol Consumption
By taking less or no alcohol, these are the following health benefits:
Heals your liver
Your liver’s job is to filter the toxins in your body. In this case, alcohol is toxic to your cells. For heavy drinkers, taking 15 drinks a week takes a toll on your organ, leading to cirrhosis and fatty liver. When you stop taking alcohol, your liver can repair and regenerate.
Improves relationships
Drinking alcohol in moderate amounts can boost your mood and how you relate with others. However, it could turn into a nasty habit if you drink alone. By giving up drinking, you can focus more on relationships, work, and health. It also eases your anxiety and depression while elevating your self-esteem.
Promotes better sleep
Alcohol can make you drowsy and make you sleep. However, it can make you wake up multiple times in the night. Additionally, it disrupts the REM stage of sleep and affects your breathing.
By reducing alcohol consumption in the late afternoon and evening, you can guarantee better sleep at night.
Promotes healthier heart
A single glass of red wine a day might not seem harmful but consistent drinking can affect your heart. By cutting back or quitting alcohol, you can reduce the chances of heart failure.
Lowers your blood pressure
Drinking a lot can increase your blood pressure. If you continue with no restrictions, you increase your risk of having a heart attack or heart failure. You can avoid this issue by giving up alcohol.
You should also talk to your doctor about your blood pressure numbers. The normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Alternatively, you have high blood pressure if yours is above 130/80.
Clears your brain
Alcohol dependence can make it harder for you to think or remember important details. Over time, heavy drinking can cloud your understanding of distances and slow your motor skills. In some cases, it can make it difficult to read other people’s emotions. If you quit alcohol, your brain can regain some of these abilities.
Conclusion
If you are a heavy drinker, trying to cut back or quit alcohol can be difficult. However, it will improve your physical and mental health in the long run.
