Maybe your nightly glass of wine has turned into two or three. Or your beer habit has crept up without you noticing. Going alcohol-free might seem tough, but the benefits make it worth the effort.
Ocsober is South Africa’s annual challenge to go alcohol-free for the month of October while raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Even though we are already mid-month, it is not too late to join the challenge and see the changes for yourself.
Taking a break from alcohol can help improve sleep, mood, mental focus, weight, skin and even your finances. Here are eight things that can happen when you stop drinking alcohol during Ocsober.
1. You Will Sleep More Soundly
Drinking before bed may seem relaxing, but research shows it disrupts sleep. A study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that alcohol increases alpha wave patterns in the brain. These patterns usually occur when you are awake but resting. The result is restless sleep.
Another review of 27 studies found that while alcohol may help people fall asleep quickly at first, it seriously affects sleep quality after the initial period. You may toss and turn at first when you give up alcohol, but the sleep you get will leave you feeling more refreshed and sharp the next day. Improved sleep also boosts mood, concentration, and mental performance, according to Dr. Damon Raskin, a physician board-certified in addiction medicine.
2. You Might Eat Less at Dinner
Alcohol can make you overeat without realising it. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that alcohol is one of the biggest drivers of overeating. Another study in the journal Obesity found that when people consumed the equivalent of two drinks, they ate 30 percent more food than those who did not.
READ MORE: 5 Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks You Can Enjoy Any Day of the Week
Alcohol increases activity in the hypothalamus, making you more sensitive to smells and prompting you to eat more. Cutting out alcohol for Ocsober can help curb overeating and support better portion control.
3. You Might Crave Sugar
Both sugar and alcohol trigger dopamine, the brain’s “reward” chemical. When you cut out alcohol, you might find yourself craving something sweet to get the same feeling. This is normal and temporary. Planning for healthier alternatives can help you satisfy cravings without undoing your progress.
4. You Will Start Losing Weight
Alcohol sneaks extra calories into your daily intake without you noticing. One margarita alone may contain 300 calories or more, mostly from sugar. One study found that men consume an extra 433 calories on days they drink moderately. Removing those calories and avoiding replacements with desserts can help you lose weight without much effort.
5. Your Skin Will Clear Up
Even a few days off alcohol can improve the appearance of your skin. Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing urination and dehydrating the body. It also decreases production of an antidiuretic hormone that helps the body reabsorb water. Less water means dry-looking skin.
Giving up alcohol can leave your skin looking more hydrated and may reduce redness in your cheeks and nose. Other skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and rosacea may also improve.
6. You Will Save Money
Drinking is expensive, especially if you enjoy wine, beer, champagne or whiskey. Adding up the cost of drinks at home and out in town can be eye-opening. Taking a break for the rest of October can help you save money for other priorities.
7. Your Mood Might Take a Hit at First
Stopping alcohol can affect your mood. Many people use alcohol to smooth emotions, so removing it can make you feel irritable or restless at first. This is normal and usually temporary as your body and mind adjust.
READ MORE: This Is How Long Alcohol Really Stays in Your System
8. Health Risks Shift
According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk for cancers of the mouth, liver, colon, and rectum. The more you drink, the higher the risk. On the other hand, moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of heart disease. If you were a light drinker, some studies suggest your risk of stroke, diabetes and mortality may rise slightly when you quit, but the overall health benefits are clear.
This article by Meghan Rabbitt and Paul Schrodt was originally published on Men’s Health US – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
