Many people seeking better health are becoming sober and giving up alcohol entirely, whether or not they have an addiction problem. Reducing or eliminating alcohol is part of a healthy lifestyle. As sobriety becomes more popular, it’s making people more aware of the consequences of what they consume. Alcohol impacts the body in different ways, including:
Alcohol is an astringent (a substance that contracts body tissues) that works by dehydration. After coming into contact with a living cell, everything inside the cell usually exits the cell. Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes your body to eliminate fluids from the stomach and digestive tract. Alcohol also decreases a hormone responsible for the body retaining water. This leaves you feeling dehydrated.
Though alcohol can help you fall asleep, it interferes with deep, restful sleep. Alcohol can make you feel lethargic because it depresses the central nervous system. Respiration slows; heart rate and blood pressure lower. After drinking, the liver metabolizes the alcohol. This results in a withdrawal that speeds up slowed down bodily processes, causing agitation and decreasing your ability to achieve deep sleep.
Alcohol, especially beer, is high in calories. It also stimulates your appetite, causing you to eat more. Alcohol impairs your judgment, so you may make less healthy food choices. If you’ve gained weight for any reason and you want to change your eating habits, our registered dietitian can help. Make an appointment today.
Drinking can suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Do you drink daily or almost every day? You may have noticed that you are ill with colds, flu, or other illnesses more often than those who avoid alcohol.
Those who drink alcohol over a long period of time have a greater risk of developing cancers. These cancers can develop throughout the gastrointestinal system. Long-term drinkers have higher rates of throat, esophagus, stomach, and colon cancer. This risk increases because of how your body processes alcohol, which results in a chemical that damages DNA and prevents the body from repairing that damage. This can result in uncontrolled cell growth, which turns into a cancerous tumor.
A lifestyle change like eliminating alcohol can have a significant effect on your health overall. If you’re concerned about how alcohol is affecting your health or want support in making a change, GCSA can help. Request an appointment today.
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