Four Reasons You Should Give Up Alcohol

Excessive drinking can lead to major problems and can negatively affect your physical and mental health.

Binge drinking, which continues to be a growing problem in the UK, can cause life-threatening illnesses like liver and kidney disease.

But there’s growing evidence that even moderate drinking can increase our risk of certain cancers. It’s also bad for our waistlines and our wellbeing.

The drink aware website states: “Drinking can affect your mood and your memory and, in the longer term, can lead to serious mental health problems.”

If all this hasn’t put you off, take a look at the significant benefits you could reap from cutting back on your drinking.

Here, NHS Consultant and weight loss specialist, Dr Sally Norton reveals four very good reasons to quit alcohol:

1. Better sleep

A glass of wine can sometimes help us get to sleep, but did you know that over time, that glass of wine could actually cause insomnia?

A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine found using alcohol as a sleeping aid long-term could affect our ability to fall asleep, leading to disrupted sleeping patterns, and a lowered quality of sleep.

So swap your usual alcoholic nightcap for a sleep-inducing Camomile Tea, or a relaxing, scented bath, and you could find your sleeping patterns improve and you wake up feeling more rested.

2. Weight-loss

Many of us watching our weight simply do not realise, or account for, the calories present in alcohol.

In fact, the average wine-drinker in England takes in around 2000 kcal per month from alcohol, with as much as 185 kcal in just one large glass.

Not to mention the late night munchies, or greasy fry-up that so often follows a heavy night of drinking.

So while you might at first miss that post-work tipple or weekend drinking session, your waistline certainly won’t – in fact, you might be surprised at the pounds you could lose simply by cutting out or reducing how much alcohol you consume.

3. Healthier skin

Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leaving it feeling dried out and sensitive.

Over time, drinking too much can have long-lasting effects on your skin, depriving it of vital vitamins and nutrients, leaving your skin looking dull.

Not only this, but many skin conditions, such as rosacea or psoriasis can often be exacerbated through alcohol consumption, with many dermatologists recommending minimising drinking to avoid flare-ups.

So cutting back on alcohol could not only help keep any skin conditions at bay, but could actually help to keep your skin hydrated, and looking fresher, and more youthful – win win!

4. Money-savings

While it might not seem much at the time, even just drinking a couple of bottles of wine a week can add up to hundreds of pounds spent over the year – or even more if you’re partial to a pricier tipple!

Why not try using the money saved to treat yourself to a spa day, or to put towards a shopping spree?

For more information on health and wellbeing go to vavistalife.com.

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