If you enjoy the occasional adult drink, you’re not alone. According to a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) surveytwo-thirds of American adults report drinking alcohol in the past year, and 52% say they have consumed alcohol in the past month. While a drink or two can be a fun way to unwind, regular alcohol consumption can take a toll on your body over time, affecting your heart, liver and pancreas, increasing your risk of chronic disease and affecting mental health.
But what happens to your body when you stop drinking? To find out, we explored scientific research and spoke with registered dietitians who shared insights on the immediate and long-term benefits. From better sleep and mental clarity to healthier skin and improved liver function, giving up alcohol triggers a cascade of positive changes in your body.
Read on to discover how eliminating alcohol can transform your health.
Your heart health improves.
Abstaining from alcohol can lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2016 study found that those who avoid alcohol or significantly reduce their consumption may experience improved heart function.
Brittany Lubeck, RDa registered dietitian and nutrition writer, tells us, “Research shows that regular alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke and other heart problems. It is therefore natural that stopping drinking reduces the risk of heart disease. However, it is worth pointing out that these heart effects are most often seen in people who drink excessively. Moderate drinking is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease.”
FAMILY: What happens to your body if you drink alcohol every day
Your liver will thank you.
According to NIHcan alcohol contribute to liver inflammation and fatty liver disease. But giving up alcohol gives your liver the chance to repair and regenerate. “Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis,” says Trista Best, RDa registered dietitian with Balance One Supplement. “Quitting alcohol allows the liver to regenerate and repair, which promotes overall liver health.”
You will lose weight.
Alcohol is caloric, gives 7 calories per gram. Furthermore, these are “empty calories” that provide no nutritional value. “Depending on how much alcohol you regularly drink, giving it up for good can lead to weight loss,” says Lubeck, noting that your overall caloric intake will naturally decrease, “which leads to the potential for weight loss.”
Also, giving up alcohol often results in better food choices because “Many people experience strong food cravings when they drink,” explains Lubeck.
According to a study published in the journal Appetitepeople who drank half a shot of alcohol (worth 20 grams) ate 11 percent more than those who abstained. The drinkers also experienced more cravings for high-fat (high-calorie) foods.
FAMILY: 10 Essential Grocery Purchases for Weight Loss
Your sleep quality will improve.
Although alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, studies suggests that it can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to poor quality rest. When you quit alcohol, your sleep patterns often normalize, leading to a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep that has overall benefits for your overall health.
“Alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. By giving up alcohol, you may experience improved sleep quality and duration. Better sleep has many health benefits, including improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being,” Best explains. .
You will strengthen your immune system.
The NIH points out that alcohol can suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to disease and infection. Removing alcohol from your diet can strengthen your immune system, contributing to disease resistance, faster recovery time and a more robust immune response.
Lubeck says, “Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been associated with poor immunity. In fact, such alcohol use can increase the risk of pneumonia, sepsis and even cancer. Therefore, giving up booze can be a way to support and possibly improve your immune system. A better immune system means a lower risk of infections and certain health conditions.”
Your mental health will improve.
Alcohol and mental health are intricately linked. That’s why abstaining from alcoholic beverages can lead to significant improvements in your psychological well-being. According to a 2022 review, Giving up alcohol can help reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and improve cognitive function.
“Alcohol is a depressant that can negatively affect mental health. Quitting alcohol can lead to improvements in mood, reduced anxiety and better overall mental well-being. It can also contribute to better stress management and coping mechanisms,” says Best.
FAMILY: 6 Best “Anxiety Superfoods” to Eat When You’re Feeling Stressed
You will have more energy.
Drinking negatively affects sleep, and of course this affects your mood and energy level the following day. According to a study published in the journal Sleep and vigilanceheavy alcohol consumption significantly increases daytime sleepiness the following day. Almost 35% of participants reported feeling slower or losing interest in being awake after drinking the night before, while less than 5% of participants reported the same feelings on a typical day.
Your digestion may improve.
If you ever feel bloated or have an upset stomach after pairing a meal with a glass of wine or beer, you may be able to lay at least some of the blame on alcohol. Even in relatively small doses, alcohol can negatively affect digestion by changing the stomach’s secretion of stomach acid and inhibits the ability of digestive enzymes to function and break down food. When these functions deteriorate, your digestion suffers. Studies have shown that combining alcohol with a meal can slow down digestion while the overproduction of stomach acid can irritate the stomach.
FAMILY: 9 foods that cause digestive problems
You may notice better skin.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases the excretion of fluids from your body, and this can affect your skin health over time. Researcher have identified a close correlation between alcohol use and skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, spider veins and post-teen acne. A study even found that heavy drinking — defined as eight or more drinks per week — was associated with increased upper facial lines, puffiness under the eyes, and loss of center volume.
Sign up for our newsletter!
The post What happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol appeared first on .
