4 health benefits of giving up alcohol for a month

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A doctor shares the benefits of giving up alcohol: from weight loss to improved mental health.

A short break from alcohol can bring huge benefits to those who take part in it.

Excessive alcohol consumption, which is considered more than 14 units per week, can cause a strain on the liver, which can affect a person's metabolism.

People who drink can find it difficult to lose weight, so cutting back on alcohol can help people shed a few pounds. Alcohol is classified as “empty calories” because it’s high in calories but contains little or no nutrients.

“Eliminating these unnecessary calories from your diet can help speed up weight loss,” says a nutritionist.

Alcohol is also linked to hunger and cravings, so people are more likely to eat fatty foods when they drink. According to the doctor, cutting back on alcohol can also improve a person's mental health.

“Alcohol can slow down your brain's processing of information, often creating false emotions and reactions that can lead to negative thoughts and feelings. The way alcohol causes chemical changes in the brain can lead to increased periods of anxiety and low mood.”

Quitting alcohol is likely to help lift your mood in the long run. It may take a few weeks for you to feel the effects.

But once your mind and body adjust to being free from alcohol, you will feel these positive changes.

Quitting alcohol can also have other benefits, such as clearer skin and improved motivation.

Alcohol can cause blood flow to the tissues, which can lead to inflammation and blemishes. This, combined with the dehydration caused by alcohol consumption, can lead to dry, patchy skin with an increased likelihood of acne as the body tries to rid itself of chemicals.

“Quitting alcohol will likely make your skin clearer.”

Abstinence from alcohol can also improve productivity, as a hangover can prevent people from doing what they want to do the next day.

Four benefits of abstaining from alcohol:

• Weight loss
• Improved mental health
• Clear skin
• Greater motivation.