What will happen if I quit drinking

What will happen if I quit drinking?

Are you thinking of becoming a teetotaler? Most people consider quitting alcohol to be extremely hard. It requires lots of determination and discipline to stop drinking. However, the results are always worth it. Drinking alcohol, whether excessively or in moderation, affects the body, both physically and mentally. We experience cognitive impairment, memory issues, slurred speech, health deterioration and an assortment of undesired issues. Gladly, you can regain your health and wellbeing once you quit drinking and start living a sober lifestyle.

Here are 4 things that will happen once you quit drinking:

• Increased energy levels

Once you quit drinking, you will experience some remarkable benefits right away. First, the incessant morning hangovers and migraines will stop. The dark circles that usually appear underneath your eyes will cease. Since alcohol contains excessive sugar levels, it causes a surge in cholesterol and blood sugar levels among revelers. Alcohol also impedes your ability to perform optimally at work since it is a known depressant. People who abstain from drinking alcohol usually experience a dramatic reduction in blood cholesterol and sugar levels. They also report having elevated energy levels and improved performance in their daily activities.

• Reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer

Studies suggest that drinking too much alcohol increases the production of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. The body deposits LDL on arteries which leads to blockage and high blood pressure. Alcohol is also listed as a carcinogen by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, meaning that it can potentially cause cancer among regular drinkers. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your chances of developing different types of cancers. These include breast, liver, colorectal, esophageal and neck cancer. Quitting alcohol will dramatically reduce your risk of contracting cancer and cardiovascular ailments. 

• Better sleep quality

Some people drink alcohol to forget their sorrows and sleep. Although it may help you fall asleep, alcohol will likely cause poor sleep quality due to increased night disturbances. Drunkards often lack crucial REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep that helps the body to get revitalized and restored. Consequently, they often wake up feeling exhausted and restless. Poor sleep quality not only causes greater fatigue but also leads to concentration issues, loss of memory and reduced cognitive function. When you stop drinking, you will enjoy improved quality of sleep and increased focus throughout the day.

• Consistent weight loss

Alcoholic drinks are notoriously high in calories. One bottle of wine contains upwards of 600 calories. On average, beer contains about 150 calories per bottle. When ingested, the body stores all those calories as fat around the waistline. Excessive alcohol consumption could cause the development of potbellies which are unattractive to look at. It could also lead to the formation of visceral fat which is essentially the accumulation of fat cells around the liver, kidneys and other internal body organs. This type of fat increases inflammation and elevates the risk of contracting lifestyle diseases such as diabetes. When you quit alcohol, you’ll experience gradual weight loss and enjoy a wide variety of health benefits that accrue.

Quitting alcohol is an important step towards better health and an improved quality of life.