Last year, 215,000 Brits signed up for the Dry January challenge, and it is well known that a month without booze brings a host of benefits- especially following an indulgent Christmas and New Year period.
We all know the most common side effects, including; better sleep, weight loss, improved mood and energy levels – not to mention the money saved from the unnecessary shots at closing or the takeaways the next day.
But did you know that ditching the booze can also make you more beautiful?
Kerry Beeson, qualified Nutritional Therapist at Prep Kitchen, explains some of the well-known benefits and three unusual benefits of going sober this January.
Kerry says: “It can be hard to say no to a drink at Christmas time but alcoholic beverages can really pile on the calories. Even the low calorie options of dry red or white wines have around 125 calories per 150ml glass for red wine and 121 for white wine. While the odd diet mixer helps to keep your calorie count down, regularly consuming ‘diet’ soft drinks has not been found to help with weight management – so it’s best to stick with water this January. Pimp up your glass of H20 by opting for sparkling mineral water and adding slices of fresh fruit, cucumber, herbs like mint, and spices such as cinnamon, lemongrass and ginger. These not only make it taste great, but add extra nutrients including antioxidants and minerals. ”
“Another benefit of staying sober this January is reducing the amount of ultra-processed foods we often consume when we’ve had a drink or two! Alcoholic drink tends to weaken our resolve and disrupt our natural balance, making us tend to reach for fast food that’s often high in sugars, sodium, saturated fat, trans fatty acids, food additives and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients are very inflammatory, and can also disrupt the natural balance in your gut microbiome.”
“High fat foods take a long time to digest and this can make us feel sluggish. Sugary foods can cause blood sugar peaks and troughs – these dips can make us feel weak and fatigued.”
“A great way to ensure we’re hitting our nutrient goals is by subscribing to a healthy meal prep company like Prep Kitchen. This takes away the hassle of cooking and cleaning, and is a great way to invest in your health with all the cash you’re saving from not going to the pub. Studies (including a recent survey we conducted) show that using a meal prep service could even save you money.”
- Hair growth
Whether you’re on a mission to grow your locks or just want to improve your hair health, cutting out alcohol will help your hair retain moisture to appear shinier and grow faster. Dry hair can lead to breakage, hair loss, dandruff, dullness and frizz among others- which we all want to leave in 2024.”
“Cutting out alcohol will help your body, and hair, to retain moisture, as alcohol is a diuretic which causes you to lose fluids. This is also why headaches are one of the most common side effects of a hangover.”
Alcohol can also affect the absorption of nutrients like B vitamins and zinc which are important for hair health.”
- Stronger nails
“Similar to your hair, your nails will feel the positive side effects of giving up alcohol through increased hydration. Through drinking alcohol and the resulting dehydration, your nails can become brittle, break more easily and be slower to rejuvenate. To achieve optimal nail health, I would recommend ensuring you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially while exercising.”
- Healthy gums and stain-free teeth
“Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, whether its pints at your local pub or mulled wine over Christmas, can cause dry mouth through the reduced production of saliva. The dry environment makes it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive, which can increase the risk of gum disease. Giving up alcohol in January can improve the flow of saliva, which is essential to neutralising the pH in our mouth and promoting the remineralisation of tooth enamel.”
“Similar to coffee and tea, some of your favourite alcoholic drinks can cause your teeth to stain- with red wine being one of the biggest culprits. Stains can be difficult to remove and unpleasant, however removing the source of the stains will ensure your smile remains bright.”
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