Did you know that there are a lot of people dying because of the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol? In 2016 alone, about 3 million have died due to this reason according to the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among these deaths were mostly men about three-quarters of the total number.
"Far too many people, their families, and communities suffer the consequences of the harmful use of alcohol through violence, injuries, mental health problems and diseases like cancer and stroke", explained Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is also the Director-General of WHO. Given this reason, the expert shared how crucial it is to alter the situation by stepping up, ditching alcohol drinking, and creating a change for a healthier society.
So, what would happen if someone so dependent on alcohol instantly found a heart to stop drinking the liquor? What are the benefits of ditching this beverage?
Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, Medical Director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, shared the effects and benefits of ditching alcohol depends and varies from one person to another. Kumar further explained those who drink minimally often tend to experience lesser effects than those who have been drinking heavily.
Light drinkers would often simply have a sense of accomplishment and control over their bodies and health. Heavy drinkers, on the other hand, and people who drink frequently would tend to experience physiological effects such as weight loss, better sleep, mental clarity, and other physical benefits. Here are some of those.
IMPROVED LIVER
Drinking in excess, which Is more than two drinks and more than one for men and women respectively, can cause alteration in the fats found in the liver. Ditching your alcohol drinking spree with your friends could heal and reverse these changes so your liver can become normal again. Even for just a few weeks of not drinking, the expert explains, the liver can already rest enough to function better again.
DECREASED RISKS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
One of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases is the excess consumption of alcoholic drinks. When a person consumes alcohol moderately, alcohol is metabolized or processed by the liver to create an enzyme known as dehydrogenases. However, that is not what happens whenever a person consumes too much.
Consuming alcohol beverages in excess could produce free radicals, which eventually could oxidize bad cholesterol. Once oxidized, this bad cholesterol goes directly to the carotid arteries, which in the long run could cause a blockage, as explained by Health Line.
With all these benefits, it is indeed better to start the year right by not drinking alcoholic beverages anymore. For parties and gatherings, better to stick to water or juice instead. Drinking such would not just be more beneficial to your health, but would also cost less too.
