4 Good Reasons To Stay Off The Booze!

GUEST POST: Most of us are aware of the health problems that alcohol can cause. Not only can excessive drinking lead to major problems like liver disease, but there’s growing evidence that even moderate drinking may increase our risk of illnesses such as some cancers. It’s also pretty bad for our waistlines too!

Still not convinced? Then take a look at the significant benefits you could reap from cutting back on your drinking, not just for your health – but for your finances, looks and general well-being too.

Money-savings

While it might not seem much at the time, even just drinking a couple of bottles of wine a week can add up to hundreds of pounds spent over the year – or even more if you’re partial to a pricier tipple! Why not try using the money saved to treat yourself to a spa day, or to put towards a shopping spree?

Weight-loss

Many of us watching our weight simply do not realise, or account for, the calories present in alcohol. In fact, the average wine-drinker in England takes in around 2000 kcal per month from alcohol, with as much as 185 kcal in just one large glass. Not to mention the late night munchies, or greasy fry-up that so often follows a heavy night of drinking. So while you might at first miss that post-work tipple or weekend drinking session, your waistline certainly won’t – in fact, you might be surprised at the pounds you could lose simply by cutting out or reducing how much alcohol you consume.

Better sleep

A glass of wine can sometimes help us get to sleep, but did you know that over time, that glass of wine could actually cause insomnia? A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine found using alcohol as a sleeping aid long-term could affect our ability to fall asleep, leading to disrupted sleeping patterns, and a lowered quality of sleep. So swap your usual alcoholic nightcap for a sleep-inducing Camomile Tea, or a relaxing, scented bath, and you could find your sleeping patterns improve and you wake up feeling more rested.

Healthier skin

Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leaving it feeling dried out and sensitive. Over time, drinking too much can have long-lasting effects on your skin, depriving it of vital vitamins and nutrients, leaving your skin looking dull. Not only this, but many skin conditions, such as rosacea or psoriasis can often be exacerbated through alcohol consumption, with many dermatologists recommending minimising drinking to avoid flare-ups. So cutting back on alcohol could not only help keep any skin conditions at bay, but could actually help to keep your skin hydrated, and looking fresher, and more youthful – win win!

Feature courtesy of Dr Sally Norton www.vavistalife.com  Her input is always research and science-based.