How Drinking Less Benefits Your Health

In recent years, there’s been a growing movement of people who are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol. Whether you choose to cut back or even stop drinking altogether, there are a host of ways reducing your alcohol intake can benefit your health. Here we explore how alcohol can affect women’s health, discuss the benefits of cutting back, and offer practical resources to help you make changes in your drinking habits.

Effects of Alcohol on Women’s Health

Did you know that alcohol affects women differently than men? Women’s bodies naturally have less water which can lead to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when consuming the same amount. Additionally, women metabolize alcohol differently as we lack an enzyme that can break down alcohol. All of this to say, the effects of alcohol can often be felt more greatly and may be more long-lasting for women.

Importantly, alcohol can also be associated with a higher risk of certain diseases in women. Regular consumption of excessive alcohol has also been shown to increase blood pressure and weight which can increase your risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, women are already more at risk for developing heart disease than men and heart disease remains a leading cause of death among women.

During pregnancy, alcohol should be avoided as it can harm a developing fetus. Even small amounts can increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome which could cause lifelong disabilities. Alcohol should also be avoided during breastfeeding as it can pass through your breast milk and potentially affect your baby’s development.

During menopause, alcohol can be a trigger for troubling symptoms of hot flashes or night sweats.

Benefits of Cutting Back on Alcohol

Reducing or cutting out alcohol has been shown to have a number of health benefits, dependent of course on the baseline of how much you typically drink.

Potential benefits can include:

• Improved sleep
• Healthier-looking skin
• Better weight management
• Improved immunity
• Healthier eating habits
• Clearer cognitive function
• Increased energy
• Lower blood sugar
• Lower blood pressure

Finding Support

If you’d like to make a change in your drinking habits, there are so many resources to help you get started.

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol and need help cutting back or quitting, organizations with a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous can help by providing peer support.

In some cases, it may also be helpful to speak with a licensed mental health counselor. At Axia Women’s Health, we now offer counseling and behavioral health services in a confidential, convenient environment. We can connect you with experts who have experience helping those with substance abuse problems.

Because alcohol is often used to relax and unwind, it’s important to find other ways to naturally relieve stress and find the support you need. Here are some other ways to let off some steam.

• Try a mocktail: These days, there are so many zero-proof cocktails on the menus at restaurants and available for purchase in-store. Serving up a mocktail in a fancy glass can be a fun and delicious way to still enjoy “having a drink.” Check this roundup of over 40 mocktail recipes to try yourself if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Get moving: Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood boosters that combat stress and anxiety. Hit the gym, take a workout class, or simply take a brisk walk outside to reap the benefits.
• Connect with loved ones: Social support is a powerful stress reliever. Spend time with friends and family, join a club, or volunteer in your community.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and yoga can help calm the mind and manage stress effectively.
• Indulge in self-care: Take a relaxing bath, get a massage, or curl up with a good book. Prioritize activities that nourish your mind and body.

Each person’s relationship with alcohol is a personal one. It can often be tied to so many factors like our social lives and cultures. Bottom line is, whether you cut back or cut it out completely, lessening the amount of alcohol you drink can often lead to a host of physical and mental health benefits. Your body will thank you!