Dry January (abstaining alcohol for a month) has been shown to have benefits such as improved sleep quality and increased energy, but cutting out alcohol may also help you live longer and look younger. Research shows that there is.
“Everyone will feel better. [after] One month of sobriety. Everyone,” said Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent and a board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology and obesity medicine who has been participating in Dry January for the past seven years.
Here are three things you need to know about how replacing cocktails with non-alcoholic alternatives, even for just a month, can help you live longer, feel better, and look younger. .
1. Alcohol use is linked to age-related diseases
Alcohol consumption has negative effects on your health, especially if you drink to excess or binge.
According to , under the influence of alcohol, you are not only at risk of accidents and injuries, but also risk factors for several cancers such as breast and gastrointestinal cancers, and diseases such as liver disease, stroke, heart disease, and mood and memory problems. There is also. Many of them can lead to premature death and premature aging.
“Alcohol’s negative effects ripple through communities, affecting our bodies and minds, straining health systems and leaving a trail of shattered lives,” says Alcohol Change UK Dry January. said Dr. Michael Caldwell, USA’s chief medical officer. The charity that launched the Dry January movement 10 years ago told ABC News.
2. Alcohol can worsen skin conditions
Alcohol use is also associated with skin health.
A 2019 study of more than 3,000 women ages 18 to 75 found that heavy alcohol consumption, defined as eight or more drinks per week, was associated with increased swelling under the eyes, upper facial lines, and blood vessels. was found to be associated with an increase in facial volume.
Alcohol has the effect of stripping the skin of moisture, which can reduce skin elasticity and cause a dry appearance.
Research shows that alcohol use can also worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis, an inflammatory disease that can visibly damage the skin.
3. Alcohol is associated with biological aging
In addition to disease and visible signs of aging, alcohol consumption is also associated with biological aging.
A large 2022 study published in the journal Nature analyzed around 250,000 biological samples in the UK and found that increased alcohol intake shortens telomer length, which could be a biological marker of aging. It turns out that it can cause more age-related diseases.
Although there is a lack of research specifically examining the anti-aging benefits of abstinence, there is some evidence that reducing alcohol use may reverse negative health effects and lead to longer lives.
A 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal found that among about 100 participants who abstained from alcohol for a month and 50 participants who did not, insulin It was found to reduce resistance and improve health markers such as weight, blood pressure and certain cancers. Relevant biological markers.
Doctors also say that what we know about the negative health effects of alcohol use is that cutting back on alcohol intake can slow age-related diseases and visible signs of aging, and prevent age-related declines in mental health. It also states that it can be used to understand what can be done.
“Drinking alcohol dehydrates the skin, increases inflammation, and accelerates aging,” Caldwell said, adding that reducing alcohol intake “improves mental health, improves mental clarity, and promotes aging.” “There is a greater sense of realism and the potential to build more meaningful relationships.” ”
How to start reducing alcohol intake
Ashton recommends anyone deciding to take part in Dry January, or simply trying to cut down on their alcohol intake, to tell a friend they’re taking part. This will ensure accountability.
Ashton also says to track your progress by marking successful holidays on your calendar, and to try out mocktails or other non-alcoholic drinks, especially if a social situation cannot be avoided. Recommended.
There are also mobile apps that can provide similar tracking and accountability towards meeting your Dry January goals, such as Try Dry run by Alcohol Change UK.
“Reducing or eliminating alcohol from your life, even for a short period of time, can help you get more out of it than you realize,” says Caldwell.
Mr Ashton warned that the Dry January movement was not intended to be a tool for people suffering from alcoholism.
“I can’t stress this enough,” she said. “This is not about abstinence or sobriety, but if you have tried to cut back and are struggling, please seek professional help.”
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMSA) confidential, toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week helpline at 1-800-662. Help (4357). For information and resources about alcohol-related issues and health, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) website here.
Jade A Cobern, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in general preventive medicine and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
