4 weeks without alcohol: That’s what it does to your body

If you go four weeks without alcohol, you may notice some changes in your body and energy levels. You can find out the exact advantages of abstinence here.

Four weeks without alcohol can be worthwhile – not only during the Dry January. Originally from the UK, this movement aims to offset the often alcohol-heavy December by promoting alcohol abstinence in the first month of the new year.

Participants in a survey by the University of Sussex in 2018 reported, among other things, that they saved money during the 30 days without alcohol, can now control their drinking behavior better, sleep better and have more energy. In this article we will explain why this could be and what other effects the abstinence from alcohol has on your body.

Four weeks without alcohol: sleep, skin & liver

Alcohol harms. Even small amounts have an impact on us and can shorten life expectancy. Fortunately, the body recovers quickly. After just four weeks without alcohol, you may notice:

• Your sleep improves. If you do without alcohol, you will sleep more deeply and be more relaxed the next day. Many people use alcohol to help them fall asleep. Even if this can be successful, alcohol has a negative effect, especially on the second half of the night. Alcohol promotes sleep disorders, affects the general quality of our sleep and thus shortens our bedtime.
• Your complexion becomes finer. Alcohol dries out the skin, promotes sebum production and widens blood vessels. According to Netdoktor, this causes lighter pimples and blackheads. Alcohol also promotes the formation of wrinkles.
• You lose weight easier. Beer, wine and cocktails are high in calories but don’t fill us up or provide us with any significant nutrients. Alcohol also increases appetite because it activates the brain cells in the brain that are part of our hunger system, according to Spectrum.
• The liver, our main detoxification organ for breaking down alcohol, regenerates. If you abstain from alcohol for at least four weeks, it has fewer toxins to break down. The liver has a lot to do, especially with frequent alcohol consumption. The breakdown of alcohol can then lead to fat deposits and, in the worst case, to the formation of a fatty liver.

Immune system, blood pressure and stress without alcohol

Other factors also improve if you live without alcohol for four weeks:

• The immune system is strengthened. Every alcohol intoxication affects our immune system. We are significantly more susceptible to infections for at least 24 hours after heavy alcohol consumption.
• If you drink alcohol, it increases blood pressure. The reason is the stimulating effect on the autonomic nervous system. If you do without alcohol for four weeks, according to a study from 2018, your blood pressure can return to normal in this short time.
• The stomach can regenerate. Alcohol consumption stimulates the formation of stomach acid at. This can irritate the stomach lining. Even with an otherwise regular consumption of alcohol, the stomach recovers after a few weeks.
• You are more efficient. This is partly due to the improved sleep quality and the absence of hangover days. Alcohol also reduces the perception of stress in the short term. Shortly after consumption, however, alcohol makes us more susceptible to stress and pushes us to our performance limits more quickly.

Of course, how you feel during and after 4 weeks without alcohol always depends on your individual requirements and your previous drinking behavior. Our author Katharina Schmidt pulled through the Dry January and one Report on your “dry January” written.

How does the 4 weeks without alcohol work out?

Changing habits is difficult – be it the daily reward of chocolate or a beer after work. But it’s worth sticking with. Here are some tips for four weeks without alcohol:

• Announce to your friends and family that you want to give up alcohol for a while. Maybe someone will join you. And your loved ones are forewarned and ideally won’t offer you alcohol.
• However, be prepared to be asked why you don’t drink. Realize that it’s not impolite to refuse an offer of alcohol.
• Keep the benefits in mind. And remember, if it’s not for you, you don’t have to give up alcohol forever. However, the four weeks without alcohol can be an exciting experiment and perhaps the starting point for more responsible consumption.
• Distract yourself. Go for a walk, exercise, or find other activities that give you satisfaction when you feel the urge to drink.
• Try new things. To replace alcohol, you can use sodas or Virgin cocktails prepare.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Alcohol in food: there is so much in bananas and co.
• Asceticism: why abstinence and renunciation can make you happy
• Cheers or dump? How long do alcoholic beverages last?