Last year, model Chrissy Teigen gave up alcohol, citing her often irresponsible behavior as the reason behind her becoming sober. The model recently gave an update on her sobriety journey, six months after quitting alcohol, and it’s clear that she knows she made the right choice. With that said, one has to wonder if we should also be following suit?
Should You Quit Alcohol?
“I have no idea what I’m doing honestly, but I do know a few things: I now have endless energy, way less anxiety (no more benzos!) and I am *happier* and more present than ever,” – Chrissy Teigen, Instagram
Photo by Elina Sazonova from Pexels
The past two years have definitely taken a toll on a lot of us, and this has caused a change in our alcohol consumption habits. For one, alcohol consumption didn’t only sharply rise, but a 2020 study found that the pandemic may have turned women into heavier drinkers.
Now, as more and more people begin to re-evaluate their health, it begs whether they should Teigen in her sober curious journey, and what benefits one can reap from doing so.
Benefits of going sober
Your skin will thank you
The skin is the largest organ on the body, which means that it is easily affected by alcohol. In fact, joining Dry January is a great skincare hack.
For one, alcohol causes inflammation and this can speed up the aging process. Additionally, alcohol is also a diuretic and this can dehydrate the skin, which can also speed up aging, cause congestion, and influence the skin’s ability to absorb products.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
You will sleep better
Your body needs sleep, and unfortunately, alcohol can influence sleep patterns, which in turn, can influence your health. In fact, some researchers believe that alcohol can have long-lasting effects on how the body regulates sleep.
Your mental health will improve
Chrissy Teigen admits that one of the benefits that she’s experienced since becoming sober is less anxiety, and she’s absolutely right.
Chrissy Teigen/Instagram
While some people may turn to alcohol to cope with their problems, they’re actually making things much worse. Yes, alcohol can have a relaxing effect, it can affect your brain chemicals. This in turn can increase the risk for depression and anxiety, as well as addiction.
You’ll manage your weight better
One of the less pleasant effects of alcohol is its effect on weight (beer belly, anyone?).
Alcohol not only impacts your metabolism, but it can also increase your cravings for salty, often processed snacks. This then becomes the perfect recipe for weight gain.
Your heart will be happier
While COVID-19 is responsible for millions of deaths across the world, some may be surprised to hear that it has yet to surpass the deaths related to cardiovascular disease. In fact, cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of mortality worldwide.
According to one study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, excessive alcohol consumption can damage heart muscles.
Takeaway
“I look forward to having my full body reset after 1 year, then reevaluating to see my new hopes and wishes for the future! Let’s goooo.” – Chrissy Teigen, Instagram
It’s almost a month into 2022, but it’s never too late to re-examine your habits and how they impact your health. It’s hard not to consider the effect that alcohol can have on our bodies and our health. As such, following Teigen’s lead and stepping back from the amount of alcohol that you consume could be the best thing that you do for yourself in 2022.
References
Iakunchykova, O., Averina, M., Kudryavtsev, A. V., et al. (2020). Evidence for a Direct Harmful Effect of Alcohol on Myocardial Health: A Large Cross-Sectional Study of Consumption Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Biomarkers From Northwest Russia, 2015 to 2017. Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(1), e014491. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.119.014491
Pollard MS, Tucker JS, Green HD. Changes in Adult Alcohol Use and Consequences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(9):e2022942. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22942
