The Benefits of Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Alternative Ideas

Thinking about cutting back on alcohol or eliminating it from your diet? Depending on your overall health and how much alcohol you drink, a change in your habits could lead to health benefits. These days, there are more tasty alternatives to drink in alcohol’s place.

When does alcohol become dangerous to your health?

Alcohol becomes dangerous to your health when you are drinking an amount and at a frequency that is considered chronic alcohol consumption.

“Chronic alcohol consumption is defined as consuming two or more drinks multiple times a week,” shares Xiaxi Layton, MD, a family physician with ProMedica Physicians Arrowhead Family Practice. “Drinking two or more drinks every day can be very harmful to all of your organs, not just your liver.”

If you are drinking alcohol at this rate, it’s time to make some changes to benefit your health. “The day that alcohol is out of your body is the day your body can start repairing itself,” shares Dr. Layton.

Benefits of Reduced Alcohol Consumption

Cutting back or eliminating alcohol from your diet can result in an improvement in your overall health and well-being. Individuals who decide to make this change often notice that they experience:

• Better sleep.
• Enhanced concentration.
• Higher energy levels.
• Better nutrition.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Improved mental health.
• Improved cardiovascular health.

“Alcohol is also not without calories. Depending on the drink, you’re drinking 100 – 400 calories with each glass,” Dr. Layton shares. “If you’re trying to lose weight, I recommend cutting out alcohol or consuming it only in moderation.”

Selecting a Beverage

If you’re looking for an alcoholic drink that has some health benefits, red wine is a great option. “Studies have shown that moderate consumption of red wine can benefit overall cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure,” Dr. Layton shares. “Red wine is also an antioxidant, meaning that it helps protect your cells from free radicals which are linked to illness and aging.”

Alcohol-free spirits, wine and beer are great options for people looking to cut back or eliminate alcohol. However, these drinks should be avoided during pregnancy as some of them contain a small amount of alcohol. Instead, Dr. Layton recommends making your own mocktails at home so you know exactly what is in each drink.

For most people, drinking in moderation is OK. Alcohol should be avoided if you are living with certain chronic conditions, are struggling with addiction or are taking certain medications. Your primary care provider can help determine what a healthy relationship with alcohol looks like for you by taking your overall health into consideration.

Xiaxi Layton, MD
Dr. Layton is a family physician with ProMedica Physicians Arrowhead Family Practice. View her profile.