Let’s talk about alcohol. Maybe you drank a little more than usual over the holidays. Maybe you’ve been drinking more since the pandemic began. Maybe drinking has become a habit over the last several years.
Whatever your relationship is with alcohol, January is a great time to take a step back and reevaluate it. Because even though the authorities say that it’s fine for women to have one drink a day and for men to have 2, even that can be problematic for some people. For a quick reminder (and I won’t belabor the point):
Here is just a partial list of the things that alcohol can do to your health.
- Increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
- Deplete antioxidant stores
- Promote nutrient loss
- Alter gene expression
- Cause fatty liver
Plus, drinking alcohol can disrupt your sleep, leave you with a foggy brain, and dramatically interfere with your productivity.
Here’s why I’m writing this post.
If you are feeling like your relationship with alcohol is even the least bit dysfunctional, I want to challenge you to take a break. Commit to 30 days without. See how you feel and then decide what to do next.
During that 30 days, nutrition can be a huge help. Here are some nutrients that can be depleted by alcohol and that can help you feel better during your alcohol detox:
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Zinc & Selenium
- B Complex (including folate and B12)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat on a regular schedule, and find a routine that can replace the drink. Tell a family member your plan so you can be accountable.
