A UK doctor shares the potential benefits and side effects of abstaining from alcohol for 31 days.
It's that time of year again when gyms are packed and exercise gear is snapped up in the sales as so many look for a health kick to start out the New Year. Many will also be completing Dry January in a bid to recover from all the mulled wine, Champagne and other alcoholic beverages that tend to be consumed that bit more over the festive period. The 31-day challenge has grown in popularity in recent years as people abstain from alcohol to give their body a well-needed break.
For regular drinkers, Dry January might bring with it some unfamiliar experiences but one doctor has explained what to expect. Dr Tim Mercer, a GP with the NHS, told The Mirror of the health benefits associated with ditching the booze for a few weeks, including better sleep and weight loss - pointing out that alcohol, particularly when consumed to excess like many do over Christmas, is in general 'pretty bad for us.' Dr Mercer added: 'If you've been drinking lots of alcohol throughout the holiday period, you might actually notice insomnia develop in the first instance when you withdraw from using alcohol in the first week of Dry January. In the first week , you will be adjusting to the absence of alcohol. 'Hopefully, you don't get withdrawal, but you may get some symptoms such as mild headaches and difficulty with onset maintenance of sleep.' After the potential shock to the system of the first week, the second week of Dry January should result in improvements to your energy levels, as well as digestion. You should also notice clearer skin and enjoy better nights' sleep. The doctor explained that 'by the third week, you're in the swing of things, and your body is starting to become alcohol-free
HEALTH DRY JANUARY ALCOHOL WELLBEING DOCTOR
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