You need to take part in Dry January for your health, and here's why!
A month without a drop of alcohol. Some people have already fled this page when they read that sentence, but it's the promise of Dry January. A campaign created in the UK in 2013, which came to France in 2020 thanks to associations fighting alcohol addiction.
To put it plainly, this campaign consists in giving up alcohol as soon as the knell of the New Year sounds, until February 1. The main aim is not necessarily to stop drinking altogether, but to take better control of your consumption by observing the benefits it can bring. We explain the benefits of giving up alcohol, both in the short and long term.
Alcohol consumption in France
Alcohol is a problem in France, and the festive season doesn't help matters. Between champagne, beer and cocktails, we don't know where to turn, and the excesses logically follow. According to data from Santé Publique France, alcohol is responsible for 40,000 deaths in 2020, 16,000 of which are due to cancer or disease. Alcohol kills and is not a subject to be taken lightly, and initiatives like Dry January help consumers to better regulate their consumption.The first alcohol-free week: new momentum
As soon as you put alcohol aside, your body begins to readjust. One of the first noticeable improvements concerns your sleep. Since alcohol has the effect of disrupting sleep cycles, its absence allows your body to enjoy a deeper night's sleep, and wake up feeling much more energetic.
On the digestive front, stopping alcohol soothes gastric irritation, reducing bloating and acidity. The result is a more comfortable digestion. Your energy is also boosted, as your body no longer has to expend as much effort eliminating toxins, which reduces the feeling of fatigue. Your liver begins to regenerate. Freed from the burden of processing alcohol, it begins a repair process, and signs of inflammation gradually begin to diminish. You feel the first benefits of your body returning to its natural balance.
The benefits after a month of abstinence
After three weeks without alcohol, the positive changes really become noticeable. By cutting out this source of unnecessary calories, particularly from beverages like wine (around 120 calories per glass), you facilitate weight loss, often reinforced by healthier eating habits.
Your digestive system benefits too. The balance of the intestinal microbiota is restored, improving not only digestion but also the absorption of essential nutrients. What's more, your blood pressure, often affected by alcohol consumption, begins to fall, reducing the risks associated with hypertension.
On a mental level, you'll feel a renewed lucidity and improved ability to concentrate. Freed from the disruptive effects of alcohol on the brain, your mind is clearer and your productivity much higher.
The benefits of total abstinence
Adopting prolonged abstinence offers significant benefits for body and mind. By giving up alcohol, you significantly reduce the likelihood of developing serious illnesses such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disorders and liver damage. What's more, your immune system, often weakened by alcohol, regains its full effectiveness, making you more resistant to infection and inflammation. This approach also encourages a transition to a healthier lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Every day spent alcohol-free reinforces your general well-being and improves your overall health.