Did you know that April is Alcohol Awareness Month? It is an initiative founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence that seeks to remove the stigma associated with alcohol use and recovery. Alcoholism is considered a chronic, progressive disease, but it is not impossible to overcome. In fact, it is said that as many as 20 million people are currently in recovery and are alcohol-free!
If you're looking for a way to restore your health this month, why not consider eliminating alcohol from your diet? By ceasing alcohol consumption, you're giving your body the assistance it needs to self-heal and remove toxins and impurities the way God intended it to do. After all, it didn't seem as though he was too big of a fan of alcohol to begin with - refer to Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
"Alcohol depletes the count of valuable vitamins and minerals. "
Consider these reasons why you should make April the month you remove alcohol from your diet:
1. Alcohol depletes your vitamin and mineral supply
When you pick up a glass of your favorite wine, you're probably not concerned about what it's doing to your nutrition. However, it's a thought you may want to reconsider if you want to maximize your overall health. According to Evolving Wellness, alcohol depletes the count of multiple valuable vitamins and minerals reserved in your body. Essential nutrients dwindled by alcohol include all B vitamins, vitamins C and K, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
2. It reduces your muscle mass
A hearty amount of muscle mass benefits your body's other systems. For example, muscle aids your hormone levels, stored fat and bone mass. But drinking excessively reduces your chance of gaining muscle mass and increases the risk of losing the muscle you've gained altogether. This is especially unfortunate if you spend hours at the gym. Consuming alcohol could put all of that hard work to waste.
3. It causes unwanted weight gain
Have you ever examined the nutritional facts on the beer you enjoy? If you haven't, you'll be shocked to find out that the average calorie count in just one beer is 154 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, and for most, that number is multiplied because of the urge to keep drinking. Not only does consuming alcohol result in unwanted weight gain, but it also causes you to burn fat slower than normal, which could influence serious health problems down the road if you don't maintain a healthy weight.
"Giving up on alcohol can improve your sleeping patterns."
4. It disrupts sleeping patterns
Did you know that consuming alcohol can keep you from getting a good night's sleep? According to a study led by Julia Chan and published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, drinking before bed increases cerebral activity that normally occurs when you're awake. Overall, the researchers found that the participants who consumed alcohol before bed were more likely to experience sleep disturbances and less likely to sleep through the night. By giving up alcohol, you can improve your sleep patterns, which can ultimately improve your mood and cognitive ability.
5. It increases your risk of cancer
If you're searching for a serious reason to give up alcohol, this one takes the cake. According to the National Cancer Institute, there have been numerous studies that prove consuming alcohol is associated with the development of numerous cancers, including head, neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal. The more alcohol you drink, the higher you are at risk for these cancers. By eliminating alcohol from your diet, you can help to reduce your chance of developing these cancers, ultimately bettering your body for a bright, healthy future.
