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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Kate Lally & Will Maule

Dry January can have incredible benefits say health experts

Many of those who have abstained from alcohol this month may already be reaping a number of critical health benefits, experts have said.

Those dedicated enough to keep their Dry January vows could already be seeing better liver function, healthier skin and even improved mental health, reports Liverpool Echo.

Lauren Brooker from Alcohol Change said one "lovely" side effect of going booze-free may be beginning to show by now - significantly clearer skin. "Alcohol reduces the production of anti-diuretic hormone, so you lose water and sodium more quickly," she said.

"A low tissue water content, courtesy of your daily tipple, is the sworn enemy of soft, plump, peachy skin. As if that wasn’t enough, a few weeks off the sauce should see the size of facial pores diminish too."

Liver function

Ruari Fairbains, CEO of One Year No Beer (OYNB), previously told the Mirror that four weeks of no alcohol should result in your liver function making a complete recovery. He said: “Your liver performs over 500 vital functions, playing a critical role in fighting infections, maintaining hormonal balance, giving your body energy, converting food nutrients, and removing toxins.

“You’ll see the first signs of a healthier liver in more glowing skin and brighter eyes."

Weight loss

The Priory Group, which offers addiction treatment programmes among other services, says drinking 24 pints of beer is the equivalent of eating 20 chocolate bars. Alcohol also slows your metabolism, making it harder for your body to process fats and sugar.

You're also more likely to make healthier food choices if you're not intoxicated or hungover.

Reduced anxiety

You'll likely feel a bit brighter now than when you last had a drink. This is because alcohol is a depressant, and research shows that people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health problems. Most people who have consumed alcohol have experienced "hangxiety" - this is caused by a chemical imbalance created by the alcohol.

When you drink, your brain is lulled into an artificial state of relaxation, but to counteract this the next day, your anxiety levels will spike.

These are just some of the benefits of not consuming alcohol, and there are many, many more. For example, alcohol can cause seven types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth throat, liver, bowel and breast.

The more you drink on a regular basis the greater your risk.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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