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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

The health benefits of going alcohol-free for one month

Better for your health and your wallet. - by Laura Barry
  • 15 Jul 2019

Although Dry July is now in full swing, it’s never too late to go alcohol-free. Setting yourself the challenge to go without alcohol can be done at any time of the year, not just during the designated month of awareness, and the health benefits are worth the sacrifice. And if the health benefits aren’t keeping you focussed, remember that Dry July is all for charity and you can help people affected by cancer by raising funds and awareness. Dietitian and Dry July Ambassador, Chloe McLeod explains some of the health benefits you can expect to experience during one month of living in an alcohol-free zone.  

You’ll have more energy

“When you stop drinking for a whole month you may find that your energy levels increase. You’ll be more active and ready to take on any task, whether that’s reaching your workout goal at the gym, or getting lots more work done than you usually would when drinking.”

women doing yoga

You'll have more energy.

Getty

You’ll have a stronger immune system

“When you consume large amounts of alcohol you weaken your immune system, making it hard for the body to fight off illnesses and diseases. Alcohol can also weaken your white blood cells and make them less effective at fighting off bad bacteria. When you stop drinking, your immune system strengthens and improves the body’s ability to fight infection, which is especially important this winter.”

Your memory and cognitive function will improve

“Moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers may develop a shrinkage of the brain, especially the parts that are associated with cognition and learning. Memory impairments are seen with even a few drinks, and these can continue to damage the memory function as you continue to increase your alcohol consumption. Abstaining from alcohol for a month or longer can repair and reverse damage to your brain and memory functions, which can include problem-solving, your attention-span and your thinking skills.”

woman writing on laptop

You'll be more switched on.

Getty

You’ll be more hydrated

“Dehydration is one of the most common symptoms of being hung over. Having low hydration levels can affect your concentration, energy levels and mood. This can affect how efficient you are at work, during your everyday tasks and at the gym. When you stop drinking you will find that your hydration levels spike back up to normal, resulting in you feeling less thirsty, as well as regaining your energy to continue on with your day.”

You might also like:

4 smart reasons to switch to non-alcoholic drinks 

10 healthy eating hacks to try 

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  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

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Aldi is now selling 2L casks of your favourite cocktails

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Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

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Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

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Udder Delights Cheese recalled due to E.coli contamination

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Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth-flavoured gins available now

You can now buy Pimm’s and Gordon’s Pink Gin in handy cans

You can now buy Pimm’s and Gordon’s Pink Gin in handy cans

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