Friends- this month, I am proud to be celebrating “dry January” and hope you are too! Truthfully- it’s not something I ever thought about in the past…if I drink 2 drinks a week, that’s a lot. BUT, you know I’m a bit of a research nerd and here’s the thing…the research OVERWHELMINGLY points out that alcohol is a neurotoxin, leads to inflammation and leaky gut in even small doses, and contributes to aging, poor sleep and mood imbalances. Drinking more than 2 drinks a week for women or 3 drinks a week for men can lead to these results. (Don’t hate me for being the bearer of bad news, folks!) So, why not cut it out for a month, right?!?

If you’re over here celebrating “dry January” with me, or thinking about reducing your alcohol consumption, this week’s article is for you! Special thanks to our guest bloggers this week, Ark Behavioral Health. Ark Behavioral Health is an addiction treatment provider offering substance abuse treatment services in MA and Ohio. Check them out, folks- and spread their contact info to anyone you know who could use this support! Huge thanks to them for the work they do!!

It’s no secret that excessive alcohol consumption is not good for you. From fatty liver disease to a weakened heart and immune system, the health issues that may develop from alcohol abuse are well-documented. Mounting evidence also shows that people who drink heavily tend to age faster, both in appearance and bodily function.

Alcohol speeds up the aging process even for healthy-looking people who reap the benefits of physical activity and an otherwise healthy diet. The following is an overview of how alcohol ages us, both inside and out.  

Inflammation & Dry, Sagging Skin

Alcoholic drinks, particularly wines, beers, and mixed cocktails, can contain high amounts of sugar. Sugar in alcohol can lead to inflammation, which damages cells and tissue throughout the body. Too much sugar from any source can accelerate aging because it interacts with collagen and elastin in the skin, making it less firm over time. 

Alcohol’s dehydrating effects can also lead to dry, sagging skin that wrinkles more easily. Dehydration can also result in a loss of supple skin tone that gives a more youthful look. The skin may look parched, hollow, and wrinkled far beyond your years when alcohol is abused regularly. 

Loss in Bone Density

One of the most pernicious effects of alcohol is how it affects your body’s ability to absorb nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, an essential mineral for bone health. Studies show that excess alcohol consumption leads to a higher risk for osteoporosis. The 2022 study also showed that men who drink too much may produce less testosterone, a hormone linked to helping bones form, and women may have decreased levels of estrogen that can lead to bone loss.  

Nutritional Deficiency 

Heavy alcohol use also causes nutritional deficiencies due to the way it suppresses appetite and leads to consuming fewer healthy foods. A lack of essential nutrients accelerates aging by not giving cells what they need to regenerate. Deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, and antioxidants show in dull, lackluster skin, hair, and nails. 

Lack of Restful Sleep

While a few drinks may help you fall asleep faster, alcohol reduces restorative REM sleep. People who get less deep sleep tend to look and feel older, with dark circles under their eyes, lower energy levels, and dull skin. Adequate sleep is essential as it allows the body to restore itself on a cellular level.  

Alcohol-Related Brain Damage

Over time, drinking can shrink brain cells and lead to alcohol-related brain damage as well as certain types of dementia. Symptoms of this may include a lack of judgment, limited emotional control, anger issues, and problems staying focused. Accelerated cognitive decline robs you of your youthful vibrancy and independence. Brain aging also makes you less sharp and capable of participating in activities. 

Heart Problems

Drinking too much can cause high blood pressure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and stroke. The heart can wear out before its time, requiring medication, medical procedures, and drastic lifestyle changes to remain operational. When the heart ages prematurely, you will feel fatigued faster and limited in what activities you can participate in. 

Other Life-Threatening Medical Problems

Prolonged heavy drinking can lead to a myriad of medical issues that affect vital organs and make the body feel weaker. Liver disease, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes are more likely to occur, as are other serious diseases. These ailments can leave you dependent on medications and frequent doctor visits to stay healthy. 

Is There a Safe Amount of Alcohol? 

Current research shows conflicting information about whether there is a safe or even healthy amount of alcohol that people can consume daily. Any amount of ethanol inhibits the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body in an efficient manner. 

If you want to look as youthful as possible, it’s probably best to abstain from alcohol as much as possible. If you do drink, limit yourself to 1-2 drinks up to 3 times per week maximum. You can also prioritize nutrition, hydration, restful sleep, and exercise to counteract alcohol’s aging properties. 

From increasing disease risk to damaging our youthful looks, alcohol takes a heavy toll on the body and mind. Moderation is key, along with implementing healthy habits to deter premature aging.

Hope you guys soaked in some of that amazing info too! Let’s all move that needle this next month to continued better health!

To your health,

~Jess