Effects on the body of quitting alcohol

Quitting alcohol also has positive effects on the body, which can be noticed from the first days to the following months

Alcohol is a substance that affects various organs and systems of the human body, and its excessive consumption can cause irreversible damage to health. 

Effects on the body of quitting alcohol

Some of the benefits that can be obtained after giving up alcohol are described below.

Improves liver function

The liver is the organ in charge of metabolizing alcohol and eliminating its toxins. Chronic alcohol use can cause liver inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis, which compromise the liver's ability to perform its vital functions. By stopping drinking alcohol, the stress on the liver is reduced and its cell regeneration is favored, which improves its functioning and prevents future complications.

The liver is an essential organ in the process of metabolizing alcohol and eliminating its toxic products. Here is a more detailed explanation:

• Alcohol metabolism: When you consume alcohol, your liver works to break it down into less toxic substances, such as acetaldehyde, and then into acetic acid and water. This process involves liver enzymes, primarily alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. However, the metabolism process can also generate free radicals and cause oxidative stress, which can damage liver cells.
• Inflammation and scarring: Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the liver (alcoholic hepatitis), which can eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis). Over time, this scarring process can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, where scar tissue gradually replaces normal liver cells. Cirrhosis can seriously compromise liver function.
• Liver regeneration: The liver has an amazing ability to regenerate. When you stop consuming alcohol, you reduce the stress placed on the liver. This allows damaged liver cells a chance to regenerate and partially restore normal liver function. However, in advanced cases of cirrhosis, the ability to regenerate may be limited due to irreversible structural damage.
• Improving Function and Preventing Complications: By stopping drinking alcohol, you give your liver a chance to recover and reduce inflammation. This can help prevent the progression of liver disease and the development of serious complications, such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and liver cancer.

It is important to note that the damage caused by chronic alcohol use can be severe and that, in some cases, cirrhosis or other liver complications can be irreversible. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention and follow the recommendations of health professionals if you are concerned about your liver health due to alcohol consumption. In addition, prevention and moderation in alcohol consumption are key to maintaining a healthy liver and preventing possible problems in the future.

Reduces cardiovascular risk

Alcohol increases blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which favors the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks, angina pectoris or strokes. By refraining from drinking alcohol, these parameters are normalized and the health of the heart and blood vessels is protected.

Here's a more detailed explanation of how alcohol can affect heart and blood vessel health:

• Blood Pressure: Alcohol can raise blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart disease.
• Cholesterol and triglycerides: Alcohol can also influence blood lipid levels. Excessive consumption can increase levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, and in some cases, it can also increase LDL ("bad cholesterol") cholesterol. These changes in blood lipids contribute to the development of atheromatous plaques in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the narrowing and hardening of the arteries.
• Formation of atheromatous plaques: Atheromatous plaques are deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other materials that accumulate on the walls of the arteries. Over time, these plaques can grow, obstructing blood flow and limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart and brain. This increases the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks (strokes), angina, and strokes.
• Withdrawal Benefits: When you stop consuming alcohol, your blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels may return to healthier levels. This in turn can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and improve the overall health of the heart and blood vessels.

It is important to note that the relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health can be complex and depends on a number of factors, including the amount and frequency of consumption, individual genetics, and general health.

Promotes weight loss

Alcohol provides empty calories, that is, without nutritional value, which accumulate in the body as fat. 

In addition, alcohol stimulates the appetite and reduces the feeling of satiety, which can lead to eating more than necessary. By eliminating alcohol from the diet, caloric intake is reduced and body weight control is facilitated.

• Empty Calories: Calories from alcohol are considered empty calories because they provide energy (calories) to the body but do not provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, or protein. These calories do not contribute significantly to the functioning and health of the body, and instead can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
• Fat storage: Excess calories from alcohol can be stored in the body as fat. This can lead to weight gain and the development of obesity if alcohol consumption is frequent and not balanced by a healthy diet and physical activity.
• Appetite stimulation: Alcohol can stimulate the appetite and decrease the feeling of fullness. This can lead to eating more than necessary or consuming less healthy foods, which in turn contributes to weight gain.
• Weight control: Eliminating alcohol from the diet reduces the intake of empty calories. This can make it easier to control your body weight, since you are reducing the amount of extra calories that could contribute to unwanted weight gain.

It is important to note that the impact of alcohol on weight and health can vary depending on individual factors, such as the amount and frequency of consumption, metabolism, genetics, and overall lifestyle. If you are interested in maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight, limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption may be a beneficial step in your goal. It is essential to adopt a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

It enhances sleep quality

Alcohol alters sleep cycles and decreases the quantity and quality of deep sleep, which is the most restful. This can cause tiredness, sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. By not consuming alcohol, a deeper and more restful sleep is favored, which improves mood and cognitive performance.

Alcohol consumption can affect sleep and how abstinence can have positive effects on sleep quality and general well-being. Here is a more detailed explanation:

• Sleep disturbance: Although alcohol can make you drowsy and help you fall asleep faster, it can have a negative impact on sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt normal sleep cycles, especially REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and deep sleep. As a result, you may wake up more frequently during the night and experience less restful sleep.
• Reduction of deep sleep: Deep sleep is an essential phase for the recovery of the body and mind. During this phase, memory restoration and consolidation processes are performed. Alcohol can reduce the amount of time you spend in deep sleep, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness during the day.
• Daytime Effects: Sleep disruption caused by alcohol can have negative daytime effects. You may feel tired, irritable, and have trouble concentrating. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to the development of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
• Improved sleep by not consuming alcohol: By stopping alcohol consumption, you can restore your normal sleep pattern and allow you to experience deeper, more restful sleep. This can have a positive impact on your mood, energy level, and cognitive performance throughout the day.

It is important to remember that the relationship between alcohol and sleep can vary depending on the amount and frequency of consumption, as well as other individual factors. If you're experiencing sleep problems or considering stopping alcohol use to improve your sleep quality, it's a good idea to speak with a health professional, such as a doctor or sleep specialist, for specific guidance and recommendations.

Increases self-esteem

Alcohol can negatively affect self-esteem, generating feelings of guilt, shame or regret for actions carried out under its effects. In addition, alcohol can interfere with personal, family and work relationships, which can lead to conflict or social isolation. When you stop drinking alcohol, you regain control over your own life and strengthen your self-confidence.

Alcohol can have a significant impact on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. Here you will see a more detailed explanation of how alcohol can influence these aspects and how stopping drinking can be beneficial:

• Self-esteem and negative emotions: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to impulsive or unhealthy actions, which are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. Negative experiences while under the influence of alcohol can undermine self-esteem and trigger emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Interpersonal relationships: Alcohol can affect personal, family and work relationships in various ways. Impulsive or inappropriate behavior under the influence of alcohol can cause tension and conflict with loved ones. Additionally, alcohol dependence can cause people to withdraw from friends and family, leading to social isolation.
• Job Performance and Isolation: Excessive alcohol use can interfere with job performance and the ability to maintain healthy working relationships. Absenteeism, poor concentration, and alcohol-related behavior problems can jeopardize employment and job opportunities.
• Recovery of control and confidence: When you stop drinking alcohol, you regain control over decisions and actions. This can lead to an improvement in self-esteem, as you free yourself from the negative feelings associated with excessive alcohol consumption. As you move away from alcohol and its negative effects, it is possible to build confidence in yourself and in your abilities to face life's challenges.

The decision to stop drinking alcohol can be a significant step toward emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and increased self-esteem. However, it is important to recognize that stopping alcohol use can be a challenging process, especially if a dependency has developed. In many cases, seeking professional support, such as therapy or support groups, can be critical to successfully making this transition and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to alcohol use.