“Good actions give strength to ourselves, and inspire good actions in others.”
— Samuel Smiles
You may not know this.
But many people are participating in a campaign called Dry Feb this month.
Check it out here:
The short version is you agree to give up alcohol for the month of February to help raise funds for cancer research. What a great idea. Do something for your health and contribute to a cause while you’re at it!
It’s win-win.
Any type or amount of alcohol increases your cancer risk.
According to the website, in 2017, an estimated 8,000 cancers diagnosed in Canada were related to alcohol consumption. And while I myself occasionally enjoy [your favourite drink here], there are plenty of health reasons to consider a deliberate pause in ‘festivities’, even if they’re usually moderate.
With that in mind, here are five MORE reasons to take a break from alcohol.
1. Reduce inflammation. Apart from being key marker for disease, inflammation interrupts hormones which are essential to a healthy metabolism. A few less cocktails, and not only will you spare yourself the inflammatory effects, but you may find results from your fitness program come a lot more easily.
2. Detox. Alcohol puts strain on your liver, and inhibits its function. By lowering the chemical burden on your body, you’ll be miles ahead in restoring optimal function and overall health.
3. Less liquid calories. Calories from beer and wine don’t add much in terms of nourishment or helping you feel full, but tack on quite a few extra cals to your daily and weekly totals.
Remember, you can never ‘outrun’ a bad diet!
4. Rehydrate. The dehydrating effect of alcohol ravages the body, and dries out your skin, which ages you faster. Looking for the fountain of youth? Unfortunately, it’s not on tap at the bar! On the other hand, when you’re well hydrated you’ll feel alert and energized.
5. Sleep better. Sure you might sleep like a rock for the first few hours after a few drinks, but alcohol prevents your body from reaching the latter stages of sleep, and can cause you to wake up. Skip the night cap. Rise feeling rested instead.
BONUS: This should go without saying but no hangovers!
Anyway, just planting a few seeds here.
If you’re not ready to go “cold turkey” in February, you might want to look at March or April so you can greet the spring refreshed and feeling great.
Sincerely In Health,
Dr. Josh
P.S. Check out this 2-minute clip to learn how one patient got relief from light-sensitivity, headaches and back pain, and now enjoys more active time with his family:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkBjUCxGfM&feature=youtu.be
