We’re nearly at the end of Stoptober, as those of you have been taking part and gone sober for October are probably well aware. For those of you who haven’t been taking part here are some reasons why you possibly should have been…
According to new research from University College London taking a month off drinking alcohol could slash the risk of developing life threatening illnesses and diseases in later life.
Patients in the study who gave up drinking for four weeks saw benefits for their liver function, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The risk of them developing diabetes and liver disease was also lower, according to the research.
Those who abstained from boozing as part of the study also lost as much as 6lbs in weight and reported improvements in their concentration and sleeping.
Professor Moore who co-authored the study said that the benefits of taking time out from drinking were clear. After four weeks the participants’ ‘liver stiffness’ – an indication of damage and scarring – had been reduced by 12.5%, and their insulin resistance – a measurement of diabetes risk – had come down by 28%.
He also said that more work was needed to establish the lasting effects of taking not just one but two, three or more months off.
Apparently the Department of Health are looking at these initial results as they prepare new guidelines on safe drinking, with a view to reducing limit. Current guidlinessuggest that women should have no more than two or three units a day or fourteen units over a week while men should not exceed four units a day or twenty one a week.
One unit is the equivalent to less than half a glass of wine or half a pint of beer depending on strength and size.
The thing is that alcohol is forms such a huge part of our culture and plays a big role in our social lives, for many of us it is routine and habit. Most of us would probably actually find it quite difficult to give it up for a month. However, if this research is anything to go by perhaps we shouldn't just wait until Dry January, but give it a go and knock the booze on the head for a bit.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.