Lose weight, save money, sleep better Benefits of alcohol fasting in January

Ever heard of "Dry January"?

In England it is a trend, in this country rather unknown. The so-called "Dry January", in English: Dry January. This is to abstain from any alcohol consumption in January for one month. This trend is so popular in England that its effects have recently been studied in one study. Obviously, the one-month alcohol abstinence brings numerous health and financial benefits. If you do not have good intentions for 2019, you should try the "Dry January".

Better sleep, more money on the account and less pounds on the hip - that should be the positive consequences of a non-alcoholic month, according to an English study by the University of Sussex. In addition, the one-month waiver lead to a more controlled drinking afterwards. This is reported by many who have tried it, about better skin and more energy.

New Year's Eve is drunk a lot of alcohol. In the new year, many people then take a good intent. Why not spend January non-alcoholic? According to a recent study, this brings numerous health benefits. (Image: Olesia Bilkei / fotolia.com)

Documented abstinence

The team around psychologist Richard de Visser evaluated polls from over 800 subjects who voluntarily renounced all alcohol for one month in January 2018 and documented their findings. Six months later, a further survey of the participants took place. It showed that alcohol abstinence in January even had positive long-term effects.

What can one expect from a one-month alcohol abstinence??

According to the survey evaluation, 93 percent of the participants reported a positive sense of achievement. Around nine out of ten people saved money in January, eight out of ten people gained better control over their drinking habits, 76 percent learned more about when and why they drink, and 71 percent realized that they can enjoy themselves without alcohol. Seven out of ten participants noted improvement in their health after the month. 71 percent slept better and 67 percent had more energy. About six out of ten participants dropped out. 57 percent were able to concentrate better after the month and 54 percent reported a better skin.

Long-term effects of alcohol-free January

In the second survey, which took place six months later, the researchers found that the one-month waiver still had effects. In August 2018, for example, participants reported that they drink an average of one less alcohol per week per week. The frequency of an alcoholic spell dropped from 3.4 times per month to 2.1 times. "Not taking alcohol for a month helps people to drink less in the long term," says study leader Dr. Richard de Visser in a press release on the study results.

The campaign is becoming increasingly popular

The "Dry January" is supported by the charity Alcohol Change UK. With its own website and its own app more people are to be motivated to alcohol fasting in January. "Non-alcoholic January can change lives," says Dr Richard Piper, chairman of Alcohol Change UK. He and his team hear every day about people who have taken control of their drinking behavior through Dry January, making them feel happier and healthier.

Health consequences of alcohol consumption

"Many of us are aware of the health risks of alcohol," says Piper. Alcohol promotes seven forms of cancer, liver disease and mental health problems. Already less drinking has an immediate benefit. (Vb)