Doctor explains what happens to your body while taking part in Dry January
Many have committed to the 31-day challenge during which you abstain from alcohol
It's that time of year again when gyms are packed and exercise gear is snapped up in the sales as so many look for a health kick to start out the New Year.
Many will also be completing Dry January in a bid to recover from all the mulled wine, Champagne and other alcoholic beverages that tend to be consumed that bit more over the festive period. The 31-day challenge has grown in popularity in recent years as people abstain from alcohol to give their body a well-needed break.
For regular drinkers, Dry January might bring with it some unfamiliar experiences but one doctor has explained what to expect.
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Dr Tim Mercer, a GP with the NHS, told The Mirror of the health benefits associated with ditching the booze for a few weeks, including better sleep and weight loss - pointing out that alcohol, particularly when consumed to excess like many do over Christmas, is in general "pretty bad for us."
Dr Mercer added: "If you've been drinking lots of alcohol throughout the holiday period, you might actually notice insomnia develop in the first instance when you withdraw from using alcohol in the first week of Dry January. In the first week [of Dry January], you will be adjusting to the absence of alcohol.
"Hopefully, you don't get withdrawal, but you may get some symptoms such as mild headaches and difficulty with onset maintenance of sleep."
After the potential shock to the system of the first week, the second week of Dry January should result in improvements to your energy levels, as well as digestion. You should also notice clearer skin and enjoy better nights' sleep.
The doctor explained that "by the third week, you're in the swing of things, and your body is starting to become alcohol-free."
The liver should become much healthier by the end of the month and many will even notice weight loss after 31 days free from alcohol.
Other health benefits that come with taking a break from the booze include lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, more energy and better absorption of nutrients and vitamins. That's not to mention the benefit you'll see in your bank balance as many notice they've saved quite a bit while completing Dry January.
For more guidance and advice on taking a break from alcohol, you can visit the HSE website here.
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