Dry January: This is what happens to your body after two weeks without alcohol
DRY JANUARY is a campaign encouraging people to discuss and think about how much alcohol they drink. As we near the half-way stage, how does going alcohol-free for two weeks affect the body?
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Blood pressure will start to lower after two weeks of going alcohol-free, according to Optical Express.
Cutting out the empty calories will also begin to show, as you may begin to notice slight weight loss.
Your eyesight may also begin to improve, as the lower blood pressure eases hypertensive retinopathy - a condition which causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
Reducing the symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy will ultimately improve the eye’s ability to focus images, Optical Express said.
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The longer you abstain you may also notice your eyes become brighter and whiter
“As well as the more commonly known pros of Dry January - weight loss, better sleep and saving money - there are a whole host of benefits to your eyes and overall eye health,” said Optical Express Clinical Services Director, Stephen Hannan.
“Cutting out alcohol as part of Dry January will allow your body to reverse and put the brakes on many of the short and long-term effects of drinking.
“For example, after just 24 hours of no alcohol, your blood sugar levels will normalise and blurred vision caused by alcohol intake will disappear.
“The longer you abstain you may also notice your eyes become brighter and whiter, as your body counteracts damage/yellowing of the sclera – the white part of your eye. Plus, your circulation will be improved meaning your eyes receive oxygen and nutrients to prevent disease and damage, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.”
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After going the entire month alcohol-free, the body’s red blood cells will be much healthier, resulting in better blood flow and oxygen supply to your organs, Optical Express said.
Maintaining good blood circulation is important for eye health, as it means they are better able to prevent disease and damage - including glaucoma and macular degeneration.
People going booze-free during January will likely feel healthier and happier, according to charity Alcohol Concern.
It could also save people money, as the average person in the UK spends about £50,000 on alcohol in their lifetime, it said.
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Taking part in Dry January will help your liver to function better, as it cuts the risk of inflammation and long-term liver damage.
Alcohol also stops the body from digesting fats properly, so excessive amounts of fat start to build-up in the liver. That means going 31 days without alcohol could help you to lose weight.
Cutting back on alcohol will also improve your sleeping habits, and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
Dry January, however, isn’t a ‘magic bullet’ - it won’t magically fix everything in your body if you’re drinking too much for the remaining 11 months of the year.
