Why You Should Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a social lubricant that people around the world love to consume. In moderation, it's unlikely to have lasting effects on your health. But if you consume too much too often, you're opening yourself up to a range of health concerns. If you're looking for some inspiration so you can drink less, here are some reasons to cut back on alcohol.
Poor Sleep
Alcohol affects a variety of neurotransmitters, which results in its sedating effects. By acting on neurotransmitter receptors, it prevents you from enjoying a refreshing sleep and can leave you feeling groggy the next day. As a result, you're less likely to engage positively with daily tasks and you're more likely to develop habits such as overeating. While you may be able to afford to get a poor night's sleep from time to time, regular occurrences can affect your mental and physical health. If you attend a lot of social events, try staying sober for some of them to protect your resting hours.
Reduced Fertility
As an area of men's health and women's health that causes concern for many, fertility can be a sensitive subject. Men who consume alcohol too often can lower their testosterone levels, which in turn affects their sperm count. As a result, they may struggle to conceive when the time comes. Women who regularly binge drink are less likely to have regular periods, which means they may not ovulate with the regularity required to fall pregnant. If you're trying to conceive, consider cutting out alcohol.
Increased Anxiety
Have you ever noticed how you feel anxious the day after you drink? This happens because alcohol affects the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain. While serotonin is responsible for happiness, dopamine can contribute to pleasure and motivation. When serotonin and dopamine levels reduce, you're more likely to experience anxious feelings. Although alcohol may make you feel pleasure when you consume it, you pay for those sensations the next day as your neurotransmitters come back into balance. If you're seeking a similar sort of high, try turning to exercise or yoga. They'll give you short serotonin hits, but without you feeling ill effects the next day.
Alcohol can also increase your risk of certain forms of cancer and heart disease. Next time you go on a night out, try trading every other glass of alcohol for a soft drink or water. If you feel as though you're struggling with your alcohol consumption, speak to your GP.
