It’s no secret that alcohol is bad for your health. Most people are aware of the obvious negative alcohol effects, including hangovers, dehydration, and nausea. But the long term negative alcohol effects are much worse.
Alcohol acts as a poison to your organs that builds up over time. Long term and excessive alcohol abuse can lead to liver or organ failure, brain damage, cardiovascular disease, and of course, addiction.
New studies show that even a little bit of alcohol is bad for you, which is disappointing news for one-glass-a-day alcohol drinkers. But is it really necessary to nix alcohol altogether? Are there ways to holistically combat the negative alcohol effects on your body?
4 Holistic Health Tips for Combating Negative Alcohol Effects on the Body
1. Go for a Jog
Alcohol negatively impacts brain health by killing brain cells and causing a decrease in the size of your brain, particularly in the frontal lobes. Long-term alcohol use can lead to long-term cognitive impairment like memory loss and difficulty reasoning.
The negative effects of alcohol on your brain also include interference with the production of “feel good” hormones serotonin and dopamine. Over time, this may cause issues with depression, anxiety, and addiction.
However, studies show that aerobic exercise may reverse some of the brain damage caused by heavy drinking. It’s shown that exercise may prevent and repair alcohol related brain damage by protecting your brain’s white matter.
2. Eat More Berries
Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and goji berries, are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural chemicals that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
The negative effects of alcohol include both inflammation and can cause oxidative damage to your cells. Consuming more fruits and vegetables like berries may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by alcohol.
3. Zinc Up and Drink Your OJ
Alcohol suppresses your immune system, making you more prone to illness. Consuming more zinc and vitamin C may help to combat these negative effects by strengthening your immune system.
Good sources of zinc include oysters, meat, and seafood. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (like oranges), broccoli, and bell peppers.
4. Drink More Coffee
Coffee does more than put a pep in your step. Studies show that drinking coffee can help reduce your risk of liver disease and may protect against the negative effects on your liver.
Coffee’s benefits largely stem from the magic bean’s high antioxidant level, which have been shown to protect against numerous diseases.
Holistic Health and the Negative Alcohol Effects on Your Body–The Takeaway
Alcohol consumption may be okay occasionally in small amounts but ultimately, no alcohol is good for you. If you are going to drink, take holistic health measures to reduce negative effects of alcohol on your body.
Suffering from problem drinking or the negative alcohol effects on your body? A holistic nutrition and exercise program can help reduce some of your symptoms and improve your overall health.
Book a complimentary session with me today to find out how holistic coaching can help you rethink your alcohol use and reprogram your physical and mental health.