Many of us justify drinking wine with dinner after a hard day or beer at happy hour with the health advantages of wine. Although it may have health advantages, alcohol is poisonous and psychoactive.
Wine may relax and make you sleepy, but how does it effect sleep? Alcohol is a depressive and sedative, thus it may assist people fall asleep but cause poor sleep.
Who wants to worry about the brain over a nightcap? Many drink to "turn off the brain" and unwind after a long day. Daily alcohol usage harms brain health.
Many people drink to deal with a low mood, but alcohol may be causing a cycle of moodiness. Depressants like alcohol affect brain neurotransmitters including serotonin, GABA, and dopamine.
Alcohol dehydrates through encouraging water and salt excretion. After drinking, dehydration causes a dry mouth and a desire for water.
Alcohol has several weight effects. Alcohol may impair sleep, which is essential for weight control.
A robust immune system is essential for fighting off illness and immunity is negatively affected by chronic alcohol consumption.
Gut health is crucial to overall health. Gut health regulates mood, hormones, immunity, and inflammation. Alcohol damages the gut lining and kills healthy gut microorganisms.