As I near the end of my 30-day no-alcohol challenge, I wanted to share my journey. Whether you're considering a similar challenge or making another health-related change, this story might help you decide, provide insight into what to expect, and inspire you to take that step. It doesn't have to be about alcohol; it could be about reducing sweet or fried foods, getting more exercise, taking more downtime, cutting back on screen time, quitting cigarettes or vapes, or limiting social media.
Was cutting out alcohol worth it? At first....no!
The first three weeks were tough, and I was convinced this was a health habit I didn’t need to adopt. In fact, I could argue that I felt worse! A cold hit during the first week, but thankfully, I recovered quickly. The second week brought a sore stomach, which is rare for me, though it only lasted a few days. Then, just as I was starting to feel better, I got a migraine—annoyingly common for me, but this one lasted longer than usual.
A bit of investigation
I began to wonder if this was a mini-detox from alcohol. Despite some research, the idea didn’t seem to fit, given that I wasn’t a heavy drinker to start with.
In my practice, I’m skilled at creating detailed timelines for clients to link symptoms to events. When I applied the same approach to myself, it seemed I was indeed experiencing a reaction to this change.
Could the increased cortisol levels, both from alcohol consumption and abstinence, be causing an amplified stress response?
Alcohol raises blood sugar, and so does cortisol—was my body resetting its blood sugar regulation?
I also felt a shift in my gut, possibly due to changes in the gut bacteria, which might explain the stomach discomfort. The gut-brain connection might also be why my mood was low during those three weeks.
The shift
This week a shift happened, and I’m finally feeling much better! My sleep has improved—a common side effect of stopping alcohol. My nighttime temperature and heart rate have been more stable, easing my sleep and perimenopausal symptoms. My clarity of thought is clearer than before, decision-making is easier, and my mood has lifted. My skin and eyes are also brighter, which is an added bonus!
So, what’s happening?
Gut Health: Even moderate drinking can damage the gut lining, affecting nutrient absorption and potentially triggering unwanted immune responses like allergies, intolerances, and autoimmune conditions. Alcohol can also affect bacteria negatively, by cutting it out I have altered my microbiome for the better.
Liver: The liver detoxifies alcohol, which can strain it. It also detoxifies nutrients, foods and other toxins. It is involved in the breakdown of foods by producing bile acids and stores energy and nutrients. It is a busy organ that can be easily taxed.
Adrenals: These small glands situated at the top your kidneys release stress hormones like cortisol. Alcohol can raise cortisol levels, and interestingly, stopping alcohol can also result in high cortisol. My adrenals, possibly fatigued from an under- active thyroid, perimenopause, and past stressors, were further challenged by the abstinence however they now seem to be recovering after these three weeks, leading to better sleep, more energy, and clearer thinking.
Perimenopause: Alcohol can affect temperature and heart rate, especially during certain times of the month. Cutting it out may reduce hot flushes. While medications, supplements, and herbal remedies are often recommended, sometimes a simple habit change can have a significant impact.
Blood Sugar: Alcohol is high in sugar, which influences energy levels, appetite, weight, mood, and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Supporting blood sugar regulation is a key health benefit that can reduce both acute symptoms and long-term health risks.
What's next?
As Sunday approaches, I’m contemplating my next steps. I do enjoy the taste and pleasure of a glass of red wine with a meal. However, the clarity of thought, better sleep, increased energy, improved mood and reduced perimenopausal symptoms might just be enough to consider saying goodbye to my drinking days.
For more tips on habit changes click here.
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