Let’s talk alcohol.
I don’t know about you, but I feel as if alcohol has become apart of our culture more than ever. During Covid, in the state of Ohio, liquor stores were named “essential” and allowed to remain open. To which I ask the question, is our country really THAT dependent on the stuff?
We are even being subconsciously influenced by the shows we watch. I challenge you to watch your favorite show count how many times alcohol makes an appearance. It is being normalized and engrained in us, possibly without us even realizing it.
“Interestingly, I found that sometimes not drinking, it was a little alienating.” – Blake Lively
Now, I’m not opposed to alcohol, don’t get me wrong – I drank significantly more towards the end of the year like many others. BUT with that said, not only did I see it show up in my weight, but I began to feel much more sluggish and unmotivated. My health was starting to suffer. It’s a slippery slope.
In 2020 I made myself a commitment that I would go without alcohol for 100 days. I knew that rather than drinking for the taste, I was drinking more for the “relaxing” effect. Oops. I was able to give up alcohol for over a year.
Not drinking made me realize just how much of an impact wine, beer, liquor and the like had on my body. Was it easy? Nope. Let’s be honest – if I had a dollar for every time I was asked “Why aren’t you drinking?” I’d have hundreds in the bank right now.
Problem with alcohol is that even though you may be more relaxed in the moment, the hormonal influence and impact on the microbiota and liver, may actually cause more of an issue for us down the road.
When you drink alcohol, it is the first thing your liver metabolizes. Alcohol is the number one agenda. Because of this, your liver forgoes other important functions and detoxification to deal with the liver. Estrogen metabolism, take a backseat.
The hard truth of the matter is, alcohol can impact your hormones in a BIG way. Here are some of the ways you might not know about:
- Contributes to Estrogen Dominance
- Impacts the liver
- Disrupts the gut microbiome and likely the estrobolome
- Increases blood sugar
- Heightens cortisol
- Acidifies the body
- Destroys sleep – especially deep sleep
Some of you may be participating in dry January, others of you not. Wherever you stand on this topic, I encourage you to assess where you’re at. Are you drinking a glass of wine now again because you really enjoy it, or are you drinking in order to fill a void, destress, or fit in? Do you have a healthy or unhealthy relationship with alcohol?
When it comes to our health, I would recommend avoiding alcohol all together until you hit the health goals you are looking to hit. Which is why I want to provide you with some noon-alcoholic alternatives.
My 4 Favorites
2) Three Spirit
3) Kin
4) Betty Buzz
Most of these non-alcoholic alternatives give you a relaxation sensation but they use herbs in order to do so, not alcohol – making them a healthier alternative. The only thing to watch with these would be the sugar content.
So not to be ostracized, pour yourself one of these and make not drinking cool again 😎
When it comes to health:
“Never be afraid to stand with the minority when the minority is right, for the minority which is right will one day be the majority.”
Be sure to let me know if you are in need support with this. I know because of my own past challenges with alcohol, this can be a really difficult journey.
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your health.
Make this your year.
Jess Williams - The Gut Gurl 