I like it. A lot. It tastes good, and it relaxes me. So, I’m qualified to speak to you on the realistic approach to the 30 days program and lifestyle change in this area. Someone else will have to talk about coffee. It was never my thing.

The point of this whole program is to make shifts, even small ones. Each shift towards health will give you results. If you can’t strictly adhere to the guidelines, that’s ok. Move in the direction you want to go and you will be better for it. 

Alcohol. Generally referred to as “alcohol,” ethanol is the substance that makes you drunk. It’s produced by yeasts that digest sugar in certain carb-rich foods, such as grapes — used to make wine — or grains — used to make beer.

The Liver

When you drink alcohol, your liver turns acetaldehyde into an acid. Some of the acetaldehyde enters your blood, damaging your membranes and possibly causing scar tissue. It also leads to a hangover, and can result in a faster heartbeat, a headache, or an upset stomach. The brain is most affected by acetaldehyde poisoning. It causes problems with brain activity and can impair memory. Acetaldehyde can cause amnesia, which is the inability to remember things. This is a common effect for people who drink too much alcohol.

Fatty liver gradually develops in 90% of those who drink more than a 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of alcohol per day and is usually symptomless and fully reversible (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source). Cirrhosis is irreversible and associated with many serious health problems. In advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option.

The Brain

Ethanol reduces communication between brain cells — a short-term effect responsible for many of the symptoms of being drunk. Because your brain is very sensitive to damage, chronic alcohol abuse may increase your risk of dementia and cause brain shrinkage in middle-aged and older adults.

Anxiety & Depression

While alcohol intake and depression seem to increase the risk of one another simultaneously, alcohol abuse may be the stronger causal factor (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

Many people facing anxiety and depression drink intentionally to reduce stress and improve mood. While drinking may provide a few hours of relief, it will worsen your overall mental health and spark a vicious cycle.

Weight Gain

Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat — packing about 7 calories per gram.

Sleep

While alcohol may seem to help you go to sleep, it can give you restless sleep and leave you waking up tired and with low energy.

---

Now, even though I’ve told you all these possible health issues alcohol can cause, I know that I will continue to drink long-term. So, how do I do this responsibly with a healthy living mindset?

• I limit alcohol.
• I drink less sugary alcoholic drinks.
• I switch to gluten-free alcohol. Ex. instead of wine, I can have a Tito’s vodka with soda and half of a fizz stick with lime or lemon.
• But, above all, I limit.

“I can’t give up alcohol!” Let’s look at that, friends. Drink, but always be able to stop. If you can’t stop, maybe ask yourself why.

Why can’t I give up alcohol, even for a short period of time? What void is it filling for me? Is this the best way to de-stress or to deal with my issues? If you can’t face the life in front of you (which I totally understand), please consider getting some help.

Some support from a counselor or through exercise or through making the hard decisions necessary to make life bearable. You matter to us on all levels. This isn’t JUST about how good can we look. It’s about how good can we feel.

What can we accomplish if we just show up 5% better than yesterday? I’m going to ask some of you to give up alcohol altogether. I’m going to say to those of you who just can’t do it yet, to limit and to drink healthier options. I’m going to ask those of you who can’t even limit to please seek whatever help you need because there really is a better life waiting for you, and you matter too much to live small because of fear and past pain.