The hormonal impact of dry January: What you need to know

dailyrecord.co.uk:

It’s estimated that 9 million people across the UK are participating in Dry January this year. While many are familiar with the physical benefits of abstaining from alcohol, the hormonal impact of this 31-day initiative is less well known.Dry January encourages people to give up alcohol for the month, offering a chance to rethink their drinking habits and how alcohol fits into their lives.By taking a break, participants can experience physical and mental health benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, better concentration, and weight loss.Now, Mike Kocsis, MBA and Medical Case Manager at Balance My Hormones, explores the science behind how Dry January affects key hormones.

He outlines the most challenging days and provides essential advice for managing cravings and staying motivated throughout the month.Alcohol activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing a spike in cortisol levels.High cortisol can lead to anxiety, fat buildup (especially around the waist), and weakened immunity.

Withdrawing from alcohol for 30 days reduces cortisol production, boosting mood, energy, and reducing belly fat.Noticeable Benefits: Reduced bloating, improved mood, and less brain fog.The thyroid gland, responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels, is impacted by alcohol consumption, which disrupts the function of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones.This interference affects heart rate, digestion, and temperature regulation.Noticeable Benefits: After 30 days without alcohol, individuals may notice improvements in digestion, reduced heartburn and bloating, stabilised heart rate, and more balanced body temperature.