{"id":162715,"date":"2017-12-14T13:48:48","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T13:48:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=162715"},"modified":"2017-12-14T13:48:48","modified_gmt":"2017-12-14T13:48:48","slug":"healthier-quit-drinking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2017\/12\/14\/healthier-quit-drinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Would I Be Healthier If I Quit Drinking?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all heard that drinking moderately is good for us. But is that really true? Experts recommend that if you don\u2019t already drink you shouldn\u2019t start. So, perhaps drinking is not that great. And even though many people think they are light drinkers, they often are way past moderation. So, what would happen if you did stop drinking?<\/strong>
\n<\/p>\n

There might be benefits to alcohol drinking, but \u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Moderate alcohol intake is associated with a lower risk of diabetes, gallstones, and heart disease and there have even been studies suggesting that drinkers outlive people who don\u2019t drink. But most of the research on alcohol consist of large epidemiological studies that only show correlation, not causation. In other words, people who drink moderately might also do other things that keep them healthier. They might have a lower-stress personality, a healthier overall lifestyle, or good social connections and support. We can\u2019t be sure how big of a role alcohol consumption itself plays.<\/p>\n

\n
\"biggest-fails-food-prep-dieting-paleo-pizza\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\n Health & Training<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n

Biggest Fails in Food Prep and Dieting \u2013 Paleo Pizza<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n<\/div>\n

You might be drinking more than moderately<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even if alcohol was the cause of all those benefits, we are talking about light to moderate amounts. Moderate drinking is defined as up to 1 standard drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men; and no more than 3-4 drinks per drinking session. What\u2019s a standard drink?<\/p>\n

\u2022 355 ml beer (5% alcohol)
\n\u2022 150 ml glass of wine (12.5% alcohol)
\n\u2022 45 ml of liquor (40% alcohol)<\/p>\n

If you have a drink or two couple times a week and a few more on Friday or Saturday then you\u2019re likely defined as moderate heavy drinker already. Studies also show that people routinely underestimate their alcohol consumption. And this can be serious because the health risks of heavy drinking are pretty serious; not to mention the \u201chold my beer and watch\u201d effect.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger drinks a glass of beer after winning the 48th edition of the Amstel Gold Race in Valkenburg, Netherlands, 14 April 2013.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is it worth it to stop?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is clear there are risks when drinking too much but even moderate amounts can cause sleep disruption and weight gain or stalled weight loss. So, it\u2019s better to think of alcohol drinking as a trade-off, something that\u2019s probably fine when you\u2019re healthy but maybe not when you have athletic goals, or dealing with sleep or weight issues.<\/p>\n

Keep drinking when<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

\u2022 It brings you pleasure. If you truly enjoy the taste of wine, beer, or hard alcohol.
\n\u2022 It relaxes you. Just like a good meal, your favourite drink should help you slow down and enjoy the present moment.
\n\u2022 It helps you be creative. Being tipsy has been shown to help with problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking.
\n\u2022 It allows you to connect with people. Social bonding can contribute to your health and longevity and with a bit of alcohol in your blood stream it is much easier.<\/p>\n

\n
\"bizarre-christmas-gifts-fellow-cyclists\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\n Family<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n

The Most Bizarre Christmas Gifts for Your Fellow Cyclists<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n<\/div>\n

Avoid alcohol when<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 You are stressed. Self-medicating with alcohol is not the solution and it can lead to a downward spiral.
\n\u2022 It\u2019s a habit. Some habits are good but this is not one of them.
\n\u2022 You\u2019re doing it for others. People who are pressuring you into drinking when you don\u2019t feel like it probably don\u2019t have you best interest at heart.
\n\u2022 You think it\u2019s good for your health.<\/p>\n

To sum up, it\u2019s better to forget about the potential health benefits of alcohol. There are plenty of better ways to reduce your risk of chronic diseases like eating well, exercising, and not smoking. Consider the downsides and your goals and then decide if it\u2019s worth it for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We all heard that drinking moderately is good for us. But is that really true? Experts recommend that if you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":162718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[332],"tags":[736,737,1587],"global-categories":[],"class_list":["post-162715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-training","tag-alcohol","tag-alcohol-and-cycling","tag-should-i-drink-alcohol"],"yoast_head":"\nWould I Be Healthier If I Quit Drinking? - \u0160koda We Love Cycling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We all heard that drinking moderately is good for us. But is that really true? Experts recommend that if you don\u2019t already drink you shouldn\u2019t start. 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