We cut out alcohol because…
It just doesn’t taste good!
We don’t like how it makes us feel the next day.
The lack of mental clarity is frustrating.
We are trying to cut back on alcohol sugars.
Whatever your reason might be for reducing or eliminating your alcohol intake, that reason is valid! Additionally, there is a benefit to not drinking that remains unseen to the naked eye – the effect of alcohol on the brain.
More and more researchers are seeing the damaging effects of alcohol on the brain. For example, heavy alcohol consumption has recently been associated with brain atrophy, neuronal loss, and poorer white matter fiber integrity. Another study has shown how chronic alcohol consumption can alter the structure of the central nervous system and disrupt cognitive function.
But what should you sip on instead? Keep reading for one of my favorite mocktail recipes. Cheers!
Alcohol & Reduced Brain Volume
Even light-to-moderate drinking is associated with harm to the brain, according to a new study. Drinking just about ½ of a beer per day was found to take two years away from a brain’s longevity.
Learn more about the study HERE.
Alcohol & Less White Matter
Drinking 1-2 alcoholic drinks was shown to alter brain structure as well as the integral connections. White matter is the part of your brain that connects pathways and sends signals. White matter lesions and abnormalities have been linked to both cognitive impairment and the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Learn more about the study HERE.
Alcohol & Altered Gene Expression
A lifestyle of binge drinking has been linked to neurotoxicity that causes Alzheimer’s, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. It is also linked to genetic alterations that impair mitochondrial function.
Learn more about the study HERE.
Alcohol & Poor Gut Health
Sugar from alcohol not only overwhelms your liver, it leads to damaging inflammation in your intestines, a leakier gut, an altered microbiome, and immune system imbalance. Findings like these are typically based on more than one drink per day. The more someone drinks, the more they kill off good bacteria and increase bad bacteria in the gut. For a gut detox we recommend Love my Gut supplements. Additionally you can find out the benefits of pomegranate if you are still unsure.
Learn more about the study HERE.
What to drink instead:
Pomegranate Citrus Mocktail
Ingredients
16 oz unsweetened pomegranate juice
16 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
8 oz citrus kombucha
2 oz sparkling water
Handful of ice
Instructions
Combine juices and kombucha into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to combine. Add sparkling water and swirl. Pour into (chilled) cocktail glasses and serve with optional garnish.
Notes
*Garnish:
Pomegranate seeds
Orange or lemon twist
Orange slices
