Alcohol can damage your mind and can even shrink your brain if it is abused for a prolonged period. However, if research is to be believed, quitting alcohol, or even reducing your daily consumption can help reverse brain shrinkage.
A new study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research Trusted Source stated that drinking low-risk levels of alcohol had the same positive effects on the brain as d abstaining from it entirely.
Reversing The Effects Of Alcohol On The Brain
Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr A Ravikanth, Senior Cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad shared, “Over time, too much alcohol can lead to poor memory, potentially leading to dementia, poor academic and work performance, anxiety and depression.”
Sharing the safe limit of alcohol intake, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shared that excessive drinking means more than four drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks per week for males. For females, it means over three drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week.
Dr Parth Lalcheta, Consultant-Neuro and Spine Surgeon, HCG Hospital, Rajkot, told the team of OnlyMyHealth, “Regular binging on alcohol depletes Vitamin B1, which is crucial for brain health. Alcohol-related brain damage results in cognitive decline and memory loss.”
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“To improve cognition and delay alcohol-related dementia, abstaining from alcohol as soon as possible is the only solution,” he added.
Tips To Quit Alcohol
Quitting alcohol can be extremely difficult and might even have some physical withdrawals. Suggesting safe ways to quit alcohol, Dr Gautami Nagabhirava, MD Psychiatry, Senior Neuropsychiatrist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared a few strategies with the team of OnlyMyHealth:
- Define clear goals that are actually achievable like reducing daily consumption or going cold turkey.
- Seek help from friends, family, and support groups for encouragement and positive influence.
- Identify triggers and accordingly make strategies to manage cravings.
- Seek professional guidance if needed.
- Learn healthier ways to manage stress, emotions, and difficult situations, that can compel you to drink alcohol.
- Adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep.
- Replace drinking with enjoyable and fulfilling activities.
- Keep track of your achievements and setbacks on the way to living an alcohol-free life to stay motivated.
In conclusion, reducing your daily intake of alcohol can be just as helpful in reducing brain shrinkage as quitting alcohol entirely. Just make sure you practice safe strategies to quit drinking and replace your drinking habit with healthy alternatives.