Keeping the body running smoothly is essential for a healthy life, but that can come with some challenges. Harmful substances such as junk food and alcohol can have detrimental short-term and long-term effects on your overall health. Deciding to dump the empty calories can lead to substantial physical and mental health benefits. Continue reading to discover how getting rid of junk food and alcohol can help you; even after just 30 days.
Expect Some Weight Loss
Advertisements
I Yunmai/Unsplash
According to NDTV Food, people who eliminate junk food are significantly reducing the number of calories they consume in a day.
Lowering the number of calories you're eating per day will most likely lead to weight loss. Junk foods such as potato chips, cheese fries, and cookies are just added calories with almost no nutritional benefits.
Your Liver Will Thank You
Christopher Cambell/Unsplash
Drinking alcohol over a long period of time can have damaging effects on your liver.
Amitava Dasgupta, Ph.D., professor of pathology and laboratory medicine said, “It doesn’t happen in a day, but for anyone who drinks in excess…there are fatty changes in liver.” However, the liver is able to heal after someone stops drinking.
You Can Make Room For Healthy Foods
Anna Pelzer/Unsplash
Eliminating junk food has so many unexpected benefits such as finding room for new and healthier alternatives. You’ll find other options to replace the junk food.
It’s important to find foods that are rich in nutrients such as fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamins. These can usually be found in lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Protect Your Heart Health
Fa Barboza/Unsplash
Healthline reported that when alcohol is metabolized by the liver it produces an enzyme called dehydrogenases. Those who drink in excess cause the dehydrogenases to become saturated and metabolized by another enzyme.
When this happens, it causes bad cholesterol to oxidize. These oxidized deposits have the capability of blocking your arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Say Hello To Clear Skin
speckfechta/Unsplash
Junk food can wreak havoc on the skin. The oily, greasy food can make people break out with the most unfortunate acne.
Those who’ve noticed these kinds of breakouts should try eliminating their junk food intake. It’s especially important to look out for certain dairy and high glycemic foods as well.
Quitting Alcohol Can Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Austin Distel/Unsplash
Alcohol is actually listed as a “known human carcinogen” on the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Report on Carcinogens.
This means that those who drink alcohol regularly have a higher risk of developing alcohol-related cancer. These can include colorectal, breast, liver, esophageal, head, and neck.
Improve Your Mood
Kim Carpenter/Unsplash
If you've noticed yourself experiencing temperamental mood swings, then it may have to do with your diet. Mood can easily be affected by too much junk food.
According to NDTV Food, eating too much processed food leaves the body lacking nutrition and causes a significant chemical imbalance. Regularly eating healthy food can have a positive impact on your mood.
Why The US Drinking Age Is 21
Yingchou Han/Unsplash
Most Americans are aware that the legal drinking age is 21, but they might not know how that came to be.
Amitava Dasgupta, Ph.D., professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, explained that those who are younger than 21 can experience memory loss and interference with their brain development after consuming alcohol.
Enjoy Some Restful Sleep
Bruce Mars/Unsplash
Not only can sugary, salty, and fatty junk food lead to dramatic weight gain, but it can also mess with your sleep patterns.
Eating high amounts sugar puts a lot of it into your bloodstream, which disrupts sleep. Those who forgo junk food may come to discover they now have more restful and sound sleep.
Getting Rid Of Alcohol’s Hidden Calories
Jernej Graj/Unsplash
If you’re someone who usually eats healthy and gets plenty of exercise, but is still not losing weight, there could be another issue at hand.
Advertisements
Many alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, and mixed drinks contain a lot of calories and sugar. These factors can be contributing to weight gain.
Help Build Some Muscle Tone
John Arano/Unsplash
Eating the right kinds of foods that are nutritious with lean protein can help you build muscle tone. A healthier diet can also get rid of cravings for junk food.
Nmami Agarwal, a dietician and nutritionist, said, “Effective way to make change to your eating habits is by choosing healthier options like baked, grilled, and roasted foods instead of fried options.”
You Can Build A Stronger Immune System
Ethan Hoover/Unsplash
Drinking too much can severely weaken your body’s immune system and the ability to fight off serious illnesses. The longer someone drinks, the more their immune system is impacted.
However, your body is able to repair itself. This means that someone who quits drinking may notice their immune system becoming stronger.
Your Taste Buds Change
Alex Mihai/Unsplash
If someone is switching from a diet of mostly junk food to healthier meals, they may notice a change in their taste buds.
This is actually a positive change because your taste preferences now are beneficial for your health. Instead of craving your usual unhealthy options, you may come to find that you now prefer more nutritious foods.
Blood Pressure Drops
Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash
Someone who drinks too often may be experiencing high blood pressure. Living with high blood pressure can lead to several serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Taking the steps to eliminate drinking from your daily routine can help you lower your blood pressure. People should strive to have levels below 120/80.
Improve Your Memory By Quitting Junk Food
Remi Turcotte/Unsplash
According to Eat This, Not That!, mice who ate a diet of junk food displayed significant memory loss and a lack of cognitive ability.
Not only does junk food have those negative effects on mice, but it works the same way on humans. Those who get rid of junk food may improve their brain function.
Add Some Nutrients Back To Your Body
Raimond Klavins/Unsplash
Very Well Mind stated that drinking can rid the body of many vital nutrients. Those who use alcohol as a replacement for meals are depriving their bodies of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Also, alcohol can interfere with many important bodily functions such as digestion, storage, utilization, and excretion of nutrients.
Reduce Your Chance Of Developing Diabetes
Junior Reis/Unsplash
One of the most common ways junk food has a detrimental effect on health is by people developing type 2 diabetes. Things such as saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sugar lead to insulin resistance.
The Lancet reported that people who regularly ate fast food were twice as more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Giving Up Alcohol Will Keep You Hydrated
Autri Taheri/Unsplash
Even though alcohol is a liquid, it will not keep you hydrated. Priory Group did a study that found drinking six glasses of wine means losing 19 to 24 glasses of water.
Those who quit drinking found that they were able to perform better physically, had more energy and had reduced headaches.
Get Stronger Bones
Alex Shaw/Unsplash
It's very important to watch out for junk foods that are high in sodium because they can have damaging long term effects.
Some of the worst ailments that occur with salty foods include calcium depletion in bones, high blood pressure, strokes, reduced kidney function, heart disease, and loss of cognitive ability.
Be Aware Of Your Gut Health
Advertisements
Averie Woodard/Unsplash
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can cause various gastrointestinal problems. Some people may experience bad indigestion or acid reflux as a result of heavy drinking.
Getting rid of alcohol can improve your entire digestive system. You may find it easier to absorb nutrients and store vital vitamins and minerals.
Comments