A month without alcohol for you and your muscles

It's January again, and plenty of people are still participating in "Dry January." In the Netherlands, it's now better known as "IkPas" (I'm Not). While it's a good resolution, a month without alcohol at any time of the year could be good for you. We'll tell you why.

To sleep

You might fall asleep faster after a glass of wine or beer, but the quality of your sleep is significantly worse. This isn't exactly good for your muscles, as a good night's sleep promotes proper recovery. This can ultimately lead to more injuries and muscle soreness.

Condition

Ultimately, alcohol is a toxic substance that the body wants to eliminate quickly. Your liver is working overtime, so your body is more focused on breaking down alcohol than on your fitness goals. Recovery takes much longer. So, if you're serious about making progress, it's best to lay off the beers for a while.

Muscle pain

Not only does poor sleep increase muscle soreness, but it also takes longer to clear lactic acid, which builds up in your muscles during exercise. Because this causes lactic acid to remain in your muscles longer, you're more likely to experience more muscle soreness.

Hydration

It's especially important to stay hydrated while exercising. You lose a lot of fluids during this time. Did you know that when you drink alcohol, you also lose fluids? Your kidneys have to work harder, and you have to urinate more often. Losing twice as much fluid isn't good for your health and fitness goals!

Also be careful with 'IkPas'

If you drink regularly and suddenly quit, you may experience adverse effects, especially in the first few weeks. These include withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, low mood, insomnia, headaches, and perhaps irritated friends you used to hang out with.

After a month of abstaining from alcohol, you can become more aware of your alcohol consumption. If you consistently drink less, you'll experience long-term effects such as reduced anxiety, a reduced risk of cancer and depression, and improved memory.