Those wrapping up a sober October may have noticed some significant changes to their overall health. When you stop drinking, your skin gets better, your sleep quality improves, and your energy levels increase. You may also notice improved digestion. The connection between alcohol and gut health is strong, says Niket Sonpal, MD, a New York-based internist and gastroenterologist. “As much fun as alcohol may be, it does have its share of negative health effects, especially for the stomach and the esophagus,” says Dr. Sonpal. Large quantities of alcohol can lead to gastritis, or stomach inflammation, which causes heartburn, acid reflux, and sometimes long-term esophageal damage. “Once it leaves the stomach and it gets metabolized, it hits the small intestine,” Dr. Sonpal says. From there, he says that alcohol can damage the lining known as the villi, making it harder for…
Alcohol and Dental Hygiene Don’t Mix—Here’s How a Cosmetic Dentist Wants You To Protect Your Teeth When Drinking
Read More at Well+Good [[{“value”:” Perhaps you pair your dinner with a glass of vino nightly, wait for the weekend to uncork and unwind, or party hardy with shots every so often. In any case, chances are you’re aware that alcoholic bevs, while fun to imbibe, are not necessarily health-supporting tonics. It can mess up your sleep, freak out your gut, and potentially even make you stinky. (Not to mention the hangovers and anxiety over-imbibing can bring.) But considering it seems to be “bad” for everything else, have you ever wondered if alcohol is bad for your teeth and gums? We asked a dentist to give us the scoop. Is alcohol bad for your teeth? Sadly, yes, alcohol is pretty bad for your teeth (and gums!), says Tyler Hales, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and South Orange County,…
Why Are Older People Drinking More?
Read More at Sixty and Me [[{“value”:” Alcohol use among senior citizens is on the rise. Although historically older adults were less likely to drink than younger adults, recent studies show that older adults are now drinking more frequently and in larger quantities than in the past. The Data The size of the older adult population is increasing rapidly. Alcohol use among older adults is also increasing. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that approximately 20 percent of adults aged 60-64 and around 10 percent over age 65 report current binge drinking. There is also a French study that monitored 10,000 people for five years before and after retirement which showed that drinking increased after retirement. So that’s the data – let’s look at the reasons behind this increase. These reasons are both social and psychological. 9 Reasons…
The 5 Common Occasions an RD Recommends You *Avoid* Drinking Water
Read More at Well+Good [[{“value”:” There are countless reasons why you’d make it your mission to sip on more H2O. (And yes, this goes well beyond buying into the recent Stanley tumbler craze). Perhaps you wake up parched every morning, need to alleviate constipation, or even want to promote a better mood. By and large, most people could stand to boost their daily hydration game… but there are a few instances in which you might actually want to hold back on drinking water. To find out when and why it could be wise to do so, we tapped (sorry!) Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN, of East Coast Health in Brooklyn, New York. When to avoid drinking water, according to a dietitian 1. Close to bedtime If you have nocturia (i.e., frequent nighttime awakenings to relieve your bladder), you might be drinking…
7 Dos and Don’ts of Celebrating With Sober (and Not Drinking) Friends This Holiday Season
Read More at Well+Good For many, the holiday season is synonymous with celebrating, and celebrating goes hand-in-hand with booze. This reality can make it an uncomfortable time for folks who don’t drink alcohol (whether they’re on a lifelong sobriety journey, or leading a sober- or sober-curious lifestyle for health or other personal reasons). But in the company of supportive loved ones, it certainly doesn’t have to be. Even if you’re planning to imbibe at holiday parties, learning how to support sober friends and family members during the holidays can ensure that everyone is feeling comfortable and included—right on par with the spirit of the season, after all. From the outset, it’s important to acknowledge the basic fact that, despite societal pressure to the contrary, not drinking alcohol is “a perfectly normal thing,” says Nick Bodkins, co-founder and CEO of alcohol-free…
Why Drinking Enough Water Is the Key to Healthy Aging
Read More at Well+Good We all know that drinking water is good for us. It helps keep your skin radiant, gets you energized, and aids in digestion. And because it does so many good things to your body, it also helps with overall healthy aging. Niti Patel, MS, RD, a dietitian based in New York City, explains that drinking water and aging are linked. “If you maintain an active lifestyle, you’re eating a variety of foods and taking in a lot of water, you’re going to have optimal health,” Patel says. Water is in all of our cells, she says, and those cells need water to work efficiently. From lubricating your joints to pumping blood to your muscles, you need water to perform nearly every bodily function. Recent data from the CDC shows that between 2015 and 2018, the amount…