Expert shares what happens to your body if you ditch drinking booze for Dry Jan
Dry January has become an annual tradition for many, and with the rising cost of living the added expense of going to the pub might encourage more to get involved this year.
But what happens to your body if you go the whole month with no alcohol? Will you see all the health benefits that you've dreamt of, and will you manage to save some extra cash?
From clearer skin to a more regular sleep pattern, the benefits are many - and experts from the Priory Group have outlined what will happen to you, on a week-by-week basis - if you manage to do better than most and stick it out for more than seven days.
Alcohol effects your sleep, soon you'll be slumbering like a pro (Getty Images)Are you doing dry January? Let us know in the comments...
Week 1
The first week can be the toughest and according to experts, this is when you're most likely to give in if you're a habitual drinker.
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For the first few days you may become more irritable, struggle to sleep, and be more dehydrated than usual, but don't worry - this is normal.
This happens when your body goes through alcohol withdrawal, and extreme symptoms include restlessness, tremors, nausea, and anxiety - but after a few days, these should start to pass.
If you stick it out and get past this stage, you'll notice your sleep starts to regulate - this may mean it's harder to sleep to start with.
That's because alcohol makes you fall asleep quicker, but your quality of sleep also suffers when you drink.
Without a drink though, you'll make better choices with food, most likely eating less junk too.
You'll also be a lot more hydrated, as six glasses of wine make you lose 19-24 glasses of water, meaning all the water you aim to drink through the day has been in vain.
By the end of the first week, you'll start to see a difference in your level of concentration too.
You'll have more energy for exercise, and be consuming less calories (Getty Images)Week 2
After two weeks off the booze, you'll begin to feel all the benefits of better sleep and hydration, you'll feel more motivated, and your skin will improve - looking less puffy and more healthy.
When you consume a large amount of alcohol, the majority of calories in your system come from alcohol opposed to food - so you consume far fewer vitamins.
As this calorie intake switches to food your skin will clear up and you'll develop a natural glow - and this effect will be doubled if you eat well at the same time.
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In this week your immune system will get a boost, so you may find you're fighting off colds and other bugs better than normal.
If you're one of those unlucky people that suffer from reflux or heartburn, you'll see a reduction in these symptoms too - as alcohol is known to irritate the stomach lining.
By this point your over half way there, well done! (Getty Images/Westend61)Week 3
At this stage, your blood pressure will start to reduce, and you could start to notice your clothes are a little looser as you've avoided a lot of extra calories.
If you drank around drinks six pints per week, you'll have saved 3,240 calories by now. For six glasses of wine, you'll have saved almost 3,000.
With the better food choices you are more likely to make, you're well on your way to a slimmer physique.
Week 4
By this point, not only can you give yourself a massive pat on the back, but you're probably feeling great too.
Your skin will no doubt be looking better, as acne is known to clear up and any dryness will too.
You'll also have saved tons of money, be looking lean and most likely have an improved mood.
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