Dry January – the heart healthy New Year’s resolution which is more beneficial than you think
The first month of the year marks Dry January, a period for many across the UK to take on the challenge of consuming no alcohol for an entire month. Dry January was initially launched as a public health initiative 10 years ago by Alcohol Change UK, which began with 4000 participants signing up. In 2021 alone, over 130,000 people took part in the initiative; 45,000 of which were ‘returners’ 1. But why is Dry January so important, and why should you consider it as your New Year’s resolution?
How does alcohol affect the heart?
Drinking alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to increased blood pressure, and increased risk of developing heart failure, weight gain, and strokes. Over time, having a high blood pressure puts strain on the hearts muscle, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which in turn increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke2.
Why is Dry January beneficial?
Not consuming alcohol for a month may impact your physical and mental health, according to experts. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved sleep: alcohol can often contribute to insomnia, and so reducing your intake will lead to better rest – improving overall energy levels, productivity, and focus.
- Improved blood pressure: regular overconsumption of alcohol has been linked to increased blood pressure. Whilst one month alone will not show significant changes, it is certainly a step in the right direction!
- Revaluated relationships: Dry January provides the opportunity to begin an improved relationship with alcohol, and thus an improved relationship with your heart’s health.
How do I sign up?
Alcohol Change UK provide a sign up page which offers advice and tools to further support your alcohol-free journey throughout January, which will increase your chances of successfully getting through Dry January, which ultimately will positively impact your hearts health.
Beyond Dry January…
- Know your intake: recognising how much alcohol you consume can be the first key step towards making a permanent change. You can track and calculate your exact intake here.
- Find alternatives: Alcohol-free or low alcohol alternatives are extremely popular, and next time you find yourself craving your favourite beverage after a long day, why not opt for the heart healthier alternative?
- Replace unhealthy habits: distracting yourself with another activity instead of drinking is another method to support you on your low-alcohol journey. Short walks, brief exercise, or going for a coffee are some simple ideas to get you started!
How can I further support my heart health?
Taking the right supplements is another healthy habit you can develop to help support your heart health.
Kwai's range of heart health supplements were created to support your heart health alongside a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, enabling you to live life to the fullest.
Supported in over 20 clinical studies and based on the latest scientific thinking, Kwai supplements contain a selected blend of key ingredients:
Kwai Heartcare – made using highest quality garlic cloves to provide optimum yield of allicin. Taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is considered by many to be an important part of their daily routine.
Kwai Heartcare+ – contains Japanese black garlic (450mg), allicin (2,700μg), and vitamin B1 (0.83mg). The unique formulation of Kwai Heartcare+ helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart while also contributing to resistance to temporary stress.
Kwai Blood Pressure – a blend of nutrients specifically selected to help maintain normal blood pressure and heart muscle function.
Stay updated with Kwai's blog for all the latest heart health news. Please feel free to reach out and contact us if you have any questions about Kwai or our products.
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