Last week we looked at the liver and the importance of detoxification when it comes to women’s health. I think most people already know that consuming alcohol is straining on the liver. But I think a lot of us have also heard that a glass of red wine can be good for us because of the antioxidants it contains🍷. So what the deal!?
What you need to know
❌ Alcohol is a toxin
1️⃣ The liver prioritizes detoxifying alcohol over glucose
🎢Alcohol disrupts blood sugar balance
🍊To detoxify alcohol the liver uses your stores of antioxidants and vitamin C
📈Alcohol increases estrogen levels
Alcohol disrupts sleep
Alcohol, as an external toxin entering the body, is more threatening than for example estrogen. With that being said, our body also needs to be detoxifying estrogen (and other things). Unfortunately, consuming alcohol detracts from our body’s ability to detoxify these other hormones and toxins it also wants to be getting rid of. This can lead to hormonal imbalance and unwanted symptoms like 🥵hot flashes, ❓irregular periods, 🥚infertility and more.
What you can do about it
⬇️Limit alcohol consumption or abstain entirely
❌Never drink on an empty stomach
🚰Before, during and after alcohol consumption be sure to stay hydrated
🍽️Eat blood sugar balancing meals
🛏️Avoid drinking close to bed time
🥬Support your body with extra nutritious foods
If you’re struggling with more serious hormonal issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, etc. it’s worth considering abstaining from alcohol entirely until these challenges have been overcome. Ultimately, each person must come to their own conclusion as to weather the pleasure of consuming alcohol is worth the negative side effects.
Warm regards,
Donelle