Doctor Claims the Health Benefits of Dry January Are a Myth

However, a doctor claims Dry January is a myth and won’t actually help anyone’s liver. Instead, he offers various tips that can help drinkers create a healthier balance with alcohol.

Yet, one doctor claims that giving up drinking for a single month isn’t as beneficial as many believe it to be.

Speaking in an interview with the British Newspaper, the Daily Mail, he said, “When it comes to dry January, there is a perception that this is an opportunity to give your liver a ‘break’ to make up for the excesses of December and the New Year.”

“It’s a bit like a crash diet in that you do it for a short period of time, and you lose some weight, but it’s difficult to keep up, so you just end up going back to what you did before and the weight goes back on,” he said.

“The reality is, you can’t simply reset or detox the impacts of alcohol on your health in a month,” said Dr. Alasdair.

“Whilst cutting out alcohol for one month will leave you feeling much more energized and will help you to sleep better, there is very little benefit if you then continue to drink heavily once January is over,” he said.

“Dry January could be the start of a new lifestyle in which less alcohol is consumed. If those new behaviors are maintained, it doesn’t even need to be ‘dry,’” said the doctor.

However, Doctor Alasdair still claims that alcohol use is “absolutely compatible with a healthy lifestyle” so long as it’s sparingly enjoyed.

“Educating yourself on the best wines to accompany certain foods, for example, will mean you have a better understanding and appreciation for the taste of the drink, rather than just the ‘feeling’ alcohol gives you,” he said.

“Having this time to pause in between drinks will allow you to process whether you are, in fact, craving more or if you actually feel tired and as though you’ve had enough,” he said.

“Try opting for one or two small glasses of wine on a Friday and Saturday evening instead of a large glass every day,” said Dr. Alasdair.

He continued, “However, booking an exercise class for a Saturday or Sunday morning will mean you’re less likely to drink the evening before as you’ll know you need to wake up and feel refreshed,” he said.