We all know that we should drink alcohol in moderation due to health risks associated with alcohol, but did you know that alcohol becomes more problematic as we approach or have gone through menopause?
We naturally lose body water as we age (women more-so than men) and the organs that metabolise alcohol, stomach and liver, shrink, which means that alcohol stays in the system for longer. As alcohol is a diuretic it dehydrates us further, causing all sorts of havoc - hello, bad skin and two-day hangovers!
Weight gain is common in peri-menopause due to hormonal changes. The ratio between body fat and muscle mass changes towards a higher percentage of body fat. The higher the body fat percentage, the longer it takes for alcohol to be broken down, exacerbating the negative health effects associated with alcohol. In comparison to men, women have a higher body fat percentage in the first place, so trying to keep up with your hubby's drinking isn't such a good idea.
Alcohol is a major stumbling block in your weight loss journey, as it is 'empty calories', containing more calories per gram than carbohydrates and protein (alcohol: 7 calories/gram, fat: 9 calories/gram, carbohydrates and protein: 4 calories/gram). Not only that, with alcohol consumption comes food cravings for unhealthy foods, potentially adding hundreds of excessive calories to your daily calorie intake.
Common peri-menopause complaints like hot flushes, anxiety, interrupted sleep and digestive issues gets worse with alcohol, so it may be worth making some positive changes to your alcohol intake if you are dealing with these symptoms! A couple of suggestions:
Plan and stick to alcohol-free days to limit your alcohol intake
Keep alcohol-free alternatives available in the house for when temptation kicks in
Find support from friends and your partner. They may benefit from drinking less, too
Go for lower alcohol variations and alternate every drink with a glass of water
Commit to Sober October, Dry January or a similar charity event to kickstart a healthier relationship with alcohol
Drink Aware: Alcohol and women: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/alcohol-and-gender/alcohol-and-women
Excessive alcohol use is a risk to women's health: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/womens-health.htm