Tournée Minérale: A month without alcohol, what does that do to your body?
Every year, one in five Belgians participates in Tournée Minérale – the entire month of February without alcohol. The campaign is always a huge success. A month without alcohol is also fantastic for your body. What are the effects of a Tournée Minérale month? How do you stick with it? And how can you give your body a real reset?
Why an alcohol-free month?
Tournée Minérale —an initiative of Druglijn—is comparable to the global "Dry January" challenge. It's a challenge that's becoming increasingly popular. The timing of Tournée Minérale is also well-chosen. In February, the New Year's receptions are behind us, and we haven't forgotten our New Year's resolutions. Perfect.
So it's no wonder so many people are taking a break from alcohol with Tournée Minérale. The benefits of an alcohol break can be noticeable after just a few days. After a month without alcohol, there's definitely a positive impact. Not only on your physical health, but also on your mental health. Some Tournée Minérale participants therefore continue their alcohol break for a little longer. Or they quit altogether.
The effect of alcohol
Let's not forget: alcohol isn't healthy. But because that drink is so socially acceptable, it's very difficult to completely cut it out. Yet, alcohol can cause physical and psychological damage, especially when consumed in excess. And that's not even mentioning the financial, social, or family consequences of alcohol abuse. If you can limit your alcohol consumption, there doesn't have to be a problem. But it is important to be mindful of it .
Why is alcohol so tempting?
When you consume alcohol, it's quickly absorbed through the stomach and intestinal walls into the bloodstream. This has an almost immediate effect on the central nervous system . You usually feel more relaxed and less inhibited after drinking alcohol. These effects are due to alcohol's impact on the functioning of neurotransmitters in your brain.
Maximum number of drinks per week
The impact of alcohol on your body is enormous, even if you’re not a heavy drinker and think you have everything under control. In fact, you become a habitual drinker faster than you might expect. An aperitif, a glass with a meal, a drink after exercising, something while watching TV… before you know it, you can exceed the maximum of ten units per week.
Note: one unit corresponds to 10 small drinks. For beer, that’s 25 cl; for wine, 10 cl; and for spirits, 3.5 cl. This is the guideline given by the Superior Health Council for both men and women.
Drinking every day is not recommended. A month-long break, like during Tournée Minérale, is a real blessing for your body.
Long-term effects of alcohol
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems. We immediately think of liver diseases, which in the worst cases can result in cirrhosis. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and chronic overloading can cause permanent damage.
In addition, alcohol abuse can lead to other conditions such as heart problems and a weakened immune system.
Alcohol doesn’t just affect the body physically—it can also impact mental health. Drinking too much can result in mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. It can also increase the risk of social isolation and reduce work performance.
Cognitive functions
Alcohol affects cognitive functions, including memory and decision-making processes. Even moderate alcohol consumption can impact your ability to effectively retain and process information. Did you know that the brain continues developing until around the age of 25? In younger drinkers, alcohol can also interfere with brain development.
Take a break from alcohol more often
After Tournée Minérale, are you convinced of the benefits of an alcohol break? Then consider taking more frequent breaks. To motivate yourself, consider making it a challenge with friends or colleagues. Create a WhatsApp group and share your experiences with mocktails or other alcohol-free alternatives. This will make it easier to maintain your alcohol-free weeks. The pressure to "join in the fun" can be overwhelming.
Tips for successfully completing a month without alcohol
Set clear goals
Ask yourself why you want to go a month without alcohol. Is it for your health, to save money, or perhaps to gain more energy? Having a clear motivation helps you remind yourself of it during challenging moments.
Seek support
Share your plan with friends and family. Some may even want to join you. Through Tournée Minérale, you can also get extra tips and feel supported by a whole community.
Replace habits
Identify the moments when you would normally reach for a drink. Look for alternatives, such as a cup of tea, a healthy juice, or an alcohol-free option. You might even discover alcohol-free drinks that you really enjoy.
Stay active
Physical activity is an excellent way to shift your focus while improving your health. Regular exercise can also help improve your sleep.
Keeping your liver healthy
As we’ve already mentioned, your liver takes a heavy hit when you drink alcohol, because it’s responsible for processing the toxins from alcohol. On top of that, the liver is also under pressure from our Western lifestyle.
Lack of exercise, ultra-processed foods, stress, insufficient sleep, and certain medications are all factors that strain the liver’s detoxification capacity.
Supplements for a detox boost
Feeling like your body needs a thorough detox? Taking a break from alcohol is a great start. You can also support your liver’s detoxification capacity with natural supplements.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the liver. However, our modern lifestyle increases our need for glutathione. Insentials Detox Boost contains Glutathox™, a patented blend including glutathione, NAC, choline, and artichoke extract. It’s an ideal daily supplement to optimally support your liver’s function.
