3 science-backed strategies to reduce alcohol intake
Diego Carrete
Chief Wellness Officer @ First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). A must-follow for executives who want to optimize health, energy & performance—by doing less.
Hello amigos,
When I was younger, I went out occasionally, drinking was just part of it—late nights, drinks, and a culture where saying no felt weird.
But over time, I’d wake up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. My mood was all over the place—high one day, crashing the next. Turns out, my testosterone had tanked, and alcohol was a big reason why.
One night, after another round of drinks I didn’t even want, I asked myself—is this really adding to my life??
The answer was a clear no.
So I quit.
Seven years later, I don’t regret a thing.
Step 1: Track Your Biometrics?
Most people underestimate how much they drink—and how it impacts their body.?
??Log your weekly intake: Write down every drink—be honest.
??Track HRV & resting heart rate:?Alcohol spikes HRV and increases your resting heart rate.
??Monitor blood glucose:?Alcohol disrupts metabolic health, making fat loss harder.
??Check your sleep quality:?Wearables like Oura show that alcohol reduces deep sleep by 25%+.??
Step 2: Set a Weekly Limit?
Quitting cold turkey isn’t necessary. Instead, gradual reduction makes the habit shift easier.
? Reduce intake by 1-2 drinks per week.?
? Introduce alcohol-free days (e.g., “Dry Fridays”).
? Go alcohol-free for 30 days (Sober October).
Results in just two weeks?
? Better sleep?(fewer nighttime wake-ups, deeper REM cycles).
? More energy?(fewer crashes, improved recovery).
? Enhanced metabolic health?(lower glucose, reduced inflammation).
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Step 3: Use Science-Backed Alternatives?
Alcohol offers zero physiological benefits—but you can still enjoy the ritual with smarter alternatives.
? Non-alcoholic beer/wine with polyphenols (Reduces cardiovascular risk, supports gut health).
? Adaptogenic drinks (Ashwagandha, L-theanine)—provides relaxation without the crash.
? Electrolyte-rich sparkling water (Keeps hydration high, mimics social drinking).
???Surprising fact: Kombucha & non-alcoholic red wine replicate the social and sensory effects of alcohol—without the negatives.
The Science: How Alcohol Undermines Your Longevity
Here’s what even ‘social drinking’ does to your body:
??
??How To Navigate Social Settings Alcohol-Free
TL;DR
Even moderate drinking harms brain health, increases cancer risk, and disrupts sleep and metabolism.
1. Track your intake and health metrics.
2. Swap alcohol for alternatives like adaptogenic drinks.
3. Reduce alcohol gradually with alcohol-free days or a 30-day reset.
That’s it for today amigos,
Until the next time!
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Senior Manager - Channel Marketing, Star Plus
1 个月One big positive of abstaining from alcohol is that without even changing your diet, you can lose weight with changes visible over a period as short as one month.