Wir überwinden Grenzen

(08.01.2025) The trend of giving up alcohol in January sounds simple, but it has amazing effects on the body. A liver expert explains what giving up alcohol for a short time means for the organ.

"Our liver is an amazing organ," explains Prof. Dr. Tobias Böttler, liver expert and head of the Gerok Liver Center at the Department of Medicine II at the Freiburg University Medical Center. "It can regenerate, provided you give it the chance to do so." An alcohol-free month like Dry January is the perfect way to start. "After just a short time, liver values improve significantly and the accumulation of fat in the liver can decrease." Especially for people who regularly consume alcohol, such a break can bring important health benefits.

Why taking a month off alcohol makes sense

The biggest problem with long-term alcohol consumption is the so-called fatty liver, emphasizes Böttler. If left untreated, this can lead to liver inflammation or even cirrhosis. "A month without alcohol can act like a reset for the liver," says the expert. In addition, many people notice physical improvements after just a few weeks, such as better sleep, increased performance and an overall better sense of well-being.

More than just physical effects

But giving up alcohol doesn't just have an effect on physical health. According to Böttler, mental fitness also benefits: "Many people report a better ability to concentrate and a more balanced mood." Consciously giving up alcohol can also help you to critically question your own alcohol consumption. Is the after-work drink really necessary? Or is there more to it?

A fresh start for the liver

Even though the liver can regenerate, Böttler emphasizes that it is not infinitely resilient. If you want to stay healthy in the long term, you should keep a constant eye on your alcohol consumption. An alcohol-free month could be the first step towards a more conscious approach. "It's not about demonizing alcohol completely, but about finding a healthy balance," says the liver expert.

More interesting articles