A non-alcoholic drink that can still give you the feeling of sipping bubbles without the downsides that alcohol brings. Because it has fizz and bubbles like champagne, sparkling juices can be a great alternative to drinking alcohol. You can shop low sugar varieties or natural juices, right through to fruity blends and concoctions that will make your taste buds dance. We all know the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption; however, it still remains one of the most popular drinks to help people relax and unwind at the end of the day.

healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol

The challenge is therefore how to mimic the desired effects of alcohol without using alcohol, and of course ensuring that the alternative is significantly less harmful than the alcohol it seeks to replace [5]. The first is to look for other plant-derived intoxicants that have been used by other cultures in place of alcohol, such as cannabis and cava. This approach is fraught with social challenges in many jurisdictions that derive from the illegal status of these drugs. healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol Therefore, the other approach is to find alternatives that mimic the desired effects of alcohol but are free from the undesired harmful ones, an idea first suggested in the UK government Foresight report of 2005 [6]. Alcohol is known to actually suppress the body’s immune response, increasing the risk of infectious disease. Reducing alcohol consumption lifts this “throttle” on the immune system and lets the body do a better job fighting off risk of infection.

Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine

The offerings have to have less than 0.5% ABV to be considered a non-alcoholic beer. Many resemble traditional beer styles, and many are fermented in the same style, only with the alcohol removed. You can have your wine and sleep well, too, with non-alcoholic wine that tastes like the real thing.

healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol

Whether it’s acknowledging another trip around the sun, a long-deserved promotion, or simply getting to the end of another jam-packed work week, raising a glass to mark the occasion can seem like the natural thing to do. Kombucha can be a fun, flavorful replacement for alcohol this month, and according to McMordie, “kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is full of probiotics.” When alcohol use becomes addiction, it is important to seek the help of a professional in order to abstain from use and achieve sobriety. Chronic alcohol use can be incredibly damaging both physically and mentally, and initial withdrawal may be dangerous without the assistance of medical professionals.

So, what are the dangers of drinking too much alcohol?

With this in mind, the next time you have a party or just want something great for yourself, you will have some options that offer just as much – if not more – than the “default” choice. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been linked to increased blood pressure, which may raise the risk of developing hypertension. High blood pressure may lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Therefore, limiting alcohol consumption and considering alcohol alternatives is essential to maintaining good kidney health and blood pressure for years to come. In particular, red wine has been linked with heart health because it contains high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. De Soi has been widely reviewed for its taste and benefits as a non alcoholic drink.

What happens after a year of not drinking?

What are the results? A few months in, I experienced improved sleep, increased energy, less spiky blood sugar, better mental health, fewer bouts of anxiety. These days, I have fewer headaches and my whole digestive system, in general, feels less irritated and inflamed, with a growing sense of general wellbeing.

However, as the drink has become more popular over the years, everyone has started selling it in all its forms. Stop by your local coffee shop and you’ll it as one of the suggested healthy alternatives to coffee as it also contains naturally-occurring caffeine. In grocery stores, you can find Matcha tea sold in bottles and cans in the takeaway section.

Nonalcoholic wine

Alcohol can represent a big piece of any bill at a restaurant, and bars or breweries can really stretch the budget. Even compared to low alcohol drinks, switching out alcohol for some non-alcoholic beverages prepared at home can potentially save you thousands of dollars a year, depending on your habits. Flash-chilled ice tea is one of the most compelling alternatives to drinking alcohol – it looks beautiful, and it is even made in a cocktail shaker.

  • If you thought meditating meant hours of sitting on the floor while your legs cramp up, think again.
  • Finally, there are many delicious alternatives to alcoholic drinks for the sober or sober curious.
  • Opt for organic red wine that’s free of preservatives, added sugars, and pesticides.
  • And for a tonic water with healthy, delicious ingredients, Manaker recommends Sunwink Mint Hibiscus Unwind.
  • Set up your own bar cart complete with alcohol-free alternatives, and shake up a craft cocktail whenever the mood strikes.

Those who prefer a lighter taste and less fizz will likely want to go for a ginger ale, which has a slightly lighter appearance than regular ale. Natural stimulants like guarana and ginseng have been used for thousands of years by people from every culture and country. These ingredients are known to increase energy, alertness, concentration, and overall focus and can be found in a variety of drinks and other products.

Is Alcohol a Gateway Drug?

And don’t forget old-fashioned phone and video calls to beat back isolation. “Exercise has been shown to actually change the brain structurally,” says Julia Chester, PhD, professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. “It’s healthy for your brain because it increases oxygen, blood flow, and hormones that support the neurons in your brain.” Exercise also helps you to see your world in a different way. “When your stress goes down, you feel better able to control your environment,” adds Chester. “That can help you to make better choices.” Sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. Alcohol isn’t the only supposed “quick fix” for the pandemic blues.

Wine enthusiasts focus on the tasting notes of their favorite wines. Serving wine sans alcohol still has the same flavors and aromas, whether you’re pairing an alcohol-free wine with a fancy dinner or hosting a wine tasting. Alternatively, schedule some quiet time and toast another Friday in the books by pampering yourself, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ one of our favorite things to do instead of drinking. Start with a glass of sparkling cranberry juice and settle in for an evening of self-care. Whether that includes running a hot bath or sitting down to watch the latest show on Netflix, cheers to the end of the week and a couple of days off from the regular grind.