<div><p>If you're looking for a simple and effective way to improve your health, giving up alcohol is a great idea. We know it doesn't sound like fun, but years later you'll thank yourself for making the sacrifice.</p><p>While there is lots of evidence that healthier drinks like red wine <a href="https://www.shared.com/science-has-discovered-another-health-benefit-of-drinking-wine/">can keep your brain healthy and young</a> and <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281">help you avoid heart disease</a>, drinking can also put you at risk for some nasty diseases, and make you look older.</p><p>If you're still interested in giving up drinking for good, you should know what to expect and how your body will react.</p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-20drinking-20wine-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-20drinking-20wine-1_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>The Mirror</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p>While quitting alcohol is great for your health in the long run, at first it will feel pretty tough. </p><p>We mostly only think of serious alcoholics going through withdrawal, but if your body is used to a nightly glass of wine you could experience it as well. Women are also more likely to experience the symptoms than men are.</p><p>Look out for sweating, shaky hands, anxiety and headaches in the first couple days, along with some strong cravings.</p><p>If you make it through the first 2 or 3 days you'll notice how relieved you feel. Drinking makes your brain feel more awake, <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.12621/abstract">which can seriously mess up your sleep patterns</a>. You should sleep much more comfortably once you go cold turkey.</p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_750px.jpg 750w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_850px.jpg 850w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_950px.jpg 950w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_1050px.jpg 1050w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Woman-drinking-a-beer-1_GH_content_1150px.jpg 1150w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>The Mirror</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p>After a few more days, you may notice your pants fit a little better. Beer and mixed drinks are full of calories, but even swapping wine for a healthier choice like water will do wonders for your waistline.</p><p>Speaking of your appearance, you might recognize that your skin is improving. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, making you more prone to blackheads and acne.</p><p>Finally, your doctor will probably be glad to hear you stopped drinking. It means you're less likely to be diagnosed with lots of diseases. </p><p>Your risk of having liver disease, certain cancers (including breast cancer) and infections like pneumonia all go up if you're a regular drinker.</p><p><strong>Share this important health information with someone you know!</strong></p><p></p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p></div>