The question in the headline? This must be serious!
A “teetotaler” is someone who refuses to imbibe any alcohol-containing liquids, whatsoever. Yes, this describes me to a T, as I have never had any alcohol, and never will.
I’ve often been asked about my enthusiastic abstinence … but have never penned my perspective. Although 38 percent of American adults identify as teetotalers, I always feel like an oddity or, at least, a rarity.
Going against the flow, literally, has been my position forever, even back in my college days. I’ve avoided parties and bars, not wanting to be around an atmosphere fueled by something associated with poor decisions, damaged relationships and diminished health. Observing the masses and doing the opposite has often been my mantra.
Please realize that I’m sharing … not scolding. I’m positing … not preaching. As much as I DO want to challenge you to avoid alcohol completely, I need to first challenge myself to consider why I’ve never had a single drop … and never will.
While there are myriad mental, social, familial, vocational, cultural, spiritual, financial, emotional and relational ramifications associated with the consumption of alcohol, I’m certainly no psychological professional. Instead, let me focus on the physiological.
Blocks fat burning
Let’s cut straight to the skinny: Alcohol halts fat oxidation. Your liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol before anything else. Studies show that even one drink can reduce fat metabolism by over 70 percent for several hours. That’s a significant blow to your metabolism. When you ingest that “healthy” glass of wine before bed, your body changes gears. Your brain may not feel intoxication, but your body responds with hibernation.
Good for nothing
Alcohol creates a dietary black hole, delivering over seven dense calories per gram, similar to fat, with zero redeeming nutritional value. Unlike healthy whole foods, alcohol offers nothing beneficial (fiber, vitamins, minerals), just 100 percent empty calories. A little bit of a bad thing doesn’t make it a good thing … and that’s a very bad thing!
Depletes essential nutrients
In addition to no nutrients, alcohol results in fewer nutrients, depleting your body of thiamine, folate, B6, B12, magnesium, zinc, and potassium … resulting in fatigue and weakness, depression and anxiety, compromised immunity and poor mood regulation, impaired cognitive function, and issues with the skin, hair, heart and bones, for starters. Drinking alcohol is costly, on all accounts, liquidating your reserves, draining your assets, and taxing and potentially bankrupting your health.
Refutations for justifications
People crave a last call, but there are even more reasons to make every minute a happier hour. “A night cap helps me sleep.” Nope! Alcohol disrupts REM cycles, fragments your slumber, and leaves you mourning the morning. “Drinking helps me relax.” Nope! Alcohol is a depressant, compounding cortisol and amplifying anxiety. “Red wine has antioxidants.” Not really! You’d have to have drunk liters (pun intended) to get the polyphenols in a handful of berries or a cup of green “tee-totaler” tea.
Brain damage
Chronic alcohol consumption impairs cognitive function, causes brain shrinkage, and reduces gray matter … critical for memory, decision-making and reasoning. Even moderate drinking can kill over 10,000 brain cells per drink and decrease brain volume over time. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of both Alzheimer’s and dementia. Why do anything that could make you regrettably lose your inhibitions tonight or your identity tomorrow … not to mention your fondest memories from today?
What’s your poison?
Alcohol is a major toxin. As your liver works overtime to detoxify alcohol, your organs are less able to metabolize nutrients, break down fat, and process contaminants. So, why does society normalize drinking? Relaxation? Socialization? Celebration? Taste? These are not valid reasons, my friend. They are excuses. Ask yourself this: would avoiding alcohol entirely make you a better friend, partner, or parent … because your brain and body won’t be impaired in the short term, or over the long haul?
Water into wine
In closing, this is a point to ponder. Did you know that the Greek word “oinos” means both wine and grape juice, and that there are many compelling reasons to believe that the miracle served at the Cana wedding was unfermented grape juice drink. To launch a ministry, serving only the best wholesome and healthy beverage seems most apropos, rather than a drink which could have very well caused a brother to stumble, quite literally. I’m no expert, but I’ve listened to many, and they certainly make a strong case for drinking the “oinos” of the of the non-alcoholic variety.
Thinking beats drinking!
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Doug Jones earned his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland and has served professionals and personalities as a concierge fitness trainer for decades. As a resident of Kauai and Connecticut, he has helped millions of people learn the secrets of fitness and fat loss, both online and in person. To submit your questions, or for more information, call (808) 652-6453 or visit www.DougJonesFitness.com.
