Menopause affects millions of women every year. Typically, women aged between 45 and 55 tend to experience systems including hot flashes, mood swings and anxiety. Several factors can worsen these symptoms, with one being consuming alcohol.
Below, Daisy Cole, a drinks expert at no- and low-alcohol retailer Dry Drinker, has provided insights into why alcohol may be the last thing your menopausal body needs and how non-alcoholic drinks can play an important role during this transition.
Alcohol might feel like a quick fix—relaxing, social, and a way to unwind. But when menopause hits, your body isn’t playing by the same rules. That glass of rosé or gin and tonic can exasperate menopausal symptoms. Here’s why:
Turns Up the Heat—Literally
If you’re already wrestling with hot flashes, alcohol isn’t going to help. In fact, it might be fanning the flames. Alcohol raises body temperature and dilates blood vessels, making those heat surges more intense and frequent. So, while you think a drink will help you chill out, it could set you up for a sweaty, sleepless night.
Goodbye Sleep, Hello Restlessness
Menopause often messes with sleep—due to fluctuating hormones—but alcohol often makes things worse. It disrupts your deep sleep cycles, so while you might drift off quickly, you’re more likely to wake up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning. Not the beauty sleep you were hoping for.
Mood Swings on Steroids
Already feeling a bit more emotional than usual? Alcohol is no help. It can lift your spirits for a bit, but it’s a depressant. Over time, it messes with your mood, amplifying anxiety and irritability, leaving you feeling helpless and emotional.
Hurts Your Bones
During menopause, your risk of osteoporosis increases due to lower estrogen levels in your body. Alcohol? It’s not doing your bones any favours. Heavy drinking affects your body’s ability to absorb calcium, weakening bones and leaving you more vulnerable to fractures.
Alcohol-free beverages don’t aggravate symptoms and support your overall health
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff—non-alcoholic drinks. You might think of them as a substitute and a less sociable option, but they’re so much more. These alcohol-free beverages don’t aggravate menopause symptoms, support your overall health, and give you all the social sips without the side effects. Here’s why swapping to alcohol-free is a smart move:
Keeps the Temperature in Check
With non-alcoholic drinks, you won’t have to worry about triggering hot flashes. Many alcohol-free options, like sparkling water with fresh mint or an alcohol-free spritz with a citrus twist, can help keep you cool, calm, and collected when your body is experiencing an unexpected temperature increase.
Sounder Sleep
Unlike alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks won’t interfere with your sleep cycle. Some non-alcoholic choices—like those infused with calming herbs such as chamomile—can even help you relax and get the deep, restful sleep you need.
Mood Boosters Without the Crash
Alcohol-free drinks won’t send your emotions on a rollercoaster. Many are infused with natural ingredients such as liquorice root and holy basil, which support your mood. Adaptogenic drinks, for example, can help balance your stress levels and lift your spirits naturally. There will be no false highs or heavy crashes—just a smoother emotional ride.
Stronger Bones
Choosing non-alcoholic beverages means you’re not compromising your bone health. With alcohol-free drinks incorporating calcium-rich ingredients or those fortified with vitamins and minerals, you can help protect your bones and keep yourself strong and steady.
Non-alcoholic drinks let you enjoy the social buzz without the crash and burn
“Menopause isn’t something you can control, but how you manage it. How to tackle the everyday symptoms is the question many women are asking. Reducing alcohol is a great area to begin with. Swapping alcohol for non-alcoholic alternatives gives you the best of both worlds: the enjoyment of a drink without the downsides. Whether you’re craving a sophisticated alcohol-free wine, a refreshing mocktail, or something bubbly, there’s a world of options that taste great and support your health during menopause.
“Instead of pouring a drink that makes your symptoms worse, why not try one that helps you feel your best? Non-alcoholic drinks let you enjoy the social buzz without the crash and burn. Whether you’re cooling down from a hot flash, looking to catch some uninterrupted Zs, or just wanting to feel a bit more balanced, there’s a drink out there for you.”
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