In a quiet neighborhood in Beijing, Li Bo, a retired teacher, is sitting in his study, holding a glass of crimson wine in his hand. This old gentleman, who is over 60 years old, has a special hobby - tasting all kinds of red wines. Whenever night falls, Lieber is in the Xi habit of pouring himself a glass, which has become one of the greatest pleasures of his retirement life.
However, in recent months, Lieber has begun to notice some subtle changes in his body. He often felt an upset stomach, sometimes mild pain, sometimes indigestion. At first, he didn't pay much attention to it, thinking that it was just an ordinary old man's problem.
Lieber's symptoms gradually worsened. What started as an occasional stomach upset is now almost a part of his daily routine. He began to notice a drastic drop in the quality of his sleep, often waking up in the middle of the night and feeling exhausted the next day. What worries him even more is that he is starting to find that his memory and concentration are declining, and sometimes he even forgets important family gatherings.
Lieber's daughter, an attentive doctor, began to pay close attention to the changes. She knew that these symptoms could be caused by a variety of factors, but as a professional, she suspected that the changes were related to her father's red wine after dinner every day.
Indigestion and stomach upset: Lieber's stomach upset and digestive problems have become frequent. His daughter explained that alcohol can stimulate gastric acid secretion, and long-term drinking can lead to gastritis and even more serious stomach problems.
Sleep disturbances and persistent fatigue: While alcohol may have a hypnotic effect in the early stages, long-term drinking can disrupt sleep structure, leading to a decline in sleep quality, which is exactly what Lieber is experiencing.
Cognitive decline: Lieber noticed that his memory and concentration were not as good as before. Studies have shown that long-term alcohol consumption can affect brain function, impairing memory and Xi ability.
Skin Problems: Lieber found that his skin had become dry and not as healthy as before. Alcohol can interfere with the body's water balance, leading to dry and aging skin.
Elevated blood pressure: During a routine physical exam, Lieber was told that his blood pressure was slightly high. Long-term alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for high blood pressure.
Mood swings and depression: Lieber begins to feel mood swings, sometimes with inexplicable sadness and frustration. Alcohol is a depressant that is able to alter the balance of brain chemicals and affect mood.
Lieber's daughter showed him a series of studies and data highlighting the specific effects of alcohol on the body. For example, one study showed that people who drank more than the standard amount per week had a 30% higher risk of digestive disorders than those who didn't. Another study noted that interrupting alcohol intake could improve sleep quality over a period of weeks.
The daughter suggested that Lieber have a comprehensive health check-up and asked him in detail about his drinking Xi habits. Although Li Bo was a little resistant, at the insistence of his daughter, he finally agreed. After the results of the examination came in, things became very serious. The doctor told him that he had problems with his liver function and that his high blood pressure had become more severe, which were directly related to long-term drinking. The daughter nervously explained the doctor's words, while Lieber fell into deep thought.
Using her knowledge as a doctor, the daughter patiently explained to Lieber how alcohol affects the health of various systems in the body. She notes that while there may be some health benefits to drinking in moderation, the harm of excessive alcohol consumption far outweighs these benefits. She also shared some shocking data: According to research, long-term alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. This information was like a hammer to Lieber, and he began to realize that his drinking Xi might have endangered his life.
Faced with his daughter's worries and the doctor's advice, Li Bo began to consider changing his lifestyle. He realized that if he didn't quit drinking, his health could deteriorate further and even be life-threatening. But on the other hand, alcohol has become a part of his life, and it seems very difficult to give it up. It was a difficult decision, but Lieber knew that for the sake of his own health and that of his family, he had to make a choice.
After much deliberation, Lieber finally decided to quit drinking. The decision was difficult, but he had a lot of support from his family. His daughter helped him develop a plan to gradually reduce his alcohol intake and introduced him to alternative activities such as walking, gardening, and reading books to help him cope with the anxiety and stress that may arise during the alcohol withdrawal process. Leeber also began participating in local alcohol support groups, sharing and Xi with those who had similar experiences.
As the months passed, Lieber's life changed dramatically. His physical condition has improved significantly: his digestive problems have been alleviated, his blood pressure has dropped, and his sleep quality has improved. What's more, his mental state has also improved dramatically. He began to enjoy the pleasures of life beyond alcohol and rediscovered the happiness of spending time with his family. Lieber felt clearer and more energized than he had ever been.