Before you go - must read: "Mocktails and Combating Depression" People around the world today are fighting depression daily. The COVID-19 pandemic, Ukrainian crisis, and financial troubles are but three possible causes. It's not uncommon to turn to alcohol when there's a stressful situation. While the buzz does feel good in the short-term, alcohol does more than that. Alcohol consumption can actually increase anxiety and depression. The more you drink, the worse you'll feel. Consider a Mocktail Mocktails are often considered drinks for kids, since adults don't always find them satisfying. However, times have changed, and the interest in mocktails has contributed to the rise of new products. A larger variety of recipes and better ingredients have begun popping up, allowing you to enjoy a tasty beverage without the adverse effects of alcohol. The next time you reach for a beer, go for a mocktail instead. You won't suffer from the effects of a hangover. Therefore, you can get up free of dry mouth, headaches, and nausea. Other Effects of Alcohol Alcohol doesn't just intensify anxiety and depression. The substance has been linked to poor gut health. Too much will prevent the body from creating the digestive enzymes and stomach acid required to digest properly, and you'll miss out on some nutrients. Of course, our liver is responsible for breaking alcohol down, and overworking it can cause an estrogen increase. This happens when your liver doesn't have enough time to process extra hormones. Instead of popping a beer open, consider replacing it with a mocktail, juice, or even exercise. These are much healthier in the long run. | 
