Lu Yongxue, a centenarian, always smiles when asked about his longevity secret, saying, "What longevity secret?..."
1. He felt unwell after drinking and quit in his 90s
Born in 1917, Lu Yongxue is now 104 years old.He is a meticulous person who keeps his home tidy despite modest means.
Lu Yongxue's parents passed away in their eighties, and he still has a sister in her nineties. He and his wife had five children, but she died young—at 38 from cancer.After raising his five children with great effort, Lu Yongxue never imagined two of his sons would also pass away before him, leaving him to bury his own children. Whenever he speaks of this, Lu Yongxue is overcome with grief.
Yet he is a man who takes things in stride; life must go on.Today, his children have all moved away for work, leaving Lu Yongxue alone in his hometown. Though his children are devoted, he refuses to idle away his days dwelling on thoughts. Lu Yongxue is always busy, tackling any task that comes his way, seemingly with boundless energy. As he grew older, he cultivated a vegetable garden right outside his home. He spends his free time planting vegetables, watering them, and pulling weeds, thoroughly enjoying the busyness.
Lu Yongxue has few hobbies. In his youth, he enjoyed drinking, having a few ounces of baijiu with every meal for decades. By his 90s, drinking made him feel unwell, so he resolved to quit. Old friends teased him, saying he'd never last. To their surprise, Lu Yongxue stopped drinking for good.Nowadays, Lu Yongxue rarely even smokes. When the occasional craving strikes, he might take a couple puffs of his old dry tobacco. When it comes to food, Lu Yongxue says he's no different from other seniors—just eating the most ordinary meals. Lu Yongxue told a reporter from Xintu Vision that his positive mindset stems from having endured hardships in the past, making him all the more appreciative of the good life he has now.When faced with difficulties, he laughs them off rather than dwelling on them—life's journey is still long!
II. The Earlier You Quit Drinking, the Better Your Health
The reasons for longevity are diverse, but external factors affecting longevity boil down to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and staying up late. Alcohol consumption, in particular, inflicts immense and irreversible damage on the body.
After entering the body, alcohol must be metabolized by the liver. Chronic heavy drinking overloads this organ, causing alcohol and acetaldehyde (a byproduct of alcohol metabolism) to accumulate, producing detrimental effects.
Long-term drinking can lead to liver disease, damage the digestive system, and trigger chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.Furthermore, a recent study in The Lancet found that chronic heavy drinking is linked to multiple cancers, including liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, rectal cancer, colon cancer, pharyngeal cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Therefore, the sooner one quits drinking, the less damage is inflicted on the body. III. What Changes Occur in the Body After 30 Days of Abstinence? Is quitting alcohol difficult?Some have tried repeatedly only to fail. Others succeed after making a firm resolution. A 39-year-old male netizen documented his quitting journey in detail—his account may resonate with you.
Week One:
Initial physical changes were subtle, but gradually I felt sharper, more focused, and energized. My memory noticeably improved, and sleep quality deepened.
Week Two:
I found myself at a loss for words with drinking buddies, gradually losing interest in alcohol. My energy and concentration steadily rose, and I looked more vibrant overall.
Week Three:
My mental clarity and focus intensified. My body felt stronger, and I radiated a newfound vitality.
Week Two:
I found myself having nothing to say with friends who still drank, and my interest in alcohol seemed to fade. My energy and focus continued to improve, my body felt stronger, and I looked more vibrant overall.
Week Three:
My mind grew sharper, boosting my work efficiency. It felt like a decade-long mental block had suddenly cleared. I decided to focus on tasks requiring deep concentration, like preparing a meal with care or thoroughly cleaning my room.Rereading my sobriety journal reminded me of the mental and physical improvements since quitting, so I resolved to persevere.
HealthDigest summarizes the benefits of abstinence: better sleep, clearer skin, weight loss, liver protection, improved heart health, increased happiness, stronger relationships, lower blood pressure, reversal of prediabetes, boosted immunity, fewer accidents, enhanced digestion... and more.
IV. Sudden Abstinence Can Be Dangerous
It's crucial to note that quitting alcohol should be gradual. Abruptly stopping can be hazardous.
"Alcohol use disorder" is a chronic, relapsing neurological disease clinically characterized by compulsive drinking, inability to control alcohol intake, and negative emotional states when abstaining.
Alcohol use disorder adversely affects both physical and mental health. Abrupt cessation triggers withdrawal symptoms including sweating, palpitations, vomiting, fatigue, and tremors. Severe cases may lead to seizures, confusion, or incoherent speech.At this point, individuals attempting to quit may resume drinking to alleviate discomfort, often consuming more than before, which can completely destroy their physical and mental health and lead to further alcohol dependence.
Therefore, quitting alcohol should not be rushed; it requires a step-by-step approach. If repeated attempts to quit have failed, seeking professional help is advisable.
V. A Step-by-Step Guide to Quitting Alcohol
The correct method for quitting alcohol should follow these steps.
1. Create a Plan and Progress Gradually
Develop a structured plan to gradually reduce daily alcohol intake. Sticking to this schedule significantly increases success rates.
2. Avoid Temptation and Stay Motivated
Steer clear of drinking environments like bars and social drinking groups. Keep your home alcohol-free. Constantly remind yourself that you can succeed in quitting.
3. Seek help when struggling
If withdrawal symptoms become unbearable and unmanageable, consult a doctor for evaluation and assistance. Under medical guidance, medication or psychological therapy can alleviate symptoms and boost your chances of success.
Never entertain the notion that "a little drink is good for the soul." Alcohol's harm knows no small measure—damage occurs the moment you take a sip. If you want good health and a long life, quit drinking first!