Love hanging out at your favorite pub? Raise your glass, but also consider jogging or running home instead of walking or taking a cab. Aerobic exercise may just protect your liver from alcohol-related inflammation and injury!
The Connection Between Alcohol and Liver Damage
Ever heard the phrase “drinking yourself to death?” While it might sound dramatic, excessive alcohol consumption is actually one of the most common causes of chronic liver failure. Chronic and binge drinking can lead to modifications in protein structures within the liver, resulting in irreversible damage.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to quit your pub nights altogether. Researchers have been studying ways to prevent alcohol-related liver damage, and they think they may have found a solution: aerobic exercise.
Runner Rats to the Rescue
To test the potential liver-protective effects of exercise related to alcohol consumption, researchers used rats bred for high activity levels, known as “runner rats.” One group of these rats was exposed to chronic alcohol use for six weeks, while a second group of teetotaler rats was not exposed to alcohol.
As expected, results showed that fatty deposits were greater in the livers of the chronic alcohol group. However, chronic alcohol ingestion didn’t cause significant inflammation in the liver. Instead, higher physical activity levels seemed to protect against the metabolic dysfunction that eventually leads to irreversible liver damage.
This research suggests that aerobic exercise, like running or jogging, could help protect your liver against damage that results from excessive drinking.
Moderate Drinking Is Still Key
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should swap your cab ride home for a six-mile marathon after a long night of drinking. While aerobic exercise appears to curb liver damage caused by excessive drinking, it’s always best to consume alcohol in moderation.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate alcohol consumption as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Besides liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to other negative health effects, such as heart disease and certain cancers.
The Many Health Benefits of Aerobic Exercise
Liver protection is just one of the many benefits that regular aerobic exercise offers. Other health advantages include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased weight loss
- Boosted mood and mental well-being
- Better quality sleep
- Strengthened immune system
Incorporating regular aerobic workouts into your routine can have a significant impact on your overall health. Some examples of aerobic exercises you can try include running, cycling, swimming, or even dancing.
The Takeaway
So, if you find yourself indulging in a few extra drinks at your local pub, consider taking a jog home instead of calling a cab or walking. Your liver may just thank you.
That said, remember that moderation is critical when it comes to alcohol consumption, and no amount of exercise can completely negate the harmful effects of excessive drinking. Stay safe and maintain a healthy balance for a happier liver and a healthier you.
