Can exercise prevent liver damage from alcohol consumption?

A lot of studies have been published indicating that small amounts of alcohol or wine on a regular basis may be good for the heart and lowering of cholesterol, but excess use can lead to irreversible liver damage. However, the public it appears has failed to understand the difference between one glass of wine and a gallon of alcohol – most people seem to drink the latter.

Alcoholism is a global problem and surveys indicate that many young people drink excessively, and the problem is not limited to one particular gender, social status or occupation.

No one doubts that regular exercise is good for overall health, but it does not compensate with what has already happened to the body. Damage to the liver is initially silent and appears innocuous, but it can suddenly creep up with profound health consequences.

Says Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance,  "While it is encouraging to see that people are recognizing that heavy drinking is bad for their health, it is clear that the extent of the damage alcohol does to the body is not getting through to people.

"Regular exercise will not stop the onset of liver disease and other alcohol related illnesses if people continue to binge drink above safe limits." 

Can exercise reduce hangovers after alcohol consumption?

Many people have a strong belief that the side effects of alcohol can be prevented by exercising.  While exercise can help get rid of a hangover, it cannot not repair the damage to the liver done by heavy or prolonged drinking.

A recent survey in England by the Department of Health indicated that at least 1 out of 5 people admitted to exercising to make up for the heavy bout of drinking. The poll as expected found that at least 20% of the people drank excessively on a regular basis.

In general, for a man, the recommended alcohol intake is 1 bottle a beer or 3 small glasses of wine; for women it is 2 small glasses of wine.

The many people surveyed claimed that by sweating it out, they could avoid damage to the liver after heavy drinking. However, the government in England which has been beset with the problems of alcoholism says while exercise may help resolve the hangover, it does not undo the damage caused by excess alcohol consumption.