Jessie Vandor, Jordan Cummings join Village Doctor Okenye to explore the intricate relationship between exercise and alcohol. They both share their insights, highlighting the benefits of exercise, the detrimental effects of alcohol, and how exercise can aid in reducing alcohol consumption.
The Benefits of Exercise
Jordan Cummings emphasizes that exercise offers numerous benefits beyond weight loss:
- Longevity: Regular exercise can decrease all-cause mortality by 28%.
- Chronic Disease Management: Exercise can help reduce systolic blood pressure by 5-10 points and manage various chronic diseases.
- Mood Improvement: Physical activity increases the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which enhance mood.
- Better Sleep: Exercise helps improve sleep quality, aiding in falling and staying asleep.
- Increased Energy: Regular exercise boosts endurance and enhances oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain.
Recommended Exercise Regimen
To reap these benefits, it is recommended to engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities.
Read Okenye’s post on Staying Healthy During Monsoon: A Doctor’s Guide and What Does It Mean to Be Lactose Intolerant: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing
The Effects of Alcohol
Jessie Vandor, a PA student, discusses the adverse effects of alcohol on the body:
- Mood and Sleep: Alcohol can negatively impact mood, sleep, and memory. Chronic heavy use can deplete B vitamins and niacin, contributing to anxiety and depression.
- Sleep Disruption: Drinking alcohol within three hours of sleep can reduce deep, restorative sleep and increase nighttime awakenings.
- Memory and Learning: Chronic alcohol use can shrink the hippocampus, impairing memory and learning.
- Physiological Impact: Alcohol can increase blood pressure, and the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. It is also a leading cause of liver damage, with a rise in alcohol-related liver failure deaths among young adults since 2018.
Exercise as a Tool to Reduce Alcohol Consumption.
Exercise can be a valuable tool in reducing alcohol consumption and aiding in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD):
- Mood Enhancement: Exercise improves mood and can help combat the depressive effects of alcohol.
- Improved Immunity and Confidence: Regular physical activity boosts the immune system and self-confidence.
- Better Sleep and Reduced Cravings: Exercise can improve sleep quality and help reduce cravings for alcohol.
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can provide numerous health benefits and serve as an effective strategy to reduce alcohol consumption. By understanding the positive impacts of exercise and the detrimental effects of alcohol, individuals can make informed decisions to improve their overall health and well-being. So, get off social media, get moving, and consider healthier alternatives to alcohol for a better quality of life.
Also Read Okenye’s post on The Importance of Vitamin C: A Vital Nutrient for Overall Health,
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication or treatment. This publication and aurthors does not endorse or recommend any specific medication and is not liable for any adverse effects from the use of this information. You can learn more about Dr. Okenye.
