A weekend drink after a long week of workouts may seem harmless, even balanced — but can regular exercise really undo the physiological toll alcohol takes on the body? The short answer, according to experts, is no.

While physical activity may help buffer some risks, alcohol affects the body at multiple metabolic and cellular levels that exercise alone cannot reverse.

Dr. Prashant Sinha, Head of Emergency at PSRI Hospital, explains that alcohol impacts almost every metabolic process.

“It slows down fat burning, interferes with protein synthesis, and depletes vital nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which are essential for energy production and muscle repair,” he says.

When consumed frequently, alcohol also causes dehydration, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances that delay muscle recovery after workouts.

“Regular exercise can help improve circulation, liver function, and insulin sensitivity, but it cannot completely cancel out the harmful effects of alcohol. Exercise can help the body cope better, but the damage caused by excessive or frequent drinking will still occur over time,” adds Dr. Sinha.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE MAY HELP, BUT ONLY IN MODERATION

Interestingly, some studies suggest that physically active drinkers fare slightly better than sedentary ones — but only up to a point.

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals who maintain an active lifestyle have lower risks of heart disease, liver fat accumulation, and early mortality, even if they drink moderately.

However, Dr. Sinha cautions that this protective effect is limited. “Exercise reduces but does not eliminate the increased risk of death associated with alcohol consumption. Once drinking becomes heavy or binge-level, any benefit of exercise disappears completely,” he says.

In essence, staying active can mitigate certain side effects, but it doesn’t grant immunity. The heart and liver may perform better in an active drinker, but alcohol still exerts its long-term toxic effects on cells, hormones, and the nervous system.

DOES TIMING MATTER?

The timing of alcohol consumption relative to exercise also plays a role. “Exercising right after drinking is not advisable. Alcohol impairs balance, coordination, and muscle control, raising the risk of injuries. It also dehydrates the body, making post-drinking workouts unsafe,” Dr. Sinha warns.

Conversely, exercising before drinking may help the body process alcohol more efficiently by temporarily boosting metabolism and circulation.

“Still, it’s important to maintain a few hours’ gap between drinking and exercise and to hydrate well before and after,” he advises.

THE HEALTHIER EQUATION

For moderate drinkers, the best approach is consistency in both fitness and restraint. Dr. Sinha recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, along with two strength-training sessions.

“Activities that build muscle, support cardiovascular health, and enhance liver metabolism can help the body handle occasional alcohol intake better. But no amount of exercise can fully reverse the biological harm of chronic drinking,” he says.

Fitness may strengthen the body, but it’s not a detox for alcohol. The real key lies in moderation both in how much you drink, and how seriously you move.

– Ends

Published By:

Daphne Clarance

Published On:

Oct 18, 2025