Exercise can significantly cut down the risk of suffering from alcohol-related diseases

Researchers have conducted a study that has found that those who drink but completed the amount of exercise recommended by the NHS - 150 minutes a week -are less likely to suffer from alcohol-related diseases, including cancer.

The study - which analysed 36,370 British patients -  found that those who undertook at least two and a half hours of physical activity every week had their risk of dying from alcohol-related diseases reduced, though not completely eradicated. The findings of the study - which have been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine - stated: “Meeting the current physical activity public health recommendations offsets some of the cancer and all-cause mortality risk associated with alcohol drinking.”

Therefore, the more an individual fulfilled or exceeded the recommended amount of physical activity, the less likely they were to die early from diseases caused by the consumption of alcohol.

Even though recent research indicates that exercise significantly reduces the risk of suffering from alcohol-related diseases, it is still important for individuals to consume alcohol in moderation as the effects of excessive drinking don’t disappear despite regular exercise. The NHS advises that an adult should not drink more than 14 units a week, which is equivalent to six pints of beer or ten glasses of wine.

Those who drink more than the recommended amount each week are at high risk of mouth, throat and breast cancer, as well as stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain damage and damage to the nervous system. Alcoholic drinks have a high calorie content, so if an individual regularly exceeds the recommended amount, they will be much more prone to weight gain. This can lead to obesity, which in turn puts them at risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, some cancers - such as bowel cancer - and strokes.
There are other ways to reduce the risk of suffering from these diseases. Making sure you lead a healthy lifestyle and eat healthy and nutritious meals three times a day as well as exercising are very important actions to take in order to maintain your health and live longer, especially as you get older. Better still, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink every week, or giving up alcohol entirely, is a great way to prevent yourself from suffering from alcohol-related diseases later on in life.