In the context of the increasing health consciousness in today's society, many people have begun to improve their health by exercising and adjusting their diet. However, some hidden bad habits can reverse these positive efforts.
Mr. Zhao is an ordinary office worker, and his day-to-day office work leaves him with little time to focus on his health. During a health check-up organized by the company, he was diagnosed with fatty liver.
This news is undoubtedly a warning for Mr. Zhao, who has always believed that his health is okay. Faced with such a diagnosis, Mr. Zhao felt very anxious and confused.
In order to reverse this, he decided to fundamentally change his lifestyle habits, including adjusting his diet and starting to run every day, which he believes will improve the health of his liver by increasing his metabolism and accelerating fat burning.
In the beginning, he didn't run long distances every day, but gradually, as his stamina and endurance improved, the length and intensity of his running increased. He began to feel a loss in weight and a significant increase in his physical strength. At the end of each run, he feels a sense of accomplishment that reinforces his determination to continue this new lifestyle.
Mr. Zhao thought he was on the road to health. However, a physical examination a year later dealt him a heavy blow - his fatty liver developed into liver cancer.
This result left Mr. Zhao feeling very confused and helpless. He couldn't understand why his health was deteriorating even though he had given up his high-fat, high-calorie diet and kept exercising every day.
He began to reflect on what he had done wrong in the past year, or what important health indicators had been overlooked.
Upon further investigation, the doctor found out that Mr. Chiu had been in the habit of drinking alcohol every night, which he thought was harmless. However, continued alcohol intake exacerbated his liver problems, which eventually led to liver cancer. Despite his improvements in diet and exercise, Mr. Zhao still couldn't shake off the effects of alcohol.
The doctor reminds again that the liver damage caused by long-term alcohol consumption is cumulative, and once formed, it is difficult to reverse. Especially for people like Mr. Zhao who already have liver problems, the harm of alcohol cannot be ignored. The doctor explained that in addition to directly damaging liver cells, alcohol can also cause liver inflammation and promote cirrhosis and cancer.
Even Mr. Zhao's active lifestyle of improving his diet and increasing exercise could not offset the negative effects of nightly drinking.
Doctors emphasize that comprehensive health management should include abstinence from alcohol or abstinence from alcohol altogether. Strict self-control and consistent healthy habits are effective ways to prevent and reverse liver disease. Fortunately, with the advice of his doctor, Mr. Zhao decided to quit drinking altogether and began to receive targeted treatment in the hope of recovering his health.
The dangers of exercise under the influence of alcohol
Many people are convinced that a glass or two of wine after a run is a great way to relax and dispel fatigue, or even see it as a health boost. However, the truth of this is shocking. The interweaving of alcohol and exercise not only fails to bring the desired benefits, but hides a series of health risks.
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, which weakens the body's ability to respond to motor stimuli. Drinking alcohol immediately after intense exercise can seriously interfere with the muscle recovery process.
It is important to know that muscles need adequate rest and nutrition to rejuvenate after a workout, but the presence of alcohol can hinder the absorption of nutrients, which in turn affects muscle repair and growth.
An in-depth study of long-distance runners showed that individuals who drank too much alcohol showed a significant decline in athletic performance, which was reflected in shorter running distances and longer recovery time after exercise.
This brings us to the fact that long-term and excessive alcohol consumption poses a huge threat to athletic performance and overall health.
To make matters worse, alcohol causes direct damage to internal organs. The liver, as the main detoxification organ in our body, has been subjected to the erosion of alcohol for a long time, and its burden is constantly increasing, and its function is gradually impaired.
And when we continue to exercise after drinking, the liver needs to process the detoxification task of alcohol and support the metabolic demands generated by exercise at the same time, which undoubtedly puts it under double pressure, further accelerating the development of liver disease.
Exercising after alcohol also increases the risk of dehydration. During exercise, the body dissipates heat by perspiration, while alcohol increases urine output, resulting in a large loss of water in the body. In the long term, this can not only cause electrolyte imbalances, but also lead to a range of long-term health problems, such as heart disease and kidney problems.
Therefore, drinking alcohol immediately after strenuous exercise is not enjoyment, but self-harm to the body. In the long run, this behavior will cause irreversible damage to the body and may induce a range of serious diseases.
Alcohol and the brain
For many people, alcohol seems to be an indispensable part of daily relaxation and socialising, and some even believe that a few drinks can temporarily dispel fatigue and bring a moment of comfort to the body and mind.
Let's face up to the fact that alcohol actually has a significant inhibitory effect on brain activity, especially for those who are looking for a healthy body and excellent athletic performance.
Alcohol acts quickly on the brain centers and affects the nervous system, causing a significant slowdown in brain activity. This slowdown is not only reflected in a decrease in cognitive ability and a longer reaction time, but also a significant reduction in judgment. Long-term alcohol consumption can damage neurons and pose a long-term threat to memory and learning ability.
The illusion of "fatigue" given by alcohol is actually misleading our brains. While it can briefly create the illusion of relaxation, it actually secretly drains our energy and weakens our body's natural ability to cope with fatigue.
What's more noteworthy is that alcohol can also disrupt our normal sleep cycles, especially the quality of deep sleep, which is essential for recovery after exercise. A good night's sleep is key to recovering and improving training efficiency, but alcohol is often a stumbling block in the process.
Alcohol is not ideal for relaxation and wellness. Instead, it can severely interfere with brain activity, affecting physical health and athletic performance. In order to maintain a clear mind and optimal physical condition, especially for runners, it is undoubtedly a wise decision to stay away from alcohol.
A holistic view of health
Years of in-depth research and rich case studies have conclusively revealed the irreversible damage caused by bad drinking habits to the body, and these damages can even directly affect our quality of life and long-term health.
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise such as running, is a great way to build a healthy body and a good mood. However, if it is not combined with a healthy diet and a well-rounded lifestyle, relying solely on exercise to improve health can be very effective.
What I advocate is an all-round concept of health: through scientific diet and reasonable exercise plan, to promote the harmonious and healthy development of body and mind.
Finally, I hope that through this article, runners will not only be aware of the importance of exercise, but also realize the multi-dimensional challenges of maintaining health - a healthy diet, moderate exercise, a positive mindset and good lifestyle habits, each of which is indispensable.
Do you think drinking alcohol has an effect on your body? Welcome to leave a message to share!