Health

Can exercise cancel out Christmas booze?

I always drink loads in the Christmas party season, and this year will be no exception, so I thought I’d step up my exercise regime to counteract the effects. Is this a good idea, or will I just put my system under too much strain?
Harry Wiseman, London

Dr Rob Hicks, GP replies: It’s a good idea to step up your exercise regime for your overall health but it’s unlikely to help your body counteract the effects of excessive amounts of alcohol. It would also be a shame to exercise more, lose excess weight, gain some muscle mass and then allow the calories in the alcohol to bring you back to square one.

Sorry to be a killjoy but the better approach would be to drink sensibly. At the very least, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones. You can still enjoy yourself but this way you’ll remember having a good time and you won’t end up with such a bad hangover, or so many regrets, the morning after.
Milk thistle, artichoke extract and vitamin C help the liver to process alcohol so have some of these available if you are going to stick to your traditional seasonal drinking routine. Exercise can help get rid of your hangover by helping the body rid itself of toxins, with a brisk walk probably the safest option.