Have you ever noticed that even after a short workout or even a simple jogging, you do not have as much appetite – say – for wine while otherwise you would drink a glass happily?
This is because even a short workout significantly reduces our appetite for alcohol. A new study has explored the relationship between alcohol and exercise, focusing on a very socially active group, students. Which as you say have several opportunities for outings.
Researchers from Loughborough University have found that students who exercise even a few days a week are less likely to want to drink alcohol.
Sixty students aged 18-25 were asked to complete an alcohol test questionnaire, which found that they drank “dangerous” amounts of alcohol. They were asked about their favorite drinks before a video was shown that was designed to increase their craving for alcohol (something that happened). One group then continued with a five-minute workout routine with push-ups, jumping jacks, kicks and sit-ups. The second group painted and a third did no activity.
After the group sessions, all the students answered questions about their drink, alcohol cravings, mood and stress.
The researchers found that the exercise group had significantly lower cravings for alcohol than the other groups, as well as less stress and a more positive mood.
Those who painted felt happier and less anxious than those who did nothing, but their craving for alcohol remained the same.
“This shows that just five minutes of exercise could really have a positive effect on the desire to drink, reducing your intake and improving your overall health,” said study authors Professor Eef Hogervorst and Aleksandra Gawor.
Why does exercise ultimately reduce the appetite for alcohol?
The study authors highlighted the fact that exercise, like alcohol (at least in the short term), can boost mood and reduce stress, and that by helping us release these happy hormones dopamine and serotonin, we end up feeling happy.
As would happen to us after a drink.
So whatever your drinking habits and physical condition, it is interesting that even five minutes of exercise can help us make healthier choices. Just five minutes make such a big difference and with very little effort. Think about it!
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