Physical activity reduces your chances of dying from the effects of drinking alcohol, new research suggests.
In line with previous studies, an international team of researchers has identified a direct association between drinking alcohol and death from all causes, and specifically from cancer. This association applies from even low levels of drinking.
The higher the tally of weekly units, the greater the risk of death from cancer, even where intake falls within the weekly recommended maximum.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, is the first to factor in the effects of physical activity on the death risk posed by cancer.
Minimum level
For people who fail to take the recommended minimum level of physical activity in the UK – 150 minutes per week – the heightened risk of death from cancer varies according to the amount of alcohol consumed.
However, this risk is reduced or cancelled out among those who are physically active. The risk of alcohol-related death from all causes is also reduced.
The researchers say the findings show physical activity has the potential to promote health and curb some of the associated harmful effects of drinking, even at minimum recommended levels of exercise.
Scientists believe alcohol consumption and physical activity may share common biological disease pathways, but act in opposite directions. Alcohol increases inflammation and heightens hormone levels, as well as reducing immune function; physical activity does the opposite.
The study is based on records of over 40,000 British men and women aged 40 and over.
