Daily Exercise Could Counteract Alcohol's Negative Effects on Longevity

Recent research suggests that engaging in daily physical activity might help mitigate some of the detrimental health effects associated with alcohol consumption, particularly in young adulthood. A study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit in Baltimore explored how exercise can influence lifespan and health outcomes related to alcohol intake. In this study, conducted on mice, researchers simulated typical drinking patterns seen in college-aged individuals and examined how exercise impacts their long-term health.

The experimental design involved four groups of mice: those that neither consumed alcohol nor exercised, those that only exercised, those that only consumed alcohol, and those that both drank alcohol and exercised. The mice underwent this regimen during what would correspond to early adulthood for humans, lasting six weeks before they returned to normal care and diet. The findings showed that mice that consumed alcohol without exercising had significantly shorter lifespans. However, those who engaged in daily aerobic exercise while drinking alcohol had lifespans comparable to mice that never drank, indicating a protective effect of exercise.

These results underscore that even moderate alcohol consumption during youth could have long-lasting adverse effects, but regular physical activity might offset some of these harms. Experts advise that young adults who choose to drink should consider incorporating aerobic exercise into their routines to protect their long-term health. The study highlights the broad benefits of exercise, emphasizing its positive impact on major organ systems, including the brain, liver, and muscles.

While these promising animal model results need further validation in human studies, they open the door to potential strategies for reducing alcohol-related health risks through lifestyle modifications. Future research aims to explore how exercise timing and duration across the lifespan influence epigenetic changes and organ health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-daily-negative-impact-alcohol-longevity.html