Christmas and NY Drinks: What you should know and do!
The scent of Christmas drinks is this in the air and the New Years parties are on the way! We all know that alcohol affects us more as we get older compared to our 20s. That said, enjoying a drink can still be a lovely experience—when done in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, and, of course, in moderation. Says the home brewer himself!
On a related note, if you’re interested, you can join the Beer Brewin’ & Bike Workshop on January 25th. Check the schedule here: Beer Brew and Bike.
The Science of a Hangover
I recently listened to a podcast that explained the chemistry behind hangovers. This helped me understand why we often hear advice like “sweat it out” after a night of drinking. While many tips circulate—drinking water before bed, taking dioralyte, etc.—here’s why exercise really works.
When you consume alcohol, your liver converts it into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound largely responsible for hangover symptoms. The liver then transforms acetaldehyde into acetate, which the body can remove. Exercise helps in several ways:
- Using acetaldehyde as fuel – Medium to high intensity exercise encourages your body to metabolize some acetaldehyde, reducing its presence.
- Increased blood flow – Exercise raises metabolic rate and blood circulation, helping the liver process toxins more efficiently and improving oxygen delivery to the brain.
- Mood enhancement – Alcohol lowers neurotransmitters like serotonin, often leaving you feeling low. Exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, counteracting these effects.
Additional Benefits of Exercise Post-Alcohol
Exercising after drinking also reminds you to hydrate, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps reduce symptoms like fatigue, sugar cravings, and irritability. By mobilizing glucose from stored glycogen in muscles and liver, exercise helps maintain energy balance and supports overall recovery.
So yes, you can enjoy your post Christmas and NY beers with less guilt, knowing that a morning sweat session gives your body a strong backup plan.
