AboutAmarnath.B Expertise Helping build recovery in the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by alcoholism, drug dependency and related diseases.
Involved in counseling/rehabilitation.
Can answer any question on this subject.
Experience 6 Years of Counseling in chemical dependency.
Education/Credentials Graduate/Post Graduate
DLCAS Hazelden/Addiction Studies/Theory & Practice of Addiction Counseling/Dual Disorders.
HIV/AIDS & Substance Abuse.
Can answer any questions on Alcohol related problems.
Expert: Amarnath.B Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: burning off alcohol
Question Can the body burn off alcohol with exercise? Some say no and some say yes.Those who say no claim that it cannot be burnt off and is bound to be stored in the lever, which will take its own time to metabolize it(with time) no matter how hard one exercises. If yes, can I take 3-4 drinks daily and hope burn it off with a half an hour walk? Since I'm into body building, but also also an alcoholic addict, this is an important question for me.
Answer Dear Rahul,
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down the central nervous system, causing a decrease in motor coordination, reaction time and intellectual performance. At high doses, the respiratory system slows down drastically and can cause a coma or death.
Once swallowed, a drink enters the stomach and small intestine, where small blood vessels carry it to the bloodstream. Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and most of the remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine.
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, where enzymes break down the alcohol. Understanding the rate of metabolism is critical to understanding the effects of alcohol. In general, the liver can process one ounce of liquor (or one standard drink) in one hour. If you consume more than this, your system becomes saturated, and the additional alcohol will accumulate in the blood and body tissues until it can be metabolized. This is why pounding shots or playing drinking games can result in high blood alcohol concentrations that last for several hours.
There's no scientific evidence of burning alcohol through exercise. I hope the above is self-explanatory. If you have any more questions on alcoholism please do not hesitate to contact me.
