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Fitness
How long should I wait to drink alcohol after exercising?
Ideally, you want 24 hours on either side of a workout, but in a world where cocktails go hand in hand with business, an hour is often all you have.
Fortunately, that's enough time for your body to eliminate some of the alcohol. That's important because alcohol is a diuretic, and for each liter of water you lose, your heart rate elevates eight beats per minute, causing it to work harder while getting less done. Alcohol also increases levels of cortisol, a hormone that breaks down muscle. Finally, remember what you learned in college: Drink on a full stomach. Complex carbs (e.g., whole-wheat bread) will help absorb alcohol and keep you hydrated.
Lisa R. Young, Ph.D. Young is a registered dietitian and the author of
The Portion Teller Plan
.
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