I’m often asked, “Is it possible to maintain a healthy fitness level and still enjoy the exciting nightlife?” Of course most enquiring minds want an answer without all the exercise science and chemistry lessons; and flat out saying HELL NO!! Or SURE! Wouldn’t be ethical as a fitness trainer.  Like most experiments, we use a rat to test our theories. In this case we will use the “Gym Rat.”

The Gym Rat- Not to be confused with the disgusting rodent that you find in the New York City sewers.  The Urban Dictionary defines a gym rat as: One who spends entirely too much time partaking in muscle building, strength training, cardiovascular, or aerobic activity. Specifically, one who does so at a health club or gym. Often used derogatorily by people who do not partake in or understand this lifestyle, some self-proclaimed gym rats use the term as a status symbol or for positive reinforcement. I’m certain we all know some self-identified gym rats; you have probably gone out partying with them. I would venture to deduce they were unequivocal about the alcohol they consumed. You probably noticed their frequent trips to the bathroom as well as the $5.00 bottle of water they ordered with their drinks.  Believe it or not there is much to learn from the self-described “Gym Rat”. The gym rat understands:

1)    Alcohol is a toxin (poison)

2)    Alcohol is a diuretic

3)    The liver is the only organ that detoxifies alcohol

With this understanding of the effects of alcohol we find our answers by truly understanding the question. “What is the question”, you ask? Simply: “How do I consume a toxin, which places excessive stress on my liver and kidneys and stay fit?” The simplest answer is obvious, avoid the toxin.  In layman’s terms, just use common sense. If you know in advance that you are going to let your hair down, unwind with friends and paint the town RED, then adequately prepare your body. The easiest ways to promote great kidney health is to keep your body well hydrated, watch your salt intake, and lower the fat in your diet. Water is free, unless you are into drinking the $5.00 bottles. Nourishing your body with plenty of water will ensure that your kidneys are operating at their peak performance. Kidneys need an abundance of oxygen-rich blood to do their job. Here are a few tips to prepare your body for a night on the town.

#1- Pass on the double whopper with cheese with a side of clogged arteries. A diet high in fat impedes the blood flow so lowering the fat in your diet is crucial

#2- Throw the salt over your shoulder. Since salt presents a double threat by causing water retention and increased blood pressure, you definitely want to lower your intake prior to your big bash. Remember, the kidneys are two of the most important organs in our body. Not only do they make urine, which expels contaminants from the body, but they sift through that urine, ensuring that essential vitamins and minerals do not leave by way of waste water. The kidneys perform many other essential functions that fall under the radar as well. They adjust our bodily fluid levels, balance the amount of chemicals, and release hormones that produce activity in other areas of the body. Well-functioning kidneys are vital to a long and healthy life.

The liver actually operates as an internal filter and aids our cells in receiving the proper amount of nutrients they need to survive and thrive. So what one tip will increase liver functionality as you participate in the nightlife? Well, you have all the tips to prepare your kidneys for a night to remember (or not remember if you happen to blackout). The third and final tip is easy.

#3 Follow tips 1 and 2! Everything you have to do to promote great kidney health will also promote great liver health.  Since the liver assists your cells in getting their nutrients, it wouldn’t hurt to add a multivitamin to your diet daily.

Common sense and moderation are always the best two rules of thumb to use when faced with this paradox. Sure- marketing ads will convince you to drink as much alcohol as you can possibly devour and then use their magical pill to eliminate the after-effect of a hangover. They persuade you that you will be right as rain, but science corroborates a much different reality. While I’m not condoning getting plastered and taking a multivitamin with your hangover pill, it is most definitely acceptable to participate, and enjoy the exciting nightlife. Make no mistake! A proper diet, low in fat and salt, in conjunction with daily exercise is your best pre and post healthy hangover strategy.

By: Ben Wilkison

Twitter: @BodyByBen

For more dieting tips and training advice please visit: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/bwilkison/